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FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . #1266176 07/12/12 12:23 AM 07/12/12 12:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 587 IL . usa C cjs69mope OP mopar
cjs69mope OP mopar C Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 587 IL . usa	I am just putting this info out there to find out if other people have had the same results as i have with two different styles of shocks that are popular and find there way on many of our mopars . This is how this started I built a 69 Charger with a approx 600 hp stroker motor and wanted to make it as a more modern type G handling machine. So i installed firm feel two steering box , firm feel tubular upper a arms , firm feel 1" sway bar kit , low profile 60 series tires on 17 " rims with KYB shocks . .94 torsion bars and xhd rear springs. The car was never driven before this build so i had nothing to compare the ride and handling to. I thought that the car handled great took high speed corners fairly well and felt very sure footed . After reading about other people bad mouthing the Kyb's i switched to The Monroe gas matics. This is where i made a big mistake my car now handles like a old mush grandpa car and lost traction too on the launch. FYI for all the bad mouthing out there about KYB's thay work on my car better than the Monroe's I will be switching them back this weekend ! I thought the Monroe's would have been better for traction but surprisingly not . Hope this helps some one else save some time. 1969 Dodge Charger 1969 Dodge Superbee

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: cjs69mope] #1266177 07/12/12 12:28 AM 07/12/12 12:28 AM
Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,302 Nebraska 72Swinger master
72Swinger master Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,302 Nebraska	I dont think anyone said KYBs didnt handle ok just ride like a creeper. I went from Monroes to Bilsteins and the ride is as good but the car is under control and predictable. I also went from .890 bars to 1.06 bars and from Oval track springs to Hotchkis at the same time and I was super suprised at no compromise is the ride whatsoever. My mother in law said my car was smoother than her older Lexus at 90mph on the interstate! Mopar to the bone!!!

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: 72Swinger] #1266178 07/12/12 01:14 AM 07/12/12 01:14 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,467 So Cal autoxcuda Too Many Posts
autoxcuda Too Many Posts Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 27,467 So Cal	The stiff gas action of the KYB shocks is making up for the stockish sized .94 T-bars (Hemi/440 is .92). Those shocks are basically air springs. It sounds you prefer a stiffer suspension and I think you'd like bigger 1.00" torsion bars. Bilstein should still be an upgrade. There is a bunch of personal preference going on here. I know of an A-body guy that put on very low profile tires (IIRC 225/40/17) with KYB's and didn't like the ride. So he put on Monroes and he liked it much better.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: autoxcuda] #1266179 07/12/12 11:08 AM 07/12/12 11:08 AM
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,982 Scranton, PA Montclaire master
Montclaire master Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,982 Scranton, PA	I hated KYBs and loved the Monroes. I felt the KYBs really limited my suspension travel and made the car feel numb, and it rode like a haycart. The Monroes, when combined with proper suspension, will give a nice ride and still be reponsive.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: autoxcuda] #1266180 07/12/12 11:54 AM 07/12/12 11:54 AM
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia J jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds.. J Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia	Quote: The stiff gas action of the KYB shocks is making up for the stockish sized .94 T-bars (Hemi/440 is .92). Those shocks are basically air springs. It sounds you prefer a stiffer suspension and I think you'd like bigger 1.00" torsion bars. Bilstein should still be an upgrade. There is a bunch of personal preference going on here. I know of an A-body guy that put on very low profile tires (IIRC 225/40/17) with KYB's and didn't like the ride. So he put on Monroes and he liked it much better. Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: jcc] #1266181 07/12/12 12:32 PM 07/12/12 12:32 PM
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 842 Urbana, MD B bordin34 super stock
bordin34 super stock B Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 842 Urbana, MD	I have KYBs on my 73 Charger with 1.06" tbars and they are pretty bad. They seem like they cant control the spring and ride way too firm. Unfortunately us late 3rd gen guys are stuck with no real front shock choices. I'm hoping to play around with some Konis or Bilsteins to adapt them to fit.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: cjs69mope] #1266182 07/12/12 03:58 PM 07/12/12 03:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country T TC@HP2 master
TC@HP2 master T Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country	Quote: After reading about other people bad mouthing the Kyb's i switched to The Monroe gas matics. This is where i made a big mistake my car now handles like a old mush grandpa car and lost traction too on the launch. FYI for all the bad mouthing out there about KYB's thay work on my car better than the Monroe's I will be switching them back this weekend ! I thought the Monroe's would have been better for traction but surprisingly not . I'm sorry to hear you went to the expense and trouble of this exercise on hearsay. However, if you read through those threads closely you would have also found the opinions that while not suitable for a wide range of set ups, there are combinations that the KYBs will work okay with. It sounds like your combo was working well and you were happy with the ride provided by the KYBs. Fortunately, Monroes are not a bucket of money to buy, so you aren't out a huge amount. You might be able to swap meet them for $20-30 and recover some cash. Quote: Unfortunately us late 3rd gen guys are stuck with no real front shock choices. I'm hoping to play around with some Konis or Bilsteins to adapt them to fit. Lok at the end of this thread for a suggested remedy to that scenario, if originality is not a big issue for you: https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=0#Post7278830

