mixing shocks question

[timspider]

I've got a 78 124 that I'm settling in with. Recent big gains in performance from stuff I learned here. So now a shock question. I have a new set of Monroe shocks already on the rear:
http://www.amazon.com/MONROE-Monroe-OES ... onroe+5770

The front shocks are getting tired and I'd like to upgrade those to a set of konis. Based on some reading here, I was thinking the koni yellow set on the softest setting might be good for the front. Obviously the 2 sets work together to keep my feet on the ground, was wondering if this might be a good combination for crisp handling without getting rattled out of my seat.

Bad idea to mix shocks like this? I hate to rip out the brand new Monroes if I don't need to.
Thanks!

ps: current rear shocks feel fine, firm but forgiving. front is mooshy. looking for firm but comfy combo

[Daniel]

I wouldnt mix shocks like that after doing something similar a few years ago my car had koni reds front
and KYBs G2 Silver in the rear, Didn't like it at all the feel of the road wasn't matched. Just like now your
driving a car with 2 types of shocks how does the handling differ front to rear? maybe you can try it if your
not happy upgrade the rear to konis as well.

[narfire]

I'd go for the Koni's on the rear as well. Save the Munroe's for now.
For added happiness when going around corners, consider going to a 1" front bar as well
Chris

[timspider]

thanks guys. i was leaning that way but trying to avoid it I guess. Better to just get it set up right, especially on the stuff that holds you to the ground.
thanks again- enjoy your spiders

[4uall]

I currently have that exact set up with Koni's in the front (used, donated from a club member)



Just put the KYB's (formerly Monroe Senstrac) in the rear



Ironically I am about to install new (gently used yellow springs) in the front



I will have a pair of yellow Koni's avaialable if anyone needs them

I use my car as a daily driver and I am not agressive and have found no handling issues

[Daniel]

I want them how much and if i dont respond asap please give me the first chance at them since people can
be greedy around here hehe

[tiaf124]

I wouldnt mix shocks like that after doing something similar a few years ago my car had koni reds front
and KYBs G2 Silver in the rear, Didn't like it at all the feel of the road wasn't matched.

Red Konis are oil filled while kyb G2s are gas filled , was it because of their different "filling"
Would you clarify this mismatch , which one was stiffer or not ?
I am facing the same issue with yellows front and reds in the rear and i am worrying too about mixing them

[Daniel]

Ok I'll give my best understanding on the differences from what I've learned over the years but I'm no expert
when it comes to shocks.

The Koni's Red and Yellow use oil and valves to control the compression and return rates of the shock. If it was possible
for you to change the oil viscosity you could change these rates ( I learned this from my dirk bike and RC Cars ) which
in turn would change the dampening characteristics of the shocks. Thicker oil for slower movement thinner oil for
faster response. KONIs are adjustable and have a controlled valve so you can make changes to the ride without
such a drastic make over. If you wanted to change the oil you would have to know how to take KONI's apart and put them
back together.

On Gas Charged Shocks It would be almost impossible to have this ability from my knowledge, They use a Gas instead
of oil to control the movement rate of the shocks. Valves are still used and some companies have Adjustable
Gas Shocks out there but not a lot of options for most cars with A design like this. Spax has some for our Fiats
but None of our vendors sale them. I contacted SPAX (in Germany) about these shocks and they refer'd me back to
USA Distributors. I called a couple shops that carried Spax, I tried to persuade them to "CUSTOM" order
me a set and got no where so I gave up. Back to the Gas Shocks If you like a smooth ride Monroe or some other
bran would be more of what your looking for. If you like a sporty feel KYB's are a good deal and a little tighter
on the road but you feel more of the imperfections of the surfaces your driving on as well. Gas Shocks have a
pressurized charge in them and tend to ad some standing height to the car maybe 1/4 an inch parked.

Well I'm not sure if you got the answer your looking for but I did my best to help good luck...


Daniel

[tiaf124]

Ok I'll give my best understanding on the differences from what I've learned over the years but I'm no expert
when it comes to shocks.

The Koni's Red and Yellow use oil and valves to control the compression and return rates of the shock. If it was possible
for you to change the oil viscosity you could change these rates ( I learned this from my dirk bike and RC Cars ) which
in turn would change the dampening characteristics of the shocks. Thicker oil for slower movement thinner oil for
faster response. KONIs are adjustable and have a controlled valve so you can make changes to the ride without
such a drastic make over. If you wanted to change the oil you would have to know how to take KONI's apart and put them
back together.

On Gas Charged Shocks It would be almost impossible to have this ability from my knowledge, They use a Gas instead
of oil to control the movement rate of the shocks. Valves are still used and some companies have Adjustable
Gas Shocks out there but not a lot of options for most cars with A design like this. Spax has some for our Fiats
but None of our vendors sale them. I contacted SPAX (in Germany) about these shocks and they refer'd me back to
USA Distributors. I called a couple shops that carried Spax, I tried to persuade them to "CUSTOM" order
me a set and got no where so I gave up. Back to the Gas Shocks If you like a smooth ride Monroe or some other
bran would be more of what your looking for. If you like a sporty feel KYB's are a good deal and a little tighter
on the road but you feel more of the imperfections of the surfaces your driving on as well. Gas Shocks have a
pressurized charge in them and tend to ad some standing height to the car maybe 1/4 an inch parked.

Well I'm not sure if you got the answer your looking for but I did my best to help good luck...


Daniel

Thanks
Yes indeed detailed description .
There is no way i mix oil and gas shocks in any case particulary kyb's as i ve already done the mistake to install KYB gas-a-just series and i am dissapointed.
Increased height ,harsh riding
I was only thinking combining oil but different rate Konis

[Daniel]

Thanks for the Koni's Jay, they showed up on Sat now i need a rear pair, the list never ends...

[timspider]

ended up going with a matched set of Monroe shocks all around and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with them. The ride is floaty yet connected. For me it's a nice blend of comfort and contact.
The more I thought about it, it seemed to me a stiffer shock will just allow more of what we are trying to absorb into the vehicle frame. Stiff, connected ride, but at the expense of all that excess vibration being absorbed by the vehicle and/or your butt.
I'm not building a race car so a comfortable ride is important to me.
Note: this may be me just pulling sour grapes- not positive yet.