My car's ride quality has taken a plummet in the last few months, and I've been told (and can feel!) that the shocks need replacing.

I'm heading overseas in August for a few months, and so don't have a huge amount of cash to spend, but what are people's experience with "Ultima" brand shocks? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Front-Ultima-Struts-Shocks-Magna-Verada-TE-TF-TJ-TH_W0QQitemZ360158366081QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_ Parts_Accessories?hash=item53db1c8981&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Steer clear, or suitable for daily driving?

If not, what would I be expected to pay for two front shocks and fitment?

Thanks!

Hey mate.

Don't know about these ones. But i can highly recommend Monroe GT Gas with reflex technology.
Have been through a few different types of shocks and these are the best i have come across without going to the upper end market with upper end $$$.
They are a quality ride but when pushed hard, they respond well.
Should be paying around $300 for both fronts, and $150 for both rears.

Yeah I would love the Gas GTs, however when I went to a place yesterday to get a quote, I was told it would be about $500 (!) just to do the two fronts!

Another vote for Monroe GT's. Paid around $400 for the fronts, $200 for the rears. Great shocks.

Your shocks and tyres are what keep you on the road - dont skimp on either one, it is your life and everyone elses life at stake here...

i'd recommend KYB Excel-G shocks, i've got them front and rear on my car and I think they're a pretty popular choice on here too. I got them at the same time I lowered my car which was like $750 but i'm pretty sure the shocks were about $400 for all four, this was from Shawn from Phillcom Rally (AMC sponsor)

If you decide to stick to genuine Ash, let me know. I can get a trade price through my fiances dad.

i was recommended ultima's for lowered springs, apparently they have a bigger bore/diaphram. Apparently an uprated shock. I chose munroe GT gas in the end, and then lowered it anyways. I can highly recommend GT-gas but ultimas' do come with a good warranty (where i brought them they have the same factory warranty as the gt-gas) and was told they are made in the same place/rebadged.

edit: i brought my munroe's and within 1000km i was up for new ones as i hit a 2inch shelf at ~110 at unmarked roadowkrs...both shocks exploded sending all the oil onto my wheels and me almost off the road. I took them back filled out the warranty paperwork and was handed a new set same day. The warranty is great.

+1 Monroe GT Gas had them on the Rada

KYBs also have a good rep on these forums for our cars

+1 for KYB.... I have had monroe gt's before too they are also fantastic.

So I should be able to get Monroes fitted for around $400, and KYBs for a little less? It was more the cost I was interested in, rather than brands, as I was aware of Monroes and KYBs anyway.

But thanks for all the advice!

I think the KYB's were about $400 from shawn, the phillcom rally sponsor on here. Highly rated, excellent ride (On King Lows all round) yet supple enough for Sydney roads :)

So I should be able to get Monroes fitted for around $400, and KYBs for a little less? It was more the cost I was interested in, rather than brands, as I was aware of Monroes and KYBs anyway.
When I had my car lowered, it was about $150 more for the KYBS than Monroes. Excellent shocks - would definitely recommend them. Although if I had my time again I'd be awfully tempted to get a set of Konis.

The KYB Excel-Gs that I put in my car 18mths ago seem to have failed already. At least the rears seem to have. Do the bounce test and the car hops up and down a few times before coming to rest. The next set will be something more forgiving. I have found the ride is too hard and jiggly with the Excel Gs. (In a second gen wagon btw)

I have the Boges in my TL with a Kings SP low spring.

I am very impressed with the ride quality and the handling that they give. They seem to take big hits with a lot of compliance but are still firm and keep the ride level.

I have also experienced the KYB's and have found them a little bit firmer, they tighten the ride right up especially on super low.

Something to remember is that if you get the Boges, they wont be warranted if you use a spring that is lower than a "low"... If you get my drift. I would suggest giving Shawn at Phillcom a call to chat about shocks. He steered me toward the Boges when i told him what my driving style and requirements were.

The KYB Excel-Gs that I put in my car 18mths ago seem to have failed already. At least the rears seem to have. Do the bounce test and the car hops up and down a few times before coming to rest. The next set will be something more forgiving. I have found the ride is too hard and jiggly with the Excel Gs. (In a second gen wagon btw)

One of mine has, But that's with no bumpstop's so totally understandable.
I am looking for some new front shocks too to replace these as I don't want to replace just one...
Dont mind the ride TBH But not too sure what else is out there

Anyone know what would be best for my 94 TS Wagon? I know my front left definitely needs doing (compresses hard and fast) .. right side isn't far behind

The whole thing is a bit of a boat generally, turning a corner at anything more than 1K/h and things go flying because it angles too much.

Not really looking to lower it, etc .. but making the suspension generally suck less would be good :P

I too would like to know what the ebst replacement for the standard shocks is. Looking for comfort now.

Dont know if it helps, but im putting a set of Koni's on the front of my magna...$600...but ive been assured it will be the best $600 ive spent....maybe worth looking into if u want to spend the cash

Dont know if it helps, but im putting a set of Koni's on the front of my magna...$600...but ive been assured it will be the best $600 ive spent....maybe worth looking into if u want to spend the cash

just on the front :ninja:

Dont know if it helps, but im putting a set of Koni's on the front of my magna...$600...but ive been assured it will be the best $600 ive spent....maybe worth looking into if u want to spend the cash

Why not do the whole car?