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: cjs69mope] #1266183 07/12/12 05:15 PM 07/12/12 05:15 PM
Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,708 S. Il. U.S.A. 5spdcuda top fuel
5spdcuda top fuel Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,708 S. Il. U.S.A.	IMO shocks have to be matched to the car. Just because a shock is the right size and has the appropriate mounts dosen't mean it will work well. Most of the common parts store shocks cover several different models and will physically fit. I had a good example of this early on with my'Cuda. I initially put KYB's on the car [ good price ], it was all but undriveable due to a lack of compliance. Best tires in the world won't work if they're off the pavement. I sold the KYB's [ really cheap ] to a friend with a big block '67 Charger. They worked fine for him. My'Cuda weighs in at 3,500 lbs. with a 1/2 tank of gas. His Charger weighs over 4,000 lbs. 'Cuda's also tend to be lighter at the back.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: cjs69mope] #1266184 07/13/12 05:56 PM 07/13/12 05:56 PM
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia J jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds.. J Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia	Well even a broken analog clock is at least right twice a day. Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: jcc] #1266185 07/13/12 08:03 PM 07/13/12 08:03 PM
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 7,664 IN A ahy master
ahy master A Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 7,664 IN	I've got the KYB's on an E. BB, 1" T bars, battery in trunk, 175 rear spring rate. Maybe I got lucky on the combo or have a hard rear end but I have to say they do fine. I don't doubt a properly matched set of Bilstiens or Konies would be an improvement but I'm in no hurry.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: ahy] #1266186 07/16/12 08:50 AM 07/16/12 08:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 16,123 Grand Haven, MI patrick I Live Here
patrick I Live Here Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 16,123 Grand Haven, MI	my experience was on an M body, where until very recently, there were no options for T-bar choices, being a bent bar car (firm feel recently came out with different sized bars, but like all their stuff, they ain't cheap)....I had upgraded to poly bushings in the front, and police spec rear springs, as well as a 1.125" front and 1" rear sway bars. the KYB's handled very good with my 255/50R17 tires, but it did ride like an oxcart, any small to moderate bump was harsh, nearly tooth-filling loosening harsh. I replaced with Monroe Sensa-tracs, not the cheap monroes, and the ride was MUCH more comfortable, with no loss in handling prowess... 1976 Spinnaker White Plymouth Duster, /6 A833OD 1986 Silver/Twilight Blue Chrysler 5th Ave HotRod SOLD!* 2011 Toxic Orange Dodge Charger R/T 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (holy crap, my daughter is driving)

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: bordin34] #1266187 07/21/12 09:36 AM 07/21/12 09:36 AM
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA R Rick_Ehrenberg top fuel
Rick_Ehrenberg top fuel R Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,688 Marlboro, NY, USA	Quote: I have KYBs on my 73 Charger with 1.06" tbars and they are pretty bad. They seem like they cant control the spring and ride way too firm. Unfortunately us late 3rd gen guys are stuck with no real front shock choices. I'm hoping to play around with some Konis or Bilsteins to adapt them to fit. Koni used to make shocks for that app. I had 'em, there was basically nothing else that even came CLOSE to working. Had to set 'em on 75% firm minimum to control the "heaving". Rick

