Front shocks question

[kensmith]

I have KYB GR2 front shocks. The previous owner had them installed 9 years ago but they have just under 10,000 miles on them. When I do the bounce test, they feel soft and don't stop after rebound. The rears are stiffer and stop after rebound. Is it time to replace the fronts even though they only have 10,000 miles? Or maybe the age is the problem? Ideas?

[wikkid]

10k miles alone would not do them in. Age could be the culprit. But in any case, for under $75, you can have two new ones to try..... unless you are considering the more expensive Koni's.

[kensmith]

I'm open to whatever is good for normal driving. I was thinking maybe something a little stiffer than the GR2. They seem to be pretty soft or maybe it's because they are old? I should probably take them out and compress them to see?

[manoa matt]

Ken,

The GR2 shocks are gas filled. Some owners swear by them, some swear against them. One common complaint is a "floaty boat" feeling.

I have GR2 shocks on the back, and Monroe sensa-track on the front. The Monroes are oil filled. I don't have a particular reason for the different shocks. When I got the car it had one front shock and the GR2's on the rear. I simply bought two shocks for the front. Someday I'll have 4 of the same shock all around, but for now all the shocks are good, and I like the way it rides.

The Monroe's are cheap at $22-25 per shock, and provide the same level of performance as the shocks that originally came on spiders. There was a thread a little while ago in fiat spider related about some new type of Monroe shocks.

[kensmith]

Matt,

I agree with the KYB GR-2 being a little soft. And they tend to rebound fast VS a little slower. I checked the rears and not sure if they are also KYB but they are silver. They are also soft but have a much slower rebound and stop after they rebound VS the front that bounce a little after rebound. Thought maybe start with the front to see what difference it makes and it looks like the fronts are much easier to change VS back!

Just found the Monroe part # 5769 front and #5770 rear shocks. I think I might just try them. They are around $25 each.

[bobplyler]

The fronts are easier to change than the rears. But the rears are not that bad to change.

[akavinn1]

Did u ever change the shocks ?

[124JOE]

hey there while i was replacing everything i did do my shocks
they both remove from the bottom
so undo the top and push down if it stays down
it was probably bad
then jack up the car and undo th 14mm boltsand nuts
its just like a baby out they fall

[kensmith]

Did u ever change the shocks ?

Did the front and rear with the KYB GR2 and the ride is great. Not too soft or too hard.