Question About Shocks!

[krnai555]

So my 73' charger needs new shocks. No big deal, went onto Advance Auto Parts, and bought myself a set of KYB shocks. Since i've heard about these in conversation several times here on this forum, i figured they might be a decent brand to get.

So earlier today i got down to business. I take off the wheels and BAM. I notice right away that the KYB shocks are tiny compared to the currently installed Monroe shocks that are in my car.  So... Whats the deal? is this normal? The monroe shocks that are currently installed look to be about 1.5-2 inches wide. Whereas the KYB shocks are only about 1-1.25 inches wide. I'm kinda worried that these shocks will completely fail the moment i put the car on the ground (or as soon as they go over the first speed bump on the road).

I should mention that i am complete newbie as far as car parts are concerned. I have done some work on the car so i know my way around it. I just dont really know the proper brands and parts that are trustworthy.

I would love some input on this. Hopefully if someone sees this i can install the shocks tomorrow morning. Also i feel like i should mention, Im not looking for the "cheapest" solution necessarily. I am willing to spend money as long as im buying a quality product.

Thanks for reading!


Thanks for looking.

[Dino]

I don't know about the specific size but I have heard over and over that these KYB shocks turn the car into a hard ride.  The Bilstein shocks seems to be about the best you can find.  I'm running Edelbrock IAS shocks but they have been discontinued.

[flyinlow]

You use to be able to get larger diameter higher capacity front shocks for 73-74 Chargers. Now they only sell the smaller twin tube (Monroe Matic) for the front. Rears are the same as older Chargers .

Firm Feel says they have Bilsteens for both front and rear that fit 73-74.

I modified the LCA of my 73 so I can use Monty Carlo front shocks that they make in the larger Gas adjusts mono shock.

KYB's are firm especially with 18 inch wheels. Thinking about Bilsteens.

[myk]

Hotchkis or Bilstein.  I don't remember anyone ever saying anything negative about those two brands.  The KYB's people seem to either "tolerate" or hate...

[Mike DC]

   
Koni is another good brand.  Not cheap though. 

[Kern Dog]

I ran KYBs for years. They have a purpose, but they also have drawbacks.
Here is what I know: They can be pretty stiff and can actually improve the handling in a stock suspension car that usually rides really soft. Their design is such that they are initially stiff in limited suspension travel but as the suspension motion increases, the KYBs soften up. In other words, they feel hard at first but when going over big dips and bumps, they just don't perform well.
The Bilstein, Fox, QA-1 and other brands work on the reverse principle: They soak up small bumps but get firmer as the suspension travel increases. This is the most desired feature but they do cost a LOT more than KYBs.
Several months ago I swapped in bigger torsion bars and a set of 4 Bilstein shocks from Firm Feel Inc. What a huge difference. On smooth roads you might not notice the gains in ride quality but who has smooth roads? Everywhere I go, I encounter dips, bumps, cracked asphalt, potholes, speed bumps...The Bilsteins are almost 3 times the cost of KYBs but if you can afford them, they are a great choice.

[cdr]

I have kyb on the front & I like them , they work great in my opinion.