Shocks RESOLVED

[4uall]

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with these?

http://www.fiatshockabsorbers.com/

[maytag]

the PO of my car installed those, probably because they're inexpensive and readily available at places like Oreilleys.

they are TRUCK shocks! I would steer clear. very, very harsh. jarring even. I'm not a fan.

[4uall]

that is so weird, I had been reading about vendors selling truck shocks in some rant online LOL Thanks for the heads up Strange how they are promoting these shocks as made for this car These are specifically engineered for Fiats, not some other kind of shock that "just happens to fit". Modern low-pressure "gas-charged" shock technology ensures you the maximum handling and a smooth, comfortable ride. High-quality, long lasting construction, made by Gabriel, a name you know and trust! All new rubber shock mount bushings and hardware are included for your ease and completeness of installation (other vendors charge extra for these parts!).

[4uall]

I am going to go with these instead

http://www.autoricambi.us/cgi/commerce. ... ey=SU8-426

[NJFIAT1981]

A couple of club members here have tried the Monroe shocks with excellent results. I have used the KYB and Koni's and have been happy with both. George

[4uall]

certainly a lot of choices trying to gather as much info as possible prior to making the change

[maytag]

I am going to go with these instead

http://www.autoricambi.us/cgi/commerce. ... ey=SU8-426

Those are absolutely the ones I would recommend. I came to choose those after a lot of online research, and I'm not disappointed.

[4uall]

Is it as hard as some say to replace these? My manual shows it not to be too difficult however, I do not have a spring compressor and I am a team of 1

[4uall]

duplicate post

[burlybryan]

I just installed the KYB's. Front is easy as long as the shock shaft doesn't spin (although you can use a vice grip on the top lug area). You have to jack up the suspension a little to get the old one out and new in.

Rears were a bigger pain. I used an outside style spring compressor to get enough play in the spring to maneuver the shock out once disconnected. This proved troublesome because since the shock is so long and there isn't any room to compress it, it's a challenge to get it up and over the mount. Aside from that, it's a pretty straightforward job.

[narfire]

The fronts are kinda straight forward. I jacked up on the frame and then used a bottle jack to lift the lower a arm just a tad. All came out easy.
The rears I jacked up and supported the frame, letting the axle hang. Undid the shocks and then pulled the spring and shock out as on, reverse and perhaps a bottle jack again on the rear diff to help bump the axle/ shock up a bit and it worked for me.

VERY IMPORTANT.... stuff a rag or something down the black-hole at the top of the rear shock tower or have a extendable magnet handy... before taking the nut off.

[bran100]

Interesting, that domain is registered to Ed at Caribou Imports. I don't personally have history, but it sounds like quite a few others have.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with these?

http://www.fiatshockabsorbers.com/

[codewarrior77006]

VERY IMPORTANT.... stuff a rag or something down the black-hole at the top of the rear shock tower or have a extendable magnet handy... before taking the nut off.

THAT'S THE BEST ADVICE I'VE GOTTEN IN A LONG TIME!!!

I worked on my rear shocks today and were it not for a rag stuffed all around the rear shock tower, those little nuts would have become a permanent rattle in the car.

Thanks!

[dmwhiteoak]

I also have the KYB's and am very pleased. After supporting the frame and letting the axel hang, use a floor jack to pivot either side of the axel. It will help alot going back with the new shocks.

[4uall]

Original front shock and lower bolt fused with inner shaft of bushings by itzebtze, on Flickr


New Monroe Sensatrac front shock and bolt by itzebtze, on Flickr