Shock advice

[willny1]

I am looking for some suggestions as to which shock I should go with. I already have the Moog #5658 spring for the front and will be getting Moog # 5413 for the rear. I heard the Bilsteins are top choice but can be pricey.

I would like to compare the Bilsteins to the Monroe and KYB shocks. I dont know what part number I should be looking for. I was told that the shocks should compliment the springs...

Any suggestions for the springs I have? Part number etc...Will be ordering though Summit.

I would like the car to handle well rather than just being a straight liner.

It has a GM 350.

86 regal.

 

[liquidh8]

My set-up really isn't the same, as I have REAL stiff springs and a real low ride height. But I had KYB's, and went to bilstiens and the difference was nite and day. If you can afford them, bilstiens all the way. If it is lowered some, get the s-10 extreme fronts, and call bilstien to get shortened ones for the rear.

And the shocks SHOULD complement the springs. As the spring rate rises, so does the need for a shock with better valving. If you use a soft stock shock, with a mild compression/rebound valving, and a stiffer spring, it won't be able control the stiffer spring rates through the up/down of the suspension travel. IOW, it will be bouncy. That is what happened to me.

 

[Norm Peterson]

If you haven't bought shocks already . . .

liquid's advice is good. While KYB (I'm assuming Gas-A-Justs here) can handle those springs, the Bilsteins will do so at least as well, while giving you a better ride. GR-2's are OE-replacement or maybe half a step better, and not really up to the job.

If handling has any priority at all, or if your car is lowered, or if both apply - lose the name "Sensatrak" from your vocabulary. The big design feature in those shocks that's responsible for the ride comfort claims ("position-sensitive") is pretty much opposite to what you want for a car that is happy about being driven hard through the turns.


Norm

 

[rjleiker]

As far as shocks are concerned, should I be looking for a specific part number like springs? Or do I just need a certain type or brand that is specific for the vehicle?

 

[Norm Peterson]

Normally, all you need is the shock make (and perhaps model) and your car year/make/model. But if you've got significantly stiffer front springs (as in over 600 lb/in) on these G-bodies, I think the front shocks from some years of 2WD S10 may work a little better.


Norm

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I'm fond of the Edelbrock IAS shocks. IMO much better than the KYB & Bilstein "expense-a-tracks", but then again, shocks are somewhat subjective. What one person loves, another hates... AFAIC, Norm is THE suspension guru.


Tommy

 

[Supe]

I'm fond of the Edelbrock IAS shocks. IMO much better than the KYB & Bilstein "expense-a-tracks", but then again, shocks are somewhat subjective. What one person loves, another hates... AFAIC, Norm is THE suspension guru.


Tommy

X2 on the IAS.

 

[liquidh8]

I agree with norm. I have 900lb/in fronts, and 275 lb/inch rears in my chevy wagon. I used the KYb's and they counld't dampen the spring. I used Bilstiens front/rear and am very happy with the ride. Albiet FIRM :twisted: But my wagon is a tank.