Koni reds or yellow?

just on the front :ninja:

dont really need koni's for the rear aswell :P
Umm last time I looked SCA sell the KYB Excel G's (order in only) for AROUND $130 per shock, although shawn and Philcom rally does a pretty good deal on them too, def give him a buzz for shocks.

If you decide to stick to genuine Ash, let me know. I can get a trade price through my fiances dad.

Didn't read the whole thread but my late night contribution!

Just got prices on both KYB's and Genuine, trade price:

KYBs = 403 (Front 130, Rear 80 [odd])

Genuine = 393

Definitely worth the extra dollars

I've got 'BOGE Automatic' shocks all round on the TS and am very happy with it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Didn't read the whole thread but my late night contribution!

Just got prices on both KYB's and Genuine, trade price:

KYBs = 403 (Front 130, Rear 80 [odd])

Genuine = 393

Definitely worth the extra dollars

My TL had KYB's on it when I bought it, and to be fair it had pretty low springs on it, but the ride was terrible - really stiff and bumpy. I ended up getting genuine shocks - they're comfortable, but really noisy in terms of like dull thunking sounds over bumps. I dunno what that's all about.

Correct me if I an wrong But aren't mitsu shocks made by KYB?

I thought Mitsu shocks were Monroes.

The KYB Excel-Gs that I put in my car 18mths ago seem to have failed already. At least the rears seem to have. Do the bounce test and the car hops up and down a few times before coming to rest. The next set will be something more forgiving. I have found the ride is too hard and jiggly with the Excel Gs. (In a second gen wagon btw)

I had a TR with KYB g and King SP same story. Undersprung and overdampened. The easy way to kill perfectly good shocks. Since then I have decided not to bother with off the shelf stuff.

I thought Mitsu shocks were Monroes.

I think so too.

I have also experienced the KYB's and have found them a little bit firmer, they tighten the ride right up especially on super low.
On the roads around your area they do! Tell your council to make the roads proper out your way! lol

I've got KYB's in mine they were $420 delivered from philcom, I spent 6 months roughly waiting for Boge and they never got their act together so I gave up. The new KYB's are much better than the old ones, the older ones tended to be over gassed and made the ride very firm indeed, the newer ones are a fair amount softer and are much more comfortable so I'm told, I've only driven on the new KYB's with the SL's all round in mine, and with the exception of ridiculously bumpy roads at 100km/h I've never had any sort of issue with ride comfort and the car handles like its on rails most of the time.

Yeah, Geelong roads aren't the best. :happy:

How long ago did KYB change the shocks?

What are those shocks that you can adjust the firmness off?

2 Choices.
Koni Yellow have adjustable rebound stiffness. External slot in shaft for the front shocks. Rears have to be removed, compressed and adjusted before replacing.

Pretty firm. Work great on an AWD!!


Second choice would be coilovers, you will need to talk to someone who has them fitted. Shawn should be able to help.

These are normally adjustable for compression and rebound as well as ride height.
Gerry

I had a TR with KYB g and King SP same story. Undersprung and overdampened. The easy way to kill perfectly good shocks. Since then I have decided not to bother with off the shelf stuff.

I'm going to get some stock equivalents for mine. Sick of the cr4p ride. Does anyone have any tips and where to get some replacement shocks that will give "as standard" ride?

I'm going to get some stock equivalents for mine. Sick of the cr4p ride. Does anyone have any tips and where to get some replacement shocks that will give "as standard" ride?

I think the standard shocks are at the Mitsu place for like $70 for a full set. Check the SA clearance thread in the SA section.

Hey, Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=370214497035,

I was thinking of these as well,this seller $50 cheaper

hey guys, just wondering, i'm lowering my car soonish and was looking to replace the shocks.

1. is it necessary to change the shocks, i.e. are they a different size and require changing?
2. if so, what size shocks do i need for superlows in the front and lows in the rear (lovells)
3. if there is no size difference with the shocks, do i just say "yo ive got a TH magna wagon, gimme shocks"

cheers guys

hey guys, just wondering, i'm lowering my car soonish and was looking to replace the shocks.

1. is it necessary to change the shocks, i.e. are they a different size and require changing?
2. if so, what size shocks do i need for superlows in the front and lows in the rear (lovells)
3. if there is no size difference with the shocks, do i just say "yo ive got a TH magna wagon, gimme shocks"

cheers guys

You don't need to buy shocks to change springs.

Yeah but depending on how old the current shocks are, and how much lower you are going - its sometimes advisable to change your shocks aswell.

Yeah but depending on how old the current shocks are, and how much lower you are going - its sometimes advisable to change your shocks aswell.

Can be, yeah. If they're old (ie, more than 100,000kms) I'd consider it.

yep, i can only assume that they are the original shocks that came with the car, and im going fairly low in the wagon so i thought it'd be a good idea. friend's dad also works for monroe so im hoping he can get me a good price..

so can anyone answer my original question? :)

Well the original question is answered.

You have worn shocks (if they are stock), you are lowered the car a lot.

So you should buy new shocks, give them the year/make/model/shape of the car and they will match up the shocks for you.

Well the original question is answered.

You have worn shocks (if they are stock), you are lowered the car a lot.

So you should buy new shocks, give them the year/make/model/shape of the car and they will match up the shocks for you.

yeah i just wanted to know if the lowered springs meant i needed a different sized shock.. im assuming no?

yeah i just wanted to know if the lowered springs meant i needed a different sized shock.. im assuming no?

No. Stupid 5 character limit.