New KYB Shocks and no difference in ride?

[gferris5]

I have a 68 long bed with original springs, (somehow I like how it sits, they are old but not too saggy...).

The ride was very smooth but very bouncy, it felt basically un-dampened. I replaced the original shocks with KYB's entry level shocks and honestly, I cannot tell ANY difference whatsoever. It still bounces like a party boat going over a wake with every turn and bump.

Am I crazy? Would a different brand/model shock be better? It seems like everyone likes KYB but this has not made me a fan... Any recs are greatly appreciated.

[Thundarr]

I bought those same shocks when I first got my GMC 7 years ago.

Don't remember who, but someone here on the forum recommended the KYB Gas-A-Just. Fortunately, they are all pretty cheap, so I ditched the first set and ordered the Gas-A-Just.
The difference was amazing.

Here are the part numbers for front and rear:
KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks KG5409 & KG5416

[Richard]

The springs support the vehicle and the shocks dampen the movement. With the short stiff springs on these trucks you can have bouncy or a stiffer ride. That is the way the truck rides in stock configuration. The springs are at least 50% of the equation. A stock type replacement or cheap lift spring will ride the same way. The base level KYB's are very soft. The Gas-a-just will firm the ride up more.

[Stocker]

Another vote for KYB Gas-A-Justs. Several years ago I replaced the mushy Monroe Gas Magnums on my K20 with KYBs. Nice firm control was especially appreciated when I had heavy loads in the bed.

[jimijam00]

Gotta love those 52 y/o weak saggy springs that bounce.

[gferris5]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

I bought those same shocks when I first got my GMC 7 years ago.

Don't remember who, but someone here on the forum recommended the KYB Gas-A-Just. Fortunately, they are all pretty cheap, so I ditched the first set and ordered the Gas-A-Just.
The difference was amazing.

Here are the part numbers for front and rear:
KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks KG5409 & KG5416

Excellent, thanks for the recommendation and glad to know I'm not the only one who had the same experience!

[Steeveedee]

Did you "prime" the shocks? We used to call it "bleeding", but whatever. Try pushing a shock through its entire range of motion. If it moves easily for part of the stroke, keep that up until it resists for its entire range. If it is soft for part of the stroke, the truck's ride won't be damped enough. It usually takes 5 or so cycles through the range of motion.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by gferris5

I have a 68 long bed with original springs, (somehow I like how it sits, they are old but not too saggy...).

The ride was very smooth but very bouncy, it felt basically un-dampened. I replaced the original shocks with KYB's entry level shocks and honestly, I cannot tell ANY difference whatsoever. It still bounces like a party boat going over a wake with every turn and bump.

Am I crazy? Would a different brand/model shock be better? It seems like everyone likes KYB but this has not made me a fan... Any recs are greatly appreciated.

You didn't say which model - 10 or 20 you have.. The C/K-20 is a 3/4 ton vehicle.. A WORK truck designed to carry loads, and soft cushy ride be damned. Empty, it'll beat your teeth out, good shocks or no. There's not much you can do to make it ride like a modern 3/4 ton vehicle.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

You didn't say which model - 10 or 20 you have..

Good point.... I just assumed he had a 2WD truck so I didn't post any numbers.

If it helps anyone reading this, here's the KYB part numbers for a stock K20. Maybe the same for a K10 but I'm not sure so I'll shut up now.

Front #KG5408.... Rear #KG5417..... IF you have a 2.5" front lift, use rear #KG5417 in the front position also. Its extra length is just right.

[gferris5]

Thanks everyone, super helpful. It is a C10. I like the 1/2 ton ride quality -- it rides great, it just needs more damping and control of the spring harmonics.

Did you "prime" the shocks? We used to call it "bleeding", but whatever. Try pushing a shock through its entire range of motion. If it moves easily for part of the stroke, keep that up until it resists for its entire range. If it is soft for part of the stroke, the truck's ride won't be damped enough. It usually takes 5 or so cycles through the range of motion.

I've never heard of it. Do you reckon it would work to remove the shocks and cycle them and re-install them to recover some of their dampening? (at that point I might just spring the $200 for the gas-a-just shocks!)

FYI everyone the shocks are the Excel-G shocks (I just remembered).

[kwmech]

For a gas shock yes. Most of the beginning of its life the shock was sitting on its side on a shelf for who knows how long. OR you can just keep driving the vehicle and wait for the shock to sort itself out which may take....... I find it easier (i think) to cycle them a couple of times then install them.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by gferris5

Thanks everyone, super helpful. It is a C10. I like the 1/2 ton ride quality -- it rides great, it just needs more damping and control of the spring harmonics.



I've never heard of it. Do you reckon it would work to remove the shocks and cycle them and re-install them to recover some of their dampening? (at that point I might just spring the $200 for the gas-a-just shocks!)

FYI everyone the shocks are the Excel-G shocks (I just remembered).

You have those shocks, so I'd recommend trying that first. You'll have to take the fronts off, but all you have to do is remove them from the bottom bolt and cycle the rears in place.

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Did you "prime" the shocks?

I never knew this was a thing, and I've installed over a dozen sets of shocks so far in my life. I have never had a problem with pulling shocks out of the box and putting them directly on the vehicle without this "prime" thing.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

I never knew this was a thing, and I've installed over a dozen sets of shocks so far in my life. I have never had a problem with pulling shocks out of the box and putting them directly on the vehicle without this "prime" thing.

Same -- I have heard of it but have never done it, and never had a problem.

[PbFut]

OP. I was recently looking for a set of shocks. I saw a set online reasonably priced that stated the rebound valving had been changed. It would improve bounce but my experience is that increased rebound makes for a stiff ride. Damn if I can find it now. Photo was a black bodied generic looking shock body in the 50-60 buck range. Sorry I can't seem to find it tonight. Might be to your liking if you can find it
Found it https://www.performanceonline.com/19...tern-DS2-Each/

[toolboxchev]

I put new KYB's in my truck little over 2 years ago. Made a historic difference in the way the truck rode.

Probably so as it never had it done!

[72k25colo]

I just saw this and revived it since I'm needing new shocks on my K25. As a dealer for KYB for 12 years I love them second to none. Excels or GR-2's are KYB's softer valved shock. good for cars and those needing a cush ride. They won't get the job done on a 3/4T. For work/off road Gas a Justs all the way! Check out how much better on washboards!

[Rick Bollinger]

I put the KYB gas adjusts on front and rear along with front and rear sway bars and turned it into a new truck. Was amazing.