KYB Gas Adjust Shocks

Price Paid:  $120.00 from Buddies Tire Shop

Year / Model Reviewed:
 89, 90, 91 GM S-Series

Summary:
The price for these shocks is beautiful. In the arena of performance you can spend a lot of money on one part over another for a very minimal advantage in performance. This is one of those cases.

Strengths:
These shocks were BEAT! I ran this specific set of shocks on 3 different trucks for over 195,000 miles with most of those delivering pizzas and showing Hondas how American iron can handle. I also ran my truck a couple times in local SCCA events. The suspension has a 2-3in drop and I still take it rallying around the backwoods where I spend most of my offtime boarding camping and hunting. They finally gave out. I also run them on my VW camper van! Made a big difference in my ride and sway control.

Weaknesses:
I couldn't find any weaknesses, I really abused them and they still performed. I run only KYBs on all of my cars.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing. About 8 years ago an SCCA rally racer told me that he wouldn't run anything but KYB Gasajusts and Dunlop D60A2 tires on his daily driver rally cars. Another guy agreed with him. They won thei

Year / Model Reviewed:
 KYB Gas-Adjust

Summary:
Not a bad shock especially for the price. I have them on an S10 1997. I like that my anti-lock brakes don't go off any more. Maybe it's my truck or the Chicago streets but if the weather is cold the front end makes noise. Don't know if it's the shocks. When the weather is warm the KYBs perform great and the ride is tight but not stiff. May try Monroe or Bilstein next time just to see the difference.

Strengths:
Cheap, easy to install, great warm weather performance.

Weaknesses:
Cold weather performance??, not sure though.

Similar Products Used:
OEM shocks only.

Price Paid:  $50.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1986 Camaro Iroc-Z

Summary:
The money I spent was well worth it. I recommend these shocks to any muscle car owner (esp. F-body).

Strengths:
Great performance for their price. I am very happy with the stiffness in my cars suspension. These are also great if you have lowered your car.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Monroe shocks same price but not the quality or performance.

Price Paid:  $35.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 '64 Volvo, '87 Sterling, '89 Taurus, 92 Buick Roadmaster

Summary:
I would recommend the shocks. I think if you put in the gas struts you might want to check them out just before the warranty period expires. Also I think they may have had some cheaper lines in the past that weren't much good. At the price you can't beat them.

Strengths:
I like the handling characteristics in every vehicle I put KYBs into. They are sturdy, generally have heavier shafts than OE shox/struts. In my experience the shocks last well, although damping seems to fall off after a few years.

Weaknesses:
The rear struts I put into my '89 Taurus went completely south in 2 1/2 years. I was informed that they were past warranty. I replaced them with NAPA sensitracks, which have a lifetime warranty but don't control the rear wheels as well. At this time the front struts still had some life left. I sold the car, baby. For the record, I did put KYB gas struts into an Audi 5000 I had, for a terrific performance improvement. PLus they lasted pretty well.

Similar Products Used:
Way better than Gabriel Red Ryders, Monromatics, NAPA sensitracks, or any OE shock.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1968 GTO

Summary:
The price for KYB was not too expensive. The initial base price for the shock can usually be beaten by shopping around. Almost everyone carries KYB shocks. Depending on your application, ordering may be required.

Strengths:
I have KYB gas-adjust shocks on my 1968 GTO and they perform great. My car no longer sags or wobbles uncontrolably when corning. In fact, my GTO rides as well as my wife's new Honda, if not better. I recommend KYB gas-adjust shocks to anyone looking for a shock that will give a smooth ride while obtaining a optimal level of performance. I'm planning on buying a set of KYB AGX shocks in the near future for my Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Weaknesses:
None at this time. I only wish more places carried KYB in stock (for my vehicles.)

Similar Products Used:
I used Tokico gas shocks on my 1990 300zx and had problems with them. The Tokico's worked very well for the first 4 months, then one of the went flat on me and I had to send it back to the manufacturer to get a new one. Afterwards my problems increased. It seemed as though the more I drove the rougher shocks became. You will definately feel every bump in the road with these shocks. Stay away from Tokicos because they are very poor quality shock absorbers.