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: Rick_Ehrenberg] #1266188 08/02/12 12:22 PM 08/02/12 12:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,442 NW Chicago suburban area Mopar Mitch pro stock
Mopar Mitch pro stock Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,442 NW Chicago suburban area	I have the Koni RED adjustable shocks on my Challenger... set full-stiff front and have varied the adjustments at rear... full stiff is too much (lifts the inside rear tire)... 1/2 to 3/4 is better. I'm considering to eventually get the double-adjustables from QA1, maybe Strange, etc., and have them pressure set for my suspension. Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: Mopar Mitch] #1266189 08/10/12 09:37 AM 08/10/12 09:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,937 GA roadrunninMark master
roadrunninMark master Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,937 GA	Anyone try a sit of Gabriel Gaurdians? I need a new front pair of shocks and they seem to have better info then the Monroes. Plus I wouldn't have to paint them.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: Mopar Mitch] #1266190 08/10/12 11:35 AM 08/10/12 11:35 AM
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia J jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds.. J Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia	Quote: , and have them pressure set for my suspension. I have never heard that before, care to explain? Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: jcc] #1266191 08/10/12 12:01 PM 08/10/12 12:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country T TC@HP2 master
TC@HP2 master T Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country	This is one worth watching on the relevance of shocks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD2Ah68xG9M

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: roadrunninMark] #1266192 08/11/12 10:09 AM 08/11/12 10:09 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 4,323 NY NY 3 340duster340 master
340duster340 master 3 Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 4,323 NY NY	Quote: Anyone try a sit of Gabriel Gaurdians? I need a new front pair of shocks and they seem to have better info then the Monroes. Plus I wouldn't have to paint them. i have gabriels in my jeep. nice improvement over the worn out stock stuff. honestly their prices are great for a commuter car but havent tried them yet on a car that can actually handle.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: jcc] #1266193 08/11/12 02:51 PM 08/11/12 02:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,442 NW Chicago suburban area Mopar Mitch pro stock
Mopar Mitch pro stock Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,442 NW Chicago suburban area	To have the schocks best matched for any car having a modified suspension (such as extremely stiff suspension), its best to request the shock manufacturer to re-valv the internal presures so to match the stiffness of the springs. Typically, the shocks are made to a predetermined internal pressure that would be acceptable to most average car's suspension stiffness. I've talked with different shock tech reps and they've all suggested that to best fit my suspension setup (very stiff) to have the internal pressure changed by the company. In other words, I wouldn't take an "off the shelf" shock if I wanted best results. 7331022-DSC03193.JPG (341 downloads) Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: Mopar Mitch] #1266194 08/11/12 03:01 PM 08/11/12 03:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia J jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc If you can't dazzle em with diamonds.. J Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 22,696 Bitopia	So IYO is that "pressure matching" within the scope of the members here on corners, or strictly a race type proposition, and this is the first time over the years I have seen it mentioned here. And this is a better solution then say off the shelf 2 way adjustable shocks? And the upcharge on a custom valved turned shock increases shock cost approx %??. It makes sense, but.... Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.

Re: FYI KYB VS Monroe gas shocks Experience . [Re: jcc] #1266195 08/11/12 08:53 PM 08/11/12 08:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country T TC@HP2 master
TC@HP2 master T Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,388 Pikes Peak Country	I've not heard it called pressure matching before, but I believe most places refer to it as custom valving, and yes you can get it done fairly easy by most performance shock manufacturers. Call them up, talk to the tech guys about weights, rates, usage, and they can dial in what you want in any shock that is not bargain basement in price. In higher end shocks it is almost a necessity. Yes, it will cost a bit more, but how much more depends on the company and the shock package. Is it better, it depends. It certainly means you don't need to dink around with adjustments. This can be good or bad depending on application and end user's technical exertise.

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