KYB shocks

[thomas g. warner]

Recently purchased 6 new KYB shocks from Gateway motorhome company, for my
1976 palmbeach, 2 each KG-5435 for the front and 4 each KG-5436 for the
back. They arrived the other day.

Upon inspection I found that the welds to the top and bottom mounting eyes
were very poor, and were more tack welded than welded. I now am reluctant
to install them. Anyone else have a similar occurrence or opinion??????

 

[thomas g. warner]

dave in the case of Caspro shocks could not agree with you more. sometimes
our eyes get us in trouble. The caspro shocks use the old double tube
technology and hence APPEAR larger and more rugged. They are made by
gabriel and are not in the same class as the Bilstiens or the KYB. Read
the recent article in this months GMC motorhome news from cinnabar engineeing.

>I've had KYBs on my coach for the past 60k miles and they seem to be all
>right, altho come to think of it I should be thinking about replacing
>them. Funny thing about shocks...it is hard to tell when they stop
>performing as they should.
>
>Anyway, after seeing the article on shocks in a recent GMC MH MP
>Magazine, I will undoubtedly go with Caspro's shocks. A picture is worth
>a thousand words!
>
>Dave
>David Lee Greenberg
>GMC Motorhome Registry
>Delray Beach, FL
>davegreenberg1
>
>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:45:06 -0500 (EST) "Thomas G. Warner"

>>Recently purchased 6 new KYB shocks from Gateway motorhome company,
>>for my
>>1976 palmbeach, 2 each KG-5435 for the front and 4 each KG-5436 for
>>the
>>back. They arrived the other day.
>>
>>Upon inspection I found that the welds to the top and bottom mounting
>>eyes
>>were very poor, and were more tack welded than welded. I now am
>>reluctant
>>to install them. Anyone else have a similar occurrence or
>>opinion??????

 

[thomas g. warner]

P.S. the kybs are warrantied for life. If they are bad they will replace them.

>I've had KYBs on my coach for the past 60k miles and they seem to be all
>right, altho come to think of it I should be thinking about replacing
>them. Funny thing about shocks...it is hard to tell when they stop
>performing as they should.
>
>Anyway, after seeing the article on shocks in a recent GMC MH MP
>Magazine, I will undoubtedly go with Caspro's shocks. A picture is worth
>a thousand words!
>
>Dave
>David Lee Greenberg
>GMC Motorhome Registry
>Delray Beach, FL
>davegreenberg1
>
>On Thu, 2 Apr 1998 22:45:06 -0500 (EST) "Thomas G. Warner"

>>Recently purchased 6 new KYB shocks from Gateway motorhome company,
>>for my
>>1976 palmbeach, 2 each KG-5435 for the front and 4 each KG-5436 for
>>the
>>back. They arrived the other day.
>>
>>Upon inspection I found that the welds to the top and bottom mounting
>>eyes
>>were very poor, and were more tack welded than welded. I now am
>>reluctant
>>to install them. Anyone else have a similar occurrence or
>>opinion??????

 

[thomas g. warner]

This is not a matter of preference but one of technology. The highest
performance cars in the world come standard with bilstien or KYB gas shocks.
The selection of a shock for the GMC motorhome should be based on how well
the shock works over a period of time, unless price is of primary
importance. Old technology double tube shocks of the caspro(built by
gabriel), monroe, gabriel style just do not hold up over even a short period
of time. they start to degrade almost immediately upon installation. I
have studied the technical design of the two shocks(I am a retired
engineer),and believe that bilstien is the superior shock of the two, only
because of the way the tube is manufactured, ie; the qualtiy of the
components. However the KYB is very close. When one takes into
concideration the price of the two shocks $494/6 shocks for the bilsteins,
$294/6 KYB's, I believe that the KYB is a far better buy. Both shocks come
with a lifetime guarantee. My only question pertained to other GMCers
experience with the shocks over time and the quality of the welds at the eyes.

>GMCers
>
>Lets all go easy here. Is a Ford better than a Chevy? Honda better
>than a Toyato? Who can say as long as we all keep t
>
>

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> I just fired up for the first time the Onan 4000 today and it ran
> fine until it started blowing smoke and leaking dark oil down behind
> the front and on down to the muffler. Being a new owner I would thank
> and welcome any advise in these 2 matters. The onan seems to still
> start fine but I am hesitant to go any further without help from my
> Experienced Piers. Thanks

Sounds like it might be a bad oil pressure safety switch. There was a
post about two days ago on this subject.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[larry miglore]

- -----Original Message-----
From: Gcbr
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Saturday, April 04, 1998 8:25 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: KYB shocks

>GMCers
>
>Lets all go easy here. Is a Ford better than a Chevy? Honda better
>than a Toyato? Who can say as long as we all keep t

As the Maggot-infested, dope-smoking, FM-type "reporter" who queried Bill
Clinton said, "Can't we all learn to just live together?"

