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KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 09:03 AM
  #1  
mav75's Avatar
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '89 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I bought an '89 WS6 with 47,000 miles a year ago, and the struts and shocks are original. So naturally, this means they need to be replaced?

What has everyone's experience been with KYB? I don't need top of the line because my car is just for cruising. I don't drive it aggresively at all.

Also, besides replacing the hardware that comes with the shocks/struts, is there an immediate need to replace anything else?
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 10:02 AM
  #2  
Rickey_85TA's Avatar
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Auburn, GA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 (5.0L) TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Borg Warner Posi-traction
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

Hi mav75,
I bought a full set of KYB GR-2 shocks/struts for my car last month and I love them.
My car rides great (not too stiff but not too soft) and handles like a dream. I also purchased a new set of tires to go with the shocks/struts.
It's like a new car again
I was able to find them at Summit Racing or kyboutlet.com for around $143 for fronts and backs.
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 10:15 AM
  #3  
jchaussee's Avatar
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From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

Thatts good news. I was curious also because they are one tenth of the price of some of these other brands
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 10:46 AM
  #4  
mav75's Avatar
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '89 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

Thanks, Rickey. I bought a set of Kumho Ecsta ASX's when I got the car last year and maybe put 1,000 miles on them. I love the tires and I can't wait for the new suspension hardware.
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 10:51 AM
  #5  
camaromike222's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 375
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From: Lakewood, California
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: Stock 305 TBI, LT1 soon.
Transmission: V6 NWC T5 by choice
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen LSD with 3.23's
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I've had a new set for fronts and rears for almost a year now. My car rides great! This is especially true on stock ride height.
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Old Apr 29, 2011 | 11:05 AM
  #6  
THETANK's Avatar
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Ocean City, MD
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Carbed 355 CR 9:1 xr276 cam
Transmission: 700r4 2600 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I replaced my originals front and back with them, also put in stock replacement Moog springs. I have had them in now for about 6 years. Car was a daily driver for 2 of the 6 years. I have had no problems and they are still going strong. I would recomend them as an upgraded stock replacement at a good price.
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 12:36 PM
  #7  
QUICKCHICKEN's Avatar
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From: Byhalia MS, just south of memphis
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 6.0 LS
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.70
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

i had monroe sens-a-trac when i built my front end some years ago and being i was getting an alignment and new tires recently i figgerd this would be a good time to toss on my KYB's i aquired some time ago.

car rides killer and its on Edelbrock drop springs equiv to the sport lines. being you are running the WS6 springs, i would think this would make for a more firm ride and handle like mad.

the old saying about third gen WS6, "so stiff you can run over a dime and know if its heads or tails!"
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #8  
mav75's Avatar
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '89 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

lol...never heard that saying before, but I like it! OK, my decision's made. GR-2's up front and Gas-a-Just in back. Can't wait!
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 04:30 PM
  #9  
luke j's Avatar
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From: Indiana
Car: '87 GTA hardtop, '86 IROC hardtop
Engine: 385 DFI, 350 carb
Transmission: T-56, T-5
Axle/Gears: ls1 torsen 10-bolt, 9-bolt disc
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I had them on my daily driver GTA for several years, well worth the money. I even road raced it a few times with them on the car, handled great.
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 10:53 PM
  #10  
NxtLevl's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 65
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From: Kansas
Car: 1992 Z/28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

This will be the next thing on my "shopping list".....I'm getting ready to replace the front rotors, bearings, calipers and brakes on mine....
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Old May 1, 2011 | 08:26 AM
  #11  
Ivos's Avatar
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 45
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I have KYBs on the front and rear of my, and it rides great, better than stock, and my cars lowered an inch too
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Old May 1, 2011 | 03:05 PM
  #12  
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From: Manteca,California. Nor Cal.
Car: SOLD IT. Mopar guy only now.
Engine: gone
Transmission: gone
Axle/Gears: gone
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

my car is lowered and I wont buy kyb's again. I think for a standard height car they are okay. Ill have to fork out the money for the KONI's and hope they are good...
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Old May 1, 2011 | 04:03 PM
  #13  
luke j's Avatar
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From: Indiana
Car: '87 GTA hardtop, '86 IROC hardtop
Engine: 385 DFI, 350 carb
Transmission: T-56, T-5
Axle/Gears: ls1 torsen 10-bolt, 9-bolt disc
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I had them on my car at stock ride height and lowered and could tell not difference, was great all around for the money.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 04:49 PM
  #14  
UnderCover89TBI's Avatar
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From: Manteca,California. Nor Cal.
Car: SOLD IT. Mopar guy only now.
Engine: gone
Transmission: gone
Axle/Gears: gone
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I think they are fine and do the job but I really think they could be better and the car could have better feel and handling on it. IMO if you want a cheap shock but not a cheapie shock then you go KYB if you want a performance shock then go with the KONI or Bilstein's etc.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 09:14 PM
  #15  
Ivos's Avatar
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From: Massachusetts
Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

Originally Posted by UnderCover89TBI
I think they are fine and do the job but I really think they could be better and the car could have better feel and handling on it. IMO if you want a cheap shock but not a cheapie shock then you go KYB if you want a performance shock then go with the KONI or Bilstein's etc.
I agree, if its just his daily then KYBs are fine, if your gonna race it then obviously you need to step up to KONIs or something, but for everyday on the street you'll be fine
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Old May 7, 2011 | 05:28 AM
  #16  
mav75's Avatar
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 445
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From: Houston, TX
Car: '89 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

I got the car back yesterday with the GR-2's up front and the Gas-a-Just's in the rear. It's like a completely different car. I had no idea just how shot the old equipment was. The ride is incredible now.

Bottom line: For the kind of driving I do, which is just cruising and highway (around 80 - 90 mph), these shocks/struts are great. I couldn't be happier.
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Old May 8, 2011 | 09:42 PM
  #17  
UnderCover89TBI's Avatar
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From: Manteca,California. Nor Cal.
Car: SOLD IT. Mopar guy only now.
Engine: gone
Transmission: gone
Axle/Gears: gone
Re: KYB struts/shocks: Thoughts?

Cool. That is the combo I have now too. Like I said its okay but for MY car I will be going with something else.
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