KYB Shocks. Anyone?

[B177y]

I have been following and searching the suspension threads for info as my 2024 Pro SSV now has 54,000 miles and I am getting the bouncy ride after hitting a bump or dip. Plenty of info and recommendations for Eibach shocks, but the fronts are out of stock with an estimated ETA of October 2. The Eibach's seem to rapidly go out of stock every time they become available.

I called my local suspension/alignment shop ("Strait Alignment", since we live on the "Strait of Juan de Fuca". Get it? Strait, not straight?) and they suggested OEM Ford or Bilstein. When I told him that Bilstein doesn't make shocks for the Lightning yet, he recommended the OEM Ford again. Said he would install whatever I was able to find, but that he generally doesn't recommend Eibach. Seems opposite of what the forum recommends.

I searched RockAuto, and they sell two different models of KYB shocks, the "Gas-A-Just" and the "Monomax". KYB calls the Gas-A-Just OEM replacements, and the Monomax are called