KYB GR 2 Shocks for Rear Coil Springs?

[Regular Guy]

Thought about posting this in the suspension section, but it looks really dead over there, and I couldn't find an answer by searching:

I have a '70 C10 and I'd like to go with KYB GR 2's all around. It's not lowered. Front part number I have, 344068, but I can't find a GR 2 for a REAR coil spring, which is what I have--no leafs on the back.

I've just got back into Chevy trucks, got sidetracked by cars for a few years and I'm rusty. Should my truck even have coils? It's been modified with a newer step side box. Don't know if leafs were on it at some point, or not.

Will the KYB 344085 work? It is listed for leaf springs, not coils...

Thanks!

[ETsC10]

Yes.

I run the GR2 in my '68 C-10 but it's leaf sprung.
I went to KYB site and your are right...GR2 only
available for leaf spring rears. I see they mention
Gas-A-Just KG5416 for your truck. Maybe to
firm up the ride?

Let's go ask the pros...



.

[Regular Guy]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

Yes.

I run the GR2 in my '68 C-10 but it's leaf sprung.
I went to KYB site and your are right...GR2 only
available for leaf spring rears. I see they mention
Gas-A-Just KG5416 for your truck. Maybe to
firm up the ride?

Let's go ask the pros...



.

Yeah, I'll see what they have to say. I won't be hauling anything of any weight in the back, so a GR 2 should be acceptable, whichever one would fit...

[Widetracker]

I'm in the same situation. Did you get an answer from KYB?

[Regular Guy]

Originally Posted by Widetracker

I'm in the same situation. Did you get an answer from KYB?

Thanks for asking--I blew this off last year and I need to get it done, so I just called KYB tech support.

The guy said their recommended OE replacement for a '70 rear with coil springs is KG5416 Gas-A-Just, because the coils do not support as much weight as a leaf spring set up. The Gas-A-Just has a damping rate close to the original, and is about 10% firmer than the GR-2 (the GR-2 has been renamed "Excel G" and is painted black, but is otherwise the same shock. Just a name and color change). So, a slightly stronger shock is desired.

He said there will not be a difference in ride quality or characteristics if we choose to put Excel G's on the front and Gas-A-Justs on the rear...

Sounds reasonable to me...their tech line is 630-282-5372, FYI.

[Widetracker]

Mine has helper leafs. I wonder if that makes a difference? I'll call before I place my order if I get a chance. It sounds like the Gas-A-Just are close enough to where the difference in ride will be minimal.

I'd originally looked at running GAJ all the way around since they are the better shock technology, but it seemed the consensus on here was that they were too harsh for a non lowered 2wd. Others commented that they caused problems on the front shock mount after a while.

It sounds like GR2 (EG) on the front and GAJ on the back are the way to go.