KYB Shocks ?

[Grumpaw]

Going to replace the shocks on my 2009 2 wd Ranger XL. I realize Bilsteins are the perferred and have em on our motor home.
But the Ranger is just my "hobby" cruiser rig, and I'm considering the KYB Excel-G. Their 1/3 the price of the Bilstein's and have good reviews.
Any of you ever use/install them?
Grumpaw

 

[Dirtman]

That's what I just put on my truck a few months ago. I'm about 90% positive they are the oem shock. They look identical and ride exactly the same as the factory shocks. Under 100 bucks for all 4 on amazon. If you like the way the truck handled when it was new definitely go with the kyb excel g's.

 

[Grumpaw]

Yup, looking for something similar to OE and for a good ride.
Old ones are still ok, but because of age bushings are kinda so-so.
Figured by the time I take old ones off to repaint shock hangers/rear end and replace bushings, might as well replace em.
Thanks ...
Grumpaw

 

[Uncle Gump]

I was a KYB dealer for years... we certainly put them through the paces with the dune buggies we were building at the time. They proved their worthiness to me.

At that time I carried two of their offerings. The Gas-A-Just and the GR2. The GR2's were more of a factory replacement. The Gas-A-Just was the upgrade. The ExcelG is most likely the GR2 equivalent of the time.

I put their Mono Max shocks on my truck... I'm really happy with them.

 

[Dirtman]

Start spraying the nut on the top of the front shocks now.... and buy one of these... and then be prepared to use a sawzall.

Stupidest design for a upper shock mount in history...

 

[sgtsandman]

I’ve seen some pretty good reviews on KYB.

 

[Grumpaw]

I've changed mucho lot of shocks in my day so I'm fimilar with the problems.
My simple cure for nuts I can access like the Ranger is a good ole fashioned nut splitter. Good one with an impact driver will take that puppie off in seconds.
I just looked at my Ranger and I don't even have to take the tire/rim off to access the nut. Should be easy-peasey.
Grumpaw

 

[gw33gp]

I have used KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on a couple different vehicles and liked them. I still use Bilstein shocks when I can though.

 

[Bgunner]

I've run KYB shocks on many of my vehicles, not the ranger though, and have found them to be a really good OE replacement but not an upgrade to OE shocks. If you are looking for a shock to restore the original ride and handling KYB's are a great shock in my opinion.

 

[Ramcharger90]

I put Eibach springs and KYB struts on that 00 Subaru Rs before the motor died it handled really good. The struts were adjustable also.

 

[4.0blue98]

This thread is good incentive for me. I've got a full set of KYB Gas-adjust for mine out in the garage. One of these years I'll get them on there. My 12 year old Ranchos are getting a bit weak.

 

[gaz]

Grumps,

While I have only used 1 set of KYB shocks, your talking about a Ford Ranger.

To me there is only one shock company and they just happen to be designed and built just for Frod Rangers...James Duff 70/30's; you will never regret the handling improvement, ESPECIALLY IF YOU INSTALL THE DUAL SHOCKS on the front.

It's the physics that make their dual shock system better but since I have been using them for 23+ years without a fail yet. That is where Rancho, KYB, Tokico and everything else I have used fall off the page.

 

[Grumpaw]

I checked their web site and they don't even list shocks for a 2 wd, or even for the later Rangers (mine is a 2009)
They require you to measure your old shocks so they can send you the right size, so I'm sure they could supply me with the appropriate shock/size.
But, my Ranger is used only as a partial daily driver, and a "cruiser". It will never see off road use or even heave duty road use It is basically an "extra" that because of it's condition
is garaged and taken to shows and cruise-ins. So need for custom or heavy duty shocks is unnecessary.
I went and ordered the KYB's from Amazon last nite. With the points we had on hand, all 4 only ran $78 bucks.
Grumpaw

 

[4.0blue98]

To me there is only one shock company and they just happen to be designed and built just for Frod Rangers...James Duff 70/30's; you will never regret the handling improvement, ESPECIALLY IF YOU INSTALL THE DUAL SHOCKS on the front.

Wow, never heard of them but they look nice. Wish they went above 97.

 

[Grumpaw]

They have been around since the first Bronco's rolled off the assembly line. Pretty much limit to 4 wd and heavy into off roading. Lots of involvement in the Baja races. Some stuff for the Bronco 2, and some of that transitions over to the early Rangers.
Not too much for the later Rangers.
Grumpaw