Once again I'm turning to the experts. I have a 69 ss396, multi leaf rear with stock GM shocks. I'm trying to get a better ride without changing the entire suspension. Never raced just a cruiser. Ideas on front and rear shocks.
Quote from: 69z28fan on September 02, 2020, 11:34:29 AM
Once again I'm turning to the experts. I have a 69 ss396, multi leaf rear with stock GM shocks. I'm trying to get a better ride without changing the entire suspension. Never raced just a cruiser. Ideas on front and rear shocks.
FWIW,
Some guys on the other car sites I visit asked the same questions. I will give you my same answer: Go with KYBs. They ride/handle nice, and are quite reasonable in price. You can paint them the 'correct' color, and no one will be the wiser.
If you still want originality, repro spiral shocks are an option, however - the ride is not that good.
I use to have Monroe shocks, but KYB's are an excellent choice.
That's my two cents.
OR... if you have the factory original shocks, you can probably sell them to someone desiring a 'points' car, and make enough to buy yourself a set of Konis... :)
Which KYB's are you guys referring to ? The "gas-a-just" are extremely firm, imo...especially in the rear. "Excel-G" is much more pleasant for a cruiser. ;)
Quote from: 69Z28-RS on September 02, 2020, 06:39:35 PM
OR... if you have the factory original shocks, you can probably sell them to someone desiring a 'points' car, and make enough to buy yourself a set of Konis... :)
Koni's are not cheap AND the ride quality is more for a road racer type set up. KYB's do have different types as well.
Quote from: Gars68Tux on September 02, 2020, 06:53:12 PM
Which KYB's are you guys referring to ? The "gas-a-just" are extremely firm, imo...especially in the rear. "Excel-G" is much more pleasant for a cruiser. ;)
Like my previous post, it will determine what you are after. Koni's will ride harsh. The KYB 'Gas a just'' shock will ride smoother than an equivalent Koni. Boys, remember we are talking about a 'performance' car here (a Big Block), not a Cadillac. So, you still want it to ride nice and firm like a performance car should, not squishy like moms old station wagon. This is why I prefer and recommend the KYB's on my street cars.
Gas-a-just would probably be fine in the front, since it's a BB, but still think they're way too stiff in the rear with multi-leaf springs. About like riding in a truck if the roads aren't perfect. Excel G's are gas charged as well so probably a step up from stock, but not nearly as harsh as G-a-J...
Quote from: Gars68Tux on September 03, 2020, 02:56:37 AM
Gas-a-just would probably be fine in the front, since it's a BB, but still think they're way too stiff in the rear with multi-leaf springs. About like riding in a truck if the roads aren't perfect. Excel G's are gas charged as well so probably a step up from stock, but not nearly as harsh as G-a-J...
All I can say, when I used KYB shocks on my Big Block Mustangs with the Competition Suspension and regular versions (all cars had multi leaf rears) using the Gas-A-Just shocks, they all rode nice. Never too stiff. Boys, also take into consideration either a Camaro or Mustang's rear leaf springs are very similar in design, and function. Just my worthless two cents...
The brand and age of the tires on your car can make a big difference in the ride of your vehicle.