Re: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

["John Lazenby french_fryguy@xxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]" <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As Mike Moore stated we've had a private conversation and I did provide him the KYB part numbers he purchased and gave him the Summit Racing info to do the research.  I have no connection with either Koni or Bilstein and haven't had for years as my company ceased being a distributor for Koni some 28 years ago.

I have no idea how to contact Koni to see what if anything they can offer to custom produce shocks for our cars.  Years ago Bilstein was located in the San Diego area and was more receptive to doing custom work.  That may or may not be the case today.

I have a close BMW friend that worked for Fox Shocks and I'll check with him as to what they can and or would be willing to do regarding a custom build.  I'll see him this weekend.

Last, a thought just occurred in that King Shocks http://www.kingshocks.com/ is in the same complex as Royze, my company.  According to my friend that worked for Fox King has done custom work for things like the space shuttle and who knows what else.

Personally I have no experience with Fox or King but I've heard good things about both.  I would suggest rather than a bunch of people calling and asking questions let me do a bit of background work first.  With luck I can have more info on them soon.

John L.

On Thursday, January 8, 2015 5:49 PM, C Bilter <cbilter@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Last time I looked for shocks I also could not find any current part numbers for ‘55-‘64 Chryslers/Imperials by Koni or Bilstein.  John, if you have part numbers this would be most helpful for the club.  Or, if the specs have been provided so that the proper fitting high quality shock can be custom crafted by Koni et. al. perhaps a club arrangement could be investigated?  Obviously, we would need a certain quantity to get the price point down but it seems a lot of us are in need for some good shocks.   Might be a worthwhile club project if someone has the right contacts.   I could use a new set of rears to replace the ancient Monroes on my J, and I am hesitant to waste any more money on KYBs.  Those of us with Imperials of the same vintage (uses same size shocks), which can weigh up to 1000lbs more than a letter car and have a soft suspension to start with, have an even bigger problem especially with the heavy front end of those beasts. 

 

Carl B  

 

From: mailto:Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 5:52 PM

To: John Lazenby ; Anna F Noia ; David Schwandt ; 'Bob Jasinski' ; 'Chrysler300'

Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

 

 

It would be nice to see the part numbers for these super performance shocks that we are supposed to be able to use on our 300’s. From what I remember, KYB doesn’t even have a listing for 300’s, just a shock number that happens to fit (front) if you grind the lower end to fit the control arm. The rears are probably a little short, but I have yet to change a shock on a car that you could do with the rear end hanging at the end of spring travel. You always have to jack up the rear some. So there are always going to be times when the rear is hanging by the shock. Also, the bumpers on the frame are not there to protect the shock, they are there to keep the rear end from slamming into the frame in an extreme situation.

Don

 

From: mailto:Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 4:36 PM

To: Anna F Noia ; David Schwandt ; 'Bob Jasinski' ; 'Chrysler300'

Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

 

 

I may be stirring up something here but I've been in the parts business well over 40 years and have dealt with a lot of performance items including shocks.  For my money if you want the best for a basically stock large American car or even a smaller European or Asian example Koni is the way to go.  Should you want to go to a "gas" shock Bilstein is probably the best out there.

 

From that point any brand you choose either in fluid or gas you are going down the ladder in price, quality in design and also performance.  Quality cost and you will probably only purchase shocks for your collector car once so you need to make the decision is it price driven or quality first.  For my money it is the latter as I find that once they are paid for and installed you tend to forget the cost and are pleased with the results.

 

Koni shocks are adjustable but not for the reason that many think.  To adjust one you must disconnect one end, compress the shock and turn it 1/2 crank and extend it back to increase the dampening.  This is designed for wear and not a stiffer ride although many use the adjustment for that.  There are six adjustments on a Koni as I recall.

 

I'm not trying to praise or knock any brand but just tell the facts as I learned over my years.  Shocks are something that most won't ever see like a fancy set of tires or wheels but they are a very important part of your car's driveability and safety.

 

John Lazenby

On Thursday, January 8, 2015 1:13 PM, "Anna F Noia sa-noia@xxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]" <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

To All

My two cents worth, the KYB is not a shock I will use (again, used in the past, very dissatisfied). Their shafts are extremely small diameter and are not long enough to do the job needed. The shock should be long enough so the piston does not bottom out before the usable length seen in the vehicle. I appears to me, KYB engineers used a shock with the correct ends for installation, but didn't allow for the physical dimensions needed for the application on Our Chrysler 300's. You need a much stouter heavier duty shock. The Bilstein (sp.?) shock has a main shaft ~2X diameter of the KYB. You need the length and heft of a large diameter shaft for a good sealing surface. Also, the Bilstein has a larger diameter barrel (more fluid). One more point. Check the Fox (or any custom shock builders) Shocks catalog for the required end fittings, and extended length required by our cars. The rear shocks extended length is critical. Again, KYB's are not a good investment, very light duty (IMHO), check other sources. Especially if you push your car into the corner at speed, Good Luck.

 

Best Regards,
Stephen A. Noia
1-408-210-4736 cell

On Thursday, January 8, 2015 12:08 PM, "'David Schwandt' finsruskw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]" <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

Well, I do not have a lift and both times mine leaked was when I raised one side, like you were going to change a tire.

Come to think of it, that’s exactly what I was doing.

Maybe on a lift, where you unloaded the springs both at the same time is different.

Sorry to have maybe unduly alarmed some folks.

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 'Bob Jasinski' rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 12:29 PM
To: 'David Schwandt'; 'Chrysler300'
Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

So Dave, if that's the case, just how are you supposed to raise the car on a lift? Like to rotate tires or do brake work? I have a lift here, and KYBs on my 300G for at least 7 years. No shock oil leaks that I see.

Bob J

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 'David Schwandt' finsruskw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 8:29 AM
To: 2HsandaHeritage@xxxxxxxxxxx; 'Chrysler300'
Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

Dou, Ya just gotta pull it out while the shock is extending If I recall.

It’s just a plastic strap

Make sure you have it aimed at the hole on the tower.

On the rears, DO NOT jack up the car by the frame and let the rear end hang from the shocks!!

They will begin to leak! BTDT!! TWICE already

Dave Schwandt

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 2HsandaHeritage@xxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 10:12 AM
To: Chrysler300
Subject: [Chrysler300] KYB Shock Install Update

I have a question for the author of the KYB Shock Install Update.

After the wire is clipped, how do you remove it from on top of the rubber bushing that is now under pressure?

Doug Warrener

Fair Oaks, CA

300H

62 - 300 Sport Conv.

PS - my new set of gray KYB's are also not compressed.

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Posted by: John Lazenby <french_fryguy@xxxxxxxxx>

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