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?

 

The standard el cheapo KYB will be a step down from your factory shocks/struts in a WS6 - they should have had better factory units over a standard RS car. But they will work, just will feel more like your granny's caddy than it will like a performance car. Maybe you can take a step or two up from the cheapest KYB to get close to a better peformance feel.

You'll be amazed at the difference if you use higher-end shocks/struts, along with new springs, and rebuilding the front suspension (tie rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, centerlink) ... but I fully understand the cash dilemna of doing so - I spent about $1500 on mine when I did it. And I truly love it - but I couldn't afford to do it again today in this economy right now.

But it's not like you can't go back later and upgrade again.

 

Newbie...

As you pointed out, cash is a very big piece of the equation here. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you're mechanically inclined if $1,500 covered an entire new front end. I, on the other hand, am not as fortunate, so that rebuilt front end ain't gonna happen for me. Having said that, I'm going to do a little more research on the KYB line and see about a mid range option. I don't need huge gains in performance, as I don't drive my car very hard at all. At this point, almost anything is going to be a huge step up from what I've got now, and a lot of other people seem to like the KYB brand...for the money. Let's face it, if money weren't a concern for me, I'd probably be driving a ZR-1 anyway.

Thanks for your advice. I don't want to go totally low end, but in this case, mid pack should be fine. I'll watch out.

 

KYB GR2's are one of the better "economy" struts out there; nothing special and not a performance piece by any means, but definitely beat anything comparably priced from monroe or gabriel. If you've got the money, Koni's and Bilstein's are great but you're gonna pay for 'em. I've got a ton of stuff goin on with my own project, so I opted to go GR2s for now to get things on the road at a decent price without skimping

 

The more I think about it, the better the GR2's sound. My car is bone stock, and even though I love it to death, a 6 cylinder Camry or even a well tuned rice rocket could easily embarrass it. Plus, it's my toy, not a daily driver. I don't think I even put 1,500 on it last year. I can't justify spending more than I need to when it won't pay off for the amount and style of driving I do in my Trans Am. Especially when you take into account what I've spent on a set of tires (I really like my Kumho Ecsta ASX's), charging & converting the A/C, an alternator, a fuel pump, and a tune up.

Thank God the Trans Am is American, or the price of everything would be triple!

 

KYB GR-2 front struts & KYB Gas-ADJ rear shocks are a very workable combo and will not break the bank. I have had this set up on my 1987 IROC-Z28 for a year now and I have no compliants.

 

I'm definitely leaning towards that combo. I can't really justify spending the money on the AGX's (and I don't need adjustable shocks!), but I can swing the extra $20 or so per shock in the back to upgrade to the Gas-a-Just.

 

Another cash saving tip - even on the high end performance parts your local advance/autozone/whatever can usually order parts, even if their computers don't show them. You just need to get a manager that knows how to find the part numbers in the books rather than the computer, and have him order. These orders usually arrive within 24 hours, are usually cheaper than internet pricing anyway, there's no shipping charges, and easy no-hassle returns if it comes in wrong.

I ordered my Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks/struts though my local autozone, paid considerably less than ANY internet/mail order prices, and received in 24 hours. Yeah, folks rag on autozone/advance junk - but just because they sometimes only have junk on the shelf, doesn't mean they can't get the good stuff!

 

I did the KYB swap a year ago and am more than happy. I do not auto cross or anything like that, I just drive my car. Granted, my old shocks and struts were worn out, but, I am thinking this was money well spent. The car is much more fun to drive now! Randy

 

I did not like the KYBs. On a smooth road maybe they are fine but here in LA with terrible roads it was a very harsh ride. Replaced with Autozone Gabriels and much better.

 

I bought the KYB AGX's for all 4 corners and I've been really impressed with them. Yes, they are a little pricy, but not too bad for what you get. I like the adjustability and the car sees less than 1,000 miles a year, so I'm thinking it'll be a while before I'll have to replace them.

 

Im using the GR2/Gas adjust combo myslef and i love them. They are an excellent budget buy and after taking them to the track (road course) i was very pleased in how they performed. Keep in mind though my Camaro only sees track use and i use 2 inch drop springs with no isolators and very low profile tires so the ride quality is very stiff, and on public roads very harsh especially if the roads are garbage like in LA. But they perform great in my opinion for the price. When i used a 40 series tire and isolators the ride was actually very nice on public roads, it wont hurt the wallet and the money you save can be used towards new bushings or gas since its almost 4.30 a gallon here

 

wow on second thought i just checked the price at tire rack for some koni's and theyre so cheap right now you might as well spend the money and get them.

 

what kind of struts did you use i jsut replaced my entire front end and struts the only thing i didnt replace was the springs i only spent $600? also is it a lot better than stock