Nonsense to that and to the comparison of Honda to Toyota. Performance is
what counts (or is it character?).

Larry Miglore

 

[thomas g. warner]

For everyones information from an inquiry that I made to KYB.

>TOM, THE PART NUMBERS YOU PURCHASED FOR YOUR MOTORHOME ARE THE CORRECT
NUMBERS. THEY ARE EQUIVALENT IN DESIGN TO THE BILSTEIN'S(MONOTUBE,HIGH
PRESSURE GAS). THE WELD FLASHING YOU SEE IS NORMAL(DUE TO INDUCTIVE
RESISTANCE WELDING) AND HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. IN THE 12 YEARS I'VE BEEN
WITH KYB I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN EYERING TO BODY WELD FAILURE. EACH PRODUCTION
RUN OF KYB SHOCKS HAVE SAMPLES THAT ARE TENSILE TESTED TO ASSURE THAT THE
AUTOMATED WELDING EQUIPMENT IS SET UP PROPERLY PRIOR TO RUNNING THE
PRODUCTION LOT.
>
>THE GMC FWD MOTORHOME SHOCKS HAVE BEEN VERY POPULAR AND HAVE BEEN ENDORSED
BY THE GMC MOTORHOME CLUB (IN VERMONT).
>
>I HOPE YOU INSTALL THE SHOCKS AND ENJOY THEM.
>
>REGARDS, CHUCK G.
>
>
>----------
>From: Thomas G. Warner[SMTP:warner]
>Sent: Thursday, April 02, 1998 10:37 PM
>To: 'shock'
>Subject: KYB shocks
>
>I just purchased shocks for my GMC motorhome, 2 each KG- 5435 for the front
and 4 each KG-5436 for the back. I have not installed them yet. I inspected
each one and find that the welds to the top and bottom rings is very poor
with weld splatters and very weak looking welds. They do not appear strong
enough for the application. I am very reluctant to install them on the
motorhome as I do not want to replace them while on a long trip, even though
they have a lifetime guarantee.
>
>I was impressed with your Webb site and bought them based on the
information contained there. I believed the KYB shocks to be the equivalent
to german Bilstein shocks but now wonder.
>
>Is it possible that these shocks are not genuine KYB shocks?
>
>Your assistance is requested.
>
>P.S. I am an engineer.
>
>Tom Warner
>315-829-3398
>
>
>
>
>

 

[chuck blanford]

Ditto from Idaho. I installed the KYB's last year, and after reading about
the Caspro's in GMCMM, I contemplated replacing them. (Nothing but the
best for the old girl, you know) I will also keep the KYB's, as a result
of the knowledge gained from the postings. Thanks, all.

Chuck
77 Kingsley

- ----------
> From: David L. Greenberg
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: KYB shocks
> Date: Tuesday, April 07, 1998 12:21 PM
>
> Thanks for all the arguments regarding KYB, et al, shocks. I am now
> convinced...I WILL stay with my old trusty KYBs. Thanks again for the
> inputs! Thats what makes this GMCnet so great.
> Dave
>
> David Lee Greenberg
> GMC Motorhome Registry
> Delray Beach, FL
> davegreenberg1

 

[phil swanson]

If anyone wants a killer deal on the KYBs, call PROAM at 1 (800)
847-5712, I got the rears for $35 each plus a small charge for shipping.
Lowest price here in San Diego was $45 each plus state tax. Saved 40
bucks just on the rears!. Didn't need fronts. P/Ns are:
Front: KG 5435
Rears: KG 5436

Now if we can bust the prices of the Alcoa Wheels we'd be in business.
We need to get someone who just got a set for the GMC to read the number
right off the wheel so we can get the right ones at Discount Tire or
wherever. No sense paying these middlemen these outrageous prices.

