Brands of shocks

Eu-GenixX · 06-10-2007, 12:03 AM

looks like i'll be purchasing some suspension bits shortly...

i've decided to go with king superlow..... can anyone recommend a brand or type of shock to use with these springs?....

or perhaps different springs to use?..

looking to buy springs and shocks..

oh... and recommendations for places to get a wheel alignment on the southside of brissy...

Thanks
Trent

b2tf · 06-10-2007, 12:13 AM

Cheaper = KYB or Boge

Dearer = Koni or Bilstein

DoreSlamR · 06-10-2007, 12:16 AM

Stick with King springs, and with shocks, i got Pedders sportz ryders and can't fault them, they're about middle price range.

JC · 06-10-2007, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

Stick with King springs, and with shocks, i got Pedders sportz ryders and can't fault them, they're about middle price range.

Pedders are OK for a budget shock, as are Monroe GT (rumours persist that they are made in the same factory on the same assembly line and painted a different colour).

B2tf has got it right though - you pay extra for Koni, but you never throw them out. When it's time for new ones, you get them rebuilt, which is usually around the same price as a throw away pair. depends on how long you want to keep the car, and what sort of driving you do. If it's just a daily, then the Pedders and Monroe, KYB etc should be all you need.

Lovells do lowered springs as well, and so do Dobinsons - they are all much of a muchness. If you want to keep some "comfort" when lowering, then get King springs and specify that you want the Comfort ones (suffix = C).

Oh, and while I think of it - with Lows, you can get away with using standard stroke/height shocks, Superlows are probably better with slightly shortened shocks, and anything lower you definitely should use shortened shocks. Not all brands do a shortened version though - usually only the more expensive brands like Bilstein, Koni etc, bit I believe that Pedders do have a short version for live axle AUs (the rears are the same as live axle XFs, so no surprise there!) - not sure about IRS equipped models though.

Eu-GenixX · 06-10-2007, 08:01 AM

wow... thanks for all the info... if i was only dropping it with low springs.. i'd keep the standard shocks.... but going superlows.. i think i will benefit from getting a set of shortened shocks... i'll get a price today and find out what brand shocks i can get.... will order them thru a mate... springs at 50 each.. just need a price on shocks.. should have some change from $500 for the lot.. springs and shocks.. depending on brand of shocks...

it will be a daily... but wouldn't mind throwing round a corner here and there... will suss out my options today.... as for the comfort springs.. do you know whqat the actual difference is between them and the normal ones?

Thanks for all help and advice...

The Monty · 06-10-2007, 08:38 AM

Im using SL kings, and Monroe GT gas. They are hard. Really hard. Ask Blackers. Hes on SL's and Boge shocks, and it feels awesome.

Eu-GenixX · 06-10-2007, 09:37 AM

i might go with the boge shocks.... i'm pretty sure thats a brand he can get....

waggaclint · 06-10-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Pedders are OK for a budget shock, as are Monroe GT (rumours persist that they are made in the same factory on the same assembly line and painted a different colour).

this is true... My brother used to work for monroe & ive been threw the factory with him in adelaide and seen them making pedders shocks aparently they do have different valving etc in them but....

fordAU · 06-10-2007, 01:35 PM

Koni for sure, a very good cheaper alternative is KYB, you won't go wrong with these.

eXi7w0unD · 07-10-2007, 11:24 AM

im on ultras with koni yellow sports (adjustables) and holy crap they are good! but u gonn spend some monies.

Mark One · 07-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Has anyone thought of making a thread with a decent range and pricing of parts people usually upgrade on AUs. Make that the thread everyone can go to rather than everyone needing to start new thread asking about shocks, tyres, plugs, difs and the like?

The Monty · 07-10-2007, 01:20 PM

Thats a real good idea, like an AU modified Parts Info database?

Mark One · 07-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Exactly.

Eu-GenixX · 07-10-2007, 06:05 PM

i agree with the above idea....

ok might get prices on boge.. koni... and kyb...

**Mechan1k** · 08-10-2007, 08:48 PM

I was quoted $800 for Koni yellows front and rear for the ute ... not too bad I thought.

But for the meantime I NEEDED replacement shocks to tide me over for a while ... as the factory items finally died at 236,800km ... so I put in Ultima Heavy Duty gas shocks as a replacement for the factory items .... and boy do they handle nice too .... and for $180 a pair ... I am not complaining ... as it is a work ute and daily driver .... it never gets raced ... and still handles really well.

Eu-GenixX · 09-10-2007, 07:55 PM

well i'll be getting a set of king superlow springs... and kyb shortened shocks to suit.. grand total of $450...

i was advised against the boge.. as they are still quite soft... and apparently don't have a shortened version anywayz... pay for them tomorrow and should get them the day after.. and possibly installed on the weekend...

blackers10 · 09-10-2007, 08:24 PM

well i have boge shorts for the front
but standards for the rear as they dont make a short rear for IRS

Eu-GenixX · 13-10-2007, 03:33 PM

well i now have my new suspension in my car... much thanks to a mate of mine for installing it for me..

king superlow springs all round.. with KYB short travel shocks.... initial drop was around 40mm... all brand new cost $413

the small drive i've had.. it feels firmer.. but is not rough... it feels like it turns in a lot sharper and doesn't float around mid corner...

here are some piccies...

front.. before and after

rear before and after...

and an overall shot...

LPGUTE · 13-10-2007, 04:38 PM

Mate that is cool

Eu-GenixX · 13-10-2007, 04:51 PM

thanks.. i'm hoping the front still drops a little further...after everythings settles

Night · 13-10-2007, 11:07 PM

might sound like a stupid question but what is KYB, who makes them and how much are they?

Eu-GenixX · 14-10-2007, 07:02 AM

as far as i know... KYB is a brand... like monroe... or pedders.. or boge... or koni etc...

they are priced in the lower end of the scale... and a few ppl have said good things about them as a budget shock

buickman · 14-10-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackers10

well i have boge shorts for the front
but standards for the rear as they dont make a short rear for IRS

When I lowered a AU ghia with Kings SL's I used a camber kit P/N ER5K500AKT (Standed on the XR's) and Pedders permorfance struts P/N 9834 that is suited to the IRS lowered suspension other wise the tyres will wear prem and the stock shockers give a bouncy ride when loaded with fuel & Passangers.

HoT-AU · 14-10-2007, 10:30 PM

i was looking at lowering my ute, but worried about what to do. I wanna go real low like superlow kings, but i occasionally tow, the trailers prob about a tonne. Is there anything i can get that will allow me to tow that not bottom out my ride when i do! i was thinking air bags but i heard they aint cheap. What do u guys rkn?

thanks all.