I need new shocks..it makes me mad!

[Pop's Z]

Arne, The Konis were on the car when I bought it last spring from the original owner. He said they were installed in the 80's. He also said they were set to the "softest setting". The car had only 69,000 original miles so the Konis weren't that old mileage-wise. The reason I changed them out was after some spirited driving three of them were leaking(possibly age related seal failure). When I pulled them they exibited signs of failure(easy to pull up hard to push down w/leaks around the top of the strut). They rode fairly hard, but they had no rebound i.e.firm on the downstroke, poor rebound on the upstroke(almost like there was no strut in the car). I am very happy with the KYBs. The ride is firm w/o jarring your teeth, but smooth over most road imperfections. For what it's worth, I also had Konis on my 2 Datsun 2000 roadsters and set on the lowest setting the cars had great road control, but rode like trucks.

Cheers, Mike

[72240Z]

I put a set of GR-2 KYBs on my 72 a couple of years ago and kept the original 275,000k springs. The ride is firm, but not stiff or jarring. I was working at the local Nissan dealsership at the time, and I can tell you it rides much better than the new 350Zs. I was going to replace my springs as well, but did not want to lower it. I was able to get all but 1 rear spring new. For that reason I reused my old ones.

Devin

[Victor Laury]

Mohammed,

Go with the GR-2's. They are the smoothest of the big brand choices. Unlike you, I wanted a stiffer ride and went with the KYB Non-adjustable (Blues). They are right or me, but most likely wrong for you. This is the same recommedation we givein the roadster world too. The GR-2's are for the smoother ride with those cars too.

Don't go mad.

[Arne]

OK, based on these real world experiences, I'll probably go with the GR2s as well. Still not crazy about using gas inserts, they tend to increase the ride height if the spring rates weren't designed to take that into account. I know that Carl and Co. are looking into reports of increased ride height on the repro Euro Stage 1 springs when used with modern gas shocks. I won't be installing mine for another year or so, hopefully we'll have an answer to that by then.

[bpilati]

I'm 46, I just overhauled my entire suspension recently. I used KYB's GR-2 & bump-stops, new stock springs, urethane bushings in many (but not all) places, Suspension Techniques sway-bar kit, my drivers seat is completely rebuilt.

The ride is plenty stiff for me. It will be fine. Too many people think the OEM design was like a Cadi, so they go with stiff as a brick components. Another thing, if you build a car with track-like suspension and drive that car on a normal road, you are subjecting it to vibration and shock it was never designed for. It's 35 years old now; tracks are smooth and perfect, and roads are pieces of asphalt between potholes. I still have old Bridgestone Potenzas on 14x7 US slotted wheels, but will be purchasing Konig Rewinds 15x7 with new tires very soon. BTW, wider tires will ride harder than narrow tires, so don't go crazy.

[bpilati]

BTW Arne, there was a beautiful 240Z in your color at our local club show two weeks ago. I've always like that color too. Can't remember if it was a 70 or 71.

[Arne]

BTW Arne, there was a beautiful 240Z in your color at our local club show two weeks ago. I've always like that color too. Can't remember if it was a 70 or 71.

Cool, wish I could have seen it. 918 yellow was only used in '70 and '71, and that was one of my two top choices when I was shopping for my Z. The other was orange. Your car's gold would have been high on my list, but my wife can't stand it.

[a7dz]

I too am going with the euro springs and GR2's they are all sitting here just waiting for all the rest of the parts to come in. I am going to replace all the bushings with rubber as I have had this car long enough to know it will never ride like my Crown vic nor like my truck either, nor do I wish it too. Just want to get back to close to the stock ride.

[BuDavid]

well, well. well..

first of all, no offence to old guys from the older post:paranoid:

I just wanted to say that some guys like Zsaint with his kidney thing might need a hyper soft rideROFL SORRY man, I'm just joking here all the love to all Z saints:love:

but really, I appreciate the words of old guys here in this forum, and this is what really attracted me to this forum after it's name "classiczcars" coz older guys know what is a classic car, an original car that rides like a bride so we can get rid of wifes then, send my regads to the jelous wifes on your Z's

Arne, nwcubsman,Victor Laury:

thanx for the advise, it really gave my confidence in getting KYB's!

beandip,

well, you are a nother old guy which I respect his opinion so much, thanx for the tip, and BTW my car was originally sold in the US, exactly in Texas..

are the Euro springs that good or what? my springs are missed up with, they are cut to be lowered since I baught the car:disappoin

shall I get Euro springs? from where can I get the cheapest? and if any body knows there weight in KG's it would be perfect so I can know what is the cost of shipping..

thanks to all guys, and I'm sorry for replying so late..

cheers.

[ZSaint]

I wish I had taken the time to research this spring/shock issure before ordering my Tokico Illuminas. I would have gone for the KYB's!

[Arne]

I don't thin the Euro springs are available anywhere for your 280Z, only for 240Zs.

[BuDavid]

Arne, OPS! I should have known that:)

I'm convinced of the KYB's now, but the problem is that the dealer here doesnt say that they are GR-2's or what ever are they, coz they punk says it is a shock absorber for a 280Z only!:stupid:

from the replies I read that some of u guys stated thet KYB's GR-2's are blue, are u sure of it? how can I identify them physically?

from the KYB's site there was the attached picture and the part number from this table:

http://kyb.com/catalog/index.php?Action=Submit&MakeID=Nissan&ModelID=377&x=42&y=7

unfortunatly those numbers wont work with that brainless dealer, so I'm afraid that he is selling some other types of KYB's that can be fitted on 280Z's

how can I recognize them?