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Anyone try a set of KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (not GR2's) in the front end of a V8 Monza?

The stock length S-10 shocks are probably too long, but all the lowering kit companies make shorter ones like Belltech's "Nitro Drop" line.

I thought Chris Alston was offering a 3 way adjustable shock for H bods..

Had to try something. The GR-2"s just aren't strong enough to control a V8 Monza front end. Way too much floating around. They might be good enough for a V6 car but not a V8.

The S10 Gas-A-Justs are within fractions of an inch of the Monza GR-2's on all dimensions. The obvious difference is the lack of an internal bump stop but it appears that the upper control arm will hit the shock tower before the shock over extends.

One thing I've noticed is that two different manufacturer's dimensions are not exactly the same for the same application.

Had to narrow the mounting t-bar on the S-10 shock to fit the Monza mount.

The S-10's will install through the factory shock hole in the lower control arm but you have to remove the two shock mounting U-Nuts for clearance.
Once I got the shock in I compressed it with a bottle jack then slid the U-Nuts back into position (easy to do)

I'll let you guys know how it works out.

Here's a pic of the two shocks side by side

Looks good but you definitely need a bump to stop to avoid the exact situation you described. You don't want the upper arm slamming into the shock tower on full extension.

The GR-2's were already letting that happen. More so on the passenger side than the driver's side.
At maximum suspension extension the GR-2's did not top out. When I unbolted the shocks they dropped down an extra 1/2"

Finished installing the KYB S-10 shocks in the front and took the Spyder for a test drive yesterday.

What an improvement ! Drove like a modern European touring car (I've got an Audi A4 sport).

Took it down my usual country road with a lot of dips and bumps that with the GR-2's would top out the suspension and with the GAS-A JUSTS nothing.
Cooked an on ramp to the highway at a much faster speed than I would have before and she tracked beautifully with a lot more confidence. When I turned the wheel the car turned instantly.

For less than $40 a shock at Summit it was probably the best money I've spent on my Spyder.

No doubt. I must try this...

Just today...I was driving my spyder and went a little fast over a rise in the road at little bridge over a creek.

The little rise in the road sent the nose up, and when the pavement settled back down the wheels went with the road but the nose of the car wallowed and teetered at full extension, making the upcoming curve a little scary.

I believe I have pretty aged set of monroe gas matics up front. I have a set of aging GR-2's that go with my spring kit if I ever get that installed again. Like your's they seemed better suited towards a V6 car..

Might have to try these out. Thanks for the review. Do you have a part number?

Forgot to give you guys some info:

Shock PN: KG5450 ($36.28 @ Summit)

Tie Bar mod: Have to take about 0.300" off from the total width (0.150" each side) and then deepen the bolts slots accordingly (use a Monza shock as a pattern). I used a file and it took me an hour to do both shocks.

As for the facts, S10 shocks pretty much match perfectly on Monza/Hbody with later control arms(deep pocket). I used a set of Monroe Reflex on the front of my 77 back 01 when thew brought them out, AWESOME shocks, 3 Hbody owners rove my car and commented on how great the front rode, no nose dive and complimented my S10/swing arm rear suspension w/Abody Sensatrac shocks(kid jacked car up and needed longer shock so I got them for FREE like 3 month old.
But the S10 shocks are a perfect fit but MIGHT be slightly stiff on 4 cyl/6cyl cars.
I am working on some coil over kits for Hbody that should make them handle much better. These will be including the Air Ride I am working on.

acstestinc wrote:Finished installing the KYB S-10 shocks in the front and took the Spyder for a test drive yesterday.

What an improvement ! Drove like a modern European touring car (I've got an Audi A4 sport).

Took it down my usual country road with a lot of dips and bumps that with the GR-2's would top out the suspension and with the GAS-A JUSTS nothing.
Cooked an on ramp to the highway at a much faster speed than I would have before and she tracked beautifully with a lot more confidence. When I turned the wheel the car turned instantly.

For less than $40 a shock at Summit it was probably the best money I've spent on my Spyder.

Thanx for doing the guinea pig work for us, looks like this is exactly what I currently need for my junk only in a lowered s10 version. Good info and post!

For rear shocks KYB Gas-A Just PN: KG5506 (1969 - 78 Nova) fit perfect. Only the upper tie bar mount needs to be re-clocked to the right position.

With the KYB Gas-A-Just's front and back the car rides / handles great.

Thanks

for rear shocks I used plain old Monroe Sensa Tracs for a 70 Monte Carlo, worked fine.

acstestinc wrote:Forgot to give you guys some info:

Shock PN: KG5450 ($36.28 @ Summit)

Tie Bar mod: Have to take about 0.300" off from the total width (0.150" each side) and then deepen the bolts slots accordingly (use a Monza shock as a pattern). I used a file and it took me an hour to do both shocks.

I am ordering a set we will see how they fit the Overkill LCA.
37.02 now
Merle

Don't forget Monza front shocks incorporate a internal bump stop for full extension. Many other shocks do not have this feature so you may want to add a bump stop under the upper control arm