KYB or Monroe

[xp824]

I am going to install new 2.0 drop spring and figured I should replace the shocks at the same time, but dont know witch to buy. What is the difference? KYB Excel-G Kit or Monro-Matic Plus

[85GT-79FJ40]

If you're going that low I would suggest going with some Bilsteins or Konis. I had KYB GR2's in my old car that were overworked by fairly tame FMS B springs which only lower the car about an inch. Of the two you have in mind I would suspect the KYB's would be the better choice though. You're going to want camber plates too. Not only for the alignment aspect but to gain back some of the uptravel in the front suspension.

[KJDad]

I second that. You will not like the ride with a 2.0 drop and semi okay struts. You will also want to check your bump-steer with a drop that low. You may need a bump steer kit to correct the issues.

[PaceFever79]

If you go KYB get the Gas-A-Just model not the GR2

The GR2 is a crappy stock replacement, the Gas-A-Just is a good "sport" shock.

The reason KYB has a bad rap is people use the cheapo GR2

[vintageracer]

KYB's are exactly what they are sold as "Cheap Gas Shocks".

Lot's of compression and little to no rebound.

Shocks are one area where you really do get what you pay for. Spend your money on GOOD shocks!

[xp824]

OK, what about isolators keep or remove?

[PaceFever79]

I've run the KYB Gas-A-Just on a number of street cars and they are a pretty good shock
for a street car. Not a bad choice it you're on a budget.

If you plan to use heavy duty springs (not lowering springs) and really flog the car or do
autoX or track day, IMO, Bilstein shocks are the way to go.

[PaceFever79]

OK, what about isolators keep or remove?

They are mainly there to stop noise transfer to the unibody.

If you have a sporty exhaust system you won't miss them noise wise.

[PaceFever79]

Also, along with the bump steer kit,

If you plan on lowering it, get a set of MM caster/camber plates.

Not only will they provide more performance orientated alignment specs,
they also give you an extra inch of shock travel for lowering.

[xp824]

Thanks for all the advice, This really helps

[Ozzie]

If you're lowering your car you will most definately need a set of CC plates and an alignment when you're done. Are the drop springs progressive rate or fixed? I would stay clear of all KYB and agree with the above....Koni / Bilstein / Tokico......the shocks will need to keep up with the coils. Also go with some urethane isolators, upper and lower.

[slow84lx]

My car has KYB Gas-a-Just shocks / struts. They were the worst money that I have ever spent on my car. Terrible handling, worse ride quality. Of the 2 choices listed I would choose neither with the Monroe's a close second. Do a search...I'm not the only person with this experience with the KYB products.

You might be happier saving a few more $$$$ and getting the Bilsteins or Konis. I've heard good things about Tokico's also but have never tried them.

[slpr50ltd]

KYB's generally provide decent service with stock or slightly stiffer springs, but going with a 2" drop, you're looking at springs that should be way stiffer than stock to keep from bottoming out the suspension. Once the suspension bottoms out, then handling is gone. Ever driven a fast go-kart at speed and hit rough pavement? You usually don't know where you're going next! With springs that stiff, the KYB's will either sack out early or not work at all. I concur with either Bilstein or Tokico's for non-adjustable use and Koni's for adjustables. I personally like the Koni Sports (yellow). Personally, I think in the long haul, you may regret a 2" drop if you're going to use the car on the street much. Suspension travel and ground clearance are going to take some of the fun out of driving it and it will probably give you a choppy ride.

[blackgt85]

I have the Tokico Sports in my 85 GT with the FRPP "C" springs, and my car handles and rides decent. Not a bone jarring ride, and the handling is definitely way better than with the stock hardware. BUT, I also do have a couple other suspension improvements to help out with the handling.

Also, I might add that for the street, you might wanna reconsider the 2" drop... Mine isn't even dropped an inch, and with my exhaust as close to the floorboards as possible, I still worry about it scraping.

Justin

[Ozzie]

FYI,

Tokico offers a 5-way adjustable "Illumina" (White) and a non-adj (Blue). I have the Illumina's with an Eibach Pro-Kit (progressive) and MM C/C plates. I am very pleased.

[PaceFever79]

I've run Bilsteins on my track cars with H&R racing springs, and they are excellent for the
money. The monotube design helps dissipate heat and fading lap after lap. And they have
excellent control over bumpy acceleration and braking zones. I think they're the best non
adjustable performance shock/strut in their price range.

[Puter]

I've run both types of Tokicos and Bilsteins. I still like the Bilsteins the most.

I used the Tokico Blues with Eibach springs on an 89 LX 5.0 5-speed convertible. Gave it a good ride. I have the Illuminas in my 84 with C springs. Definitely neat that I can adjust the ride.

As mentioned, with changing the suspension to that level, you definitely need a QUALITY set of dampers.

[v8only]

gas a just will be real stiff....

we ran the gr2's on our 86 ssp with stock height, and 2-3 years later, they're still holding up great...had a fantastic like stock feel, absolutely no complaints.

[MAD MIKE]

gas a just will be real stiff....

They don't call 'em Kill Your Back for nothing.

Excel/GR2 or whatever they are called these days are fine for use in a stock spring rate/height application. But using a higher rate spring will cause them to leak/blow out.

xp824 what year car do you have? And what, if any, modifications have you done? The 78-85 cars have limited strut/shock choices.

[grtskydog]

They don't call 'em Kill Your Back for nothing.

LOL, I like that. I had some KYB adjustable types several years back. I ran them with stock spring rates and wasn't really impressed with the ride...regardless of setting.

[craigerSS]

OK, what about isolators keep or remove?

I just installed new ones,Keep

[escogt]

I just installed new ones,Keep

X2!!