Shock recommendations

66gtk · August 27, 2009 at 7:37 AM

I need new shocks for my modified fastback for street use. Konis would be nice, but looking for something a little more affordable, but without a bone jarring harsh ride. I'm considering Bilsteins. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Troy

65Rangoon_old · August 27, 2009 at 9:07 AM

I put KYB Gas-Adjust units on both Mustangs years back and am well satisfied with their performance.

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Murf_old · August 27, 2009 at 12:07 PM

Troy, I have a pair of front GR-2 KYB shocks that have less than 2,000 miles on them. They were on a 68 CS when I purchased the car, and were removed and replaced with the Gabrial gas shocks. Nothing wrong with the ride, I just wanted the looks of the Gabrial. The ride was just fine with them, maybe a little more harsh than the Classic line of gas shocks from Gabrial but certainly did not rattle my old bones. Send me a PM and ask any questions about the ride. I drove them home from Northeast PA to Illinois and they felt good. PM me if you have any speficic questions.

66gtk · August 27, 2009 at 12:15 PM

I had KYB shocks and didn't like them - too harsh. Looking for something a bit better/different.

Thanks,

Troy

dunc289_old · August 27, 2009 at 1:02 PM

My kyb's are pretty harsh, too, I would like something softer, I have plenty of swaybar and springs for cornering, softer shocks would improve my drivability.<img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Jack65K_old · August 27, 2009 at 4:29 PM

Murf,

What Gabriel's did you use and do you like the ride on them?

Jack

Murf_old · August 27, 2009 at 5:47 PM

I used the Gabrials as listed in the "Classic Car Line" at Autozone. They are an "almost" dead ringer for the original Autolite shocks if one used the thicker washers available from AMK, and the ride is just great. Smooth as the originals in my opinion. I am very happy with them, this is the third Mustang I have put them on and all three give a plush ride with the added advantage of a gas shock.

Kman_old · August 28, 2009 at 7:10 AM

Yes they are very pricey but I do love the Koni shocks on my car. I put them on 12 years ago and never regretted spending the extra money.

Jack

round2K_old · August 28, 2009 at 7:27 AM

I agree with Murf on the Gabriels if you want a concours replacement. If you take the time to prepare them by filling in the "57" stamped in the top of the front shocks and then repaint them black they are as close to originals as you can get.

zray · August 28, 2009 at 7:57 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

Yes they are very pricey but I do love the Koni shocks on my car. I put them on 12 years ago and never regretted spending the extra money.

Jack

and the adjustability is a great feature. the softest setting is very easy on an aging driver. And the factory will rebuild them when needed.

Z. Ray

C6ZZKGT · August 28, 2009 at 9:26 AM Official Post

I have had the same Konis on my Kar for over 25 years and I am very satisfied with them. They are the only shocks that I have had that held up for such a long period of time and are still doing their job as they did when new. The extra money was well spent in my view.

-Fred-

dstnly_old · August 28, 2009 at 5:34 PM

I've had Edelbrocks on my 66 for several years now. They replaced Konis and I find their ride a good compromise between stock and ultra-stiff. Several others in our local club converted after riding in mine and all have the same response. Haven't talked to anyone yet who didn't like them. They stiffen up in hard cornering, but relax a bit when cruising, making railroad tracks much easier to tolerate. It's due tp their patented internal IAS (inertia-activated)valve - or so they want you to believe.

DS

BoS_old · August 28, 2009 at 6:20 PM

I am running original (never repaired) Konis on my

65 Shelby. They are all dated 4 65. Got the front ones

from a friend and they have the thick upper ring and the

rear ones I found in a box in my garage. Probably were on my car

when I bought it in 1988. Very dirty but a good cleaning,

professional paint job, adjustment and they work and look like new.

Amazing after 44 years. The Konis on my 67 have been there for 32 years. The early Konis are numbered 1326 and 1327 while the newer

are 1388 and 1389 respectively for front and rear.

/Bo

s2ms · August 28, 2009 at 9:02 PM

Agree with all the comments about Konis, you will not regret it!

cobraboy · August 29, 2009 at 2:15 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

I am running original (never repaired) Konis on my

65 Shelby. They are all dated 4 65. Got the front ones

from a friend and they have the thick upper ring and the

rear ones I found in a box in my garage. Probably were on my car

when I bought it in 1988. Very dirty but a good cleaning,

professional paint job, adjustment and they work and look like new.

Amazing after 44 years. The Konis on my 67 have been there for 32 years. The early Konis are numbered 1326 and 1327 while the newer

are 1388 and 1389 respectively for front and rear.

/Bo

Bo can you please tell me what settings you have on the front and rear on your konis

Thanks Mark

BoS_old · August 29, 2009 at 11:01 AM

If I don't recall wrong they are set at 1.5.

Paul, if I am wrong please correct me.

Paul helped me set them

/Bo

cobraboy · August 29, 2009 at 12:19 PM

Is that 1.5 turns from fully backed off ?

BoS_old · August 29, 2009 at 4:39 PM

Yes,

/Bo

cobraboy · August 30, 2009 at 2:42 AM

Thanks

Mark

66gtk · September 1, 2009 at 7:32 AM

Right now, I'm leaning toward replacing just my front shocks with the Gabriel units. They are less than $20 each. Seems very cheap. My fastback has mostly stock suspension and stuff, so unless I'm missing something, this should be a comfortable ride? I don't want it to ride like grandpa's town car, though. I still want to be able to blast some corners when I want to. It's been sitting for a week and it's time to get her back on the road!

Troy

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