Keep on hunting for lowest prices, Phil Swanson

-

From: "Chuck Blanford"
To:
Subject: Re: GMC: KYB shocks
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 11:04:23 -0500

Ditto from Idaho. I installed the KYB's last year, and after reading about
the Caspro's in GMCMM, I contemplated replacing them. (Nothing but the
best for the old girl, you know) I will also keep the KYB's, as a result
of the knowledge gained from the postings. Thanks, all.

Chuck
77 Kingsley

- ----------
> From: David L. Greenberg
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: KYB shocks
> Date: Tuesday, April 07, 1998 12:21 PM
>
> Thanks for all the arguments regarding KYB, et al, shocks. I am now
> convinced...I WILL stay with my old trusty KYBs. Thanks again for the
> inputs! Thats what makes this GMCnet so great.
> Dave
>
> David Lee Greenberg
> GMC Motorhome Registry
> Delray Beach, FL
> davegreenberg1

 

[hdavis]

>
>If anyone wants a killer deal on the KYBs, call PROAM at 1 (800)
>847-5712, I got the rears for $35 each plus a small charge for shipping.
>Lowest price here in San Diego was $45 each plus state tax. Saved 40
>bucks just on the rears!. Didn't need fronts. P/Ns are:
>Front: KG 5435
>Rears: KG 5436
>
>Now if we can bust the prices of the Alcoa Wheels we'd be in business.
>We need to get someone who just got a set for the GMC to read the number
>right off the wheel so we can get the right ones at Discount Tire or
>wherever. No sense paying these middlemen these outrageous prices.
>
> Keep on hunting for lowest prices, Phil Swanson
>
>

Here's the numbers according to Alcoa and Cinnabar:

16x6 Alcoa #160-231

You'll also want to get the Alcoa nut& washers to go withn the wheels.
Alcoa has three styles of cap for the wheel -chrome, polished aluminum, and
a full wheel cover.

Henry

 

[herm beeck]

In reference to KYB shocks
Can anyone tell me why I wear out the rubber bushings on my shocks?
What do I do with a good KYB shock without bushings?
Hermann

>
> For everyones information from an inquiry that I made to KYB.
>

> >TOM, THE PART NUMBERS YOU PURCHASED FOR YOUR MOTORHOME ARE THE
CORRECT
> NUMBERS. THEY ARE EQUIVALENT IN DESIGN TO THE BILSTEIN'S(MONOTUBE,HIGH
> PRESSURE GAS). THE WELD FLASHING YOU SEE IS NORMAL(DUE TO INDUCTIVE
> RESISTANCE WELDING) AND HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. IN THE 12 YEARS I'VE
BEEN
> WITH KYB I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN EYERING TO BODY WELD FAILURE. EACH
PRODUCTION
> RUN OF KYB SHOCKS HAVE SAMPLES THAT ARE TENSILE TESTED TO ASSURE
THAT THE
> AUTOMATED WELDING EQUIPMENT IS SET UP PROPERLY PRIOR TO RUNNING THE
> PRODUCTION LOT.
> >
> >THE GMC FWD MOTORHOME SHOCKS HAVE BEEN VERY POPULAR AND HAVE BEEN
ENDORSED
> BY THE GMC MOTORHOME CLUB (IN VERMONT).
> >
> >I HOPE YOU INSTALL THE SHOCKS AND ENJOY THEM.
> >
> >REGARDS, CHUCK G.
> >
> >
> >----------
> >From: Thomas G. Warner[SMTP:warner]
> >Sent: Thursday, April 02, 1998 10:37 PM
> >To: 'shock'
> >Subject: KYB shocks
> >
> >I just purchased shocks for my GMC motorhome, 2 each KG- 5435 for
the front
> and 4 each KG-5436 for the back. I have not installed them yet. I
inspected
> each one and find that the welds to the top and bottom rings is very
poor
> with weld splatters and very weak looking welds. They do not appear
strong
> enough for the application. I am very reluctant to install them on
the
> motorhome as I do not want to replace them while on a long trip,
even though
> they have a lifetime guarantee.
> >
> >I was impressed with your Webb site and bought them based on the
> information contained there. I believed the KYB shocks to be the
equivalent
> to german Bilstein shocks but now wonder.
> >
> >Is it possible that these shocks are not genuine KYB shocks?
> >
> >Your assistance is requested.
> >
> >P.S. I am an engineer.
> >
> >Tom Warner
> >315-829-3398

 

[thomas g. warner]

Ask KYB? I have never heard of anyone wearing out the bushings unless you
have undersized studs.

