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| Group 3 - Suspension and Steering Front Suspension, Steering Linkage, Rear Suspension, Wheels and Tires |
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#1 (permalink) |
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Member
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Unanswered: inexpensive shocks
Hey, the gt is in desprite need of shocks, but I dont have a great deal of cash, books and tuiton sure add up...well I'm looking to spend less then $400 for all 4. Less is always better, but I want a good set of shocks. What are sugguestions that everyone has, I know that monroe's sensa trak will fit, and kyb's gas-ajust- and g2 will fit. Any comment on these two, or are the others that I should consider thanks again..
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#5 (permalink) |
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Member
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www.discountautoparts.com
KYB GR-2: $27 front, $24 rear KYB Gas-adjust: $40 each Monroe: $16 front, $37 rear Their shipping is cheap (pass on their discount), even halfway across the US. |
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#6 (permalink) |
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Moderator
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The FRONT KYB shocks will need an "installation(bushing) kit" that is not included. Most online companies don't show this. It will cost another $15. The lower mounting hole in the KYB is larger than the opel mounting hole & bolt. If the bushing kit isn't used, you will get a "heck" of a noise in the front end. OGTS is the only place I have seen that tells you about the needed bushings. I was able to get the kit from a local import parts place.
As for the Monroe LE10005 rear shocks, these are only Heavy Duty shocks and NOT gas shocks. I wouldn't recommend them. I have the KYB GR-2 series on my 72 GT and like the ride. Tom C |
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#7 (permalink) |
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Member
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Thanks for the info Tom.
I've used KYB shocks/struts on all my cars/trucks (except the Opel) for the last 10 years. Opel shocks are still OK - No need for new yet. The GR-2 are great. The ride is great. They handle better and never feel harsh. The Gas-A-Just occasionally feel harsh, esp. on rough pavement, but handle/corner better. I have their new SUV shocks (MonoMax) on my Jeep - WOW - they are fantastic but cost $75 each (and worth more). I know money is tight, but when you sit in it every day, buying the right shock is very satisfying. |
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#9 (permalink) |
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Moderator
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I purchased the anti-sway bars (front and rear) from Addco. They were $99 each, poly bushings and all needed hardware. Addco's rear bar doesn't require a bracket to be welded onto the axle, it uses 4 threaded body bolt holes that are on every GT. No welding needed...so I went that way. Their installation instructions could be better, but you can figure it out. Call Shelly at 800 621-8916 to purchase the bars right from Addco.
I posted about a dozen photos of my front and rear installation at the Yahoo ClassicOpels site. The photos are in the files/technical section. Several people asked about the Addco bars and wanted some photos to help figure the installation. In my opinion a very well spent $200. I did sway bars, new shocks, then new rims with 205/60R13's and the car is now a panic to toss around in the turns! |
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Jimsky
'73 GT |
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#11 (permalink) |
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Opeler
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Part number for KYB gr-2
Reading this thread and the concensus seems to be that the KYB GR-2 is the best 'bang for the buck' and that the part number is available to everyone but me.
Anybody care to help out? It might just be that the Canadian websites deny the existence of Opel as a car manufacturer. Thanks, Mike |
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#13 (permalink) |
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Opeler
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KYB shocks can be found on the partsamerica.com site. They have both the GR-2 and the Gas-A-Just. I think you'll need an installation kit for the fronts as the lower mounting hole is larger than required. I installed the Gas-A-Just shocks on my GT. They've been fine and give a stiffer ride than due to the gas charge. I ended up making a spacer for the lower-front mount from the old shocks.
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#15 (permalink) |
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Opeler
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Shocks
Opel retailers carry both versions of the KYB shocks as well as the hardware.
The wholesale cost of KYB's has risen over the past 2 years (with the price of steel). Lower cost options include the Monroe brand. AVOID the yellow Midas Muffler, and the old Sears brands! Koni Red shocks and some Gabriels's are becoming close to obsolete for the GT application. Bilstein's are good, but availability for the GT is a question. |
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#18 (permalink) |
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Moderator
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KYB Shocks
Mike,
KYB Shocks --- FRONT ------ REAR ....GR-2........ 344098 ------ 343039 Gas-A-Just .. KG-4613A ------ KG-5552 GABRIEL ....... 82053 ------ 82039 I'm running the GR-2 shocks on my GT. I like the ride. You will need the front install kit as stated or make your own bushings. ~ Tom Last edited by Mach1Tom; 05-29-2007 at 06:33 PM. |
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#20 (permalink) |
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5,000 Post Club
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego
Posts: 5,921
Classified Rating: 0% (0)
![]() Provided Answers: 1
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Try having them look under "Buick" in their computer. Sometimes that helps, if their computer gos back to the 60s.
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Ron
72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. ![]() 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next |
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#21 (permalink) |
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Mid-West Opeler
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Projekt 2009 - Der OPEL GT
1971 Opel GT (Green) 10/28/06 VIN: 77 232 5469 Build date: 10/70 1972 Opel GT ..(Red) .05/11/07 VIN: 77 237 3202 Build date: 11/71 That's not rust, that's Patina. If it don't rain, I'll be there. Other Cars: 2006 Solstice (Aggressive) link my to pictures link to some short movie clips of car shows. |
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#22 (permalink) |
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Moderator
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I installed the KYB Gas adjust that Tom quoted above. The spacers are actually 2 washers, 1 each side, and the hole in the LCA was drilled out to fit the bolts for the shocks. I can't find a picture of the rears right now, but they were a 2 person job where they attach to the body. Enclosed is a picture of the front. Hth, Jarrell
Last edited by soybean; 06-01-2007 at 07:37 AM. |
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You lose your dreams, you lose your mind. (The Rolling Stones)
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