>In reference to KYB shocks
>Can anyone tell me why I wear out the rubber bushings on my shocks?
>What do I do with a good KYB shock without bushings?
>Hermann
>
>
>
>

>>
>> For everyones information from an inquiry that I made to KYB.
>>

>> >TOM, THE PART NUMBERS YOU PURCHASED FOR YOUR MOTORHOME ARE THE
>CORRECT
>> NUMBERS. THEY ARE EQUIVALENT IN DESIGN TO THE BILSTEIN'S(MONOTUBE,HIGH
>> PRESSURE GAS). THE WELD FLASHING YOU SEE IS NORMAL(DUE TO INDUCTIVE
>> RESISTANCE WELDING) AND HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM. IN THE 12 YEARS I'VE
>BEEN
>> WITH KYB I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN EYERING TO BODY WELD FAILURE. EACH
>PRODUCTION
>> RUN OF KYB SHOCKS HAVE SAMPLES THAT ARE TENSILE TESTED TO ASSURE
>THAT THE
>> AUTOMATED WELDING EQUIPMENT IS SET UP PROPERLY PRIOR TO RUNNING THE
>> PRODUCTION LOT.
>> >
>> >THE GMC FWD MOTORHOME SHOCKS HAVE BEEN VERY POPULAR AND HAVE BEEN
>ENDORSED
>> BY THE GMC MOTORHOME CLUB (IN VERMONT).
>> >
>> >I HOPE YOU INSTALL THE SHOCKS AND ENJOY THEM.
>> >
>> >REGARDS, CHUCK G.
>> >
>> >
>> >----------
>> >From: Thomas G. Warner[SMTP:warner]
>> >Sent: Thursday, April 02, 1998 10:37 PM
>> >To: 'shock'
>> >Subject: KYB shocks
>> >
>> >I just purchased shocks for my GMC motorhome, 2 each KG- 5435 for
>the front
>> and 4 each KG-5436 for the back. I have not installed them yet. I
>inspected
>> each one and find that the welds to the top and bottom rings is very
>poor
>> with weld splatters and very weak looking welds. They do not appear
>strong
>> enough for the application. I am very reluctant to install them on
>the
>> motorhome as I do not want to replace them while on a long trip,
>even though
>> they have a lifetime guarantee.
>> >
>> >I was impressed with your Webb site and bought them based on the
>> information contained there. I believed the KYB shocks to be the
>equivalent
>> to german Bilstein shocks but now wonder.
>> >
>> >Is it possible that these shocks are not genuine KYB shocks?
>> >
>> >Your assistance is requested.
>> >
>> >P.S. I am an engineer.
>> >
>> >Tom Warner
>> >315-829-3398

 

[herm beeck]

Rick
Thank you for your helping words. I will check my mounts and replace
the bushings. I thought the Arizona heat got to the rubber but my
other vehicles do not show the same symtoms.
Thanks for the reply
Herm

>

> > In reference to KYB shocks
> > Can anyone tell me why I wear out the rubber bushings on my shocks?
> > What do I do with a good KYB shock without bushings?
> Herman,
> In my experience, the most common cause of worn out shock bushings
is
> misaligned mounts. The upper and lower mounting studs or bolts must
be
> parallel to each other, else the bushings get flexed, squeezed, and
twisted
> with each stroke.
> This is especially a problem with the GMC, where the front shock
mounts are
> a bit fragile, and must do extra duty as bump/rebound stops. Also,
since our
> coaches ride softer than most with longer wheel travel (especially
in back),
> our shocks get exercised more than most.
> You should be able to get replacement bushings from KYB and/or a
well-
> stocked parts store. Be sure the mounting studs and bolts are dead
parallel
> and perpendicular to the shock absorber (straighten as necessary).
For
> maximum bushing life and best ride, the mounting hardware for the
bushings
> should not be tightened until the coach is resting on its wheels at
normal
> ride height (same as for any other rubber suspension bushings like
control
> arms, etc.)
> BTW, I sold and used KYBs for many years and consider them good
quality
> shocks, but not as good as the Bilsteins I finally bought for 'The
Dancing
> Bear'. I have a set (KYBs) on my 4-Runner that are just about worn
> out/leaking after 5 years. OTOH, I used to drive French cars for
many years,
> and therefore never slow down for dips, bumps, or small boulders, so
they've
> had a workout.
> Good luck,
>
> Rick Staples,
> Louisville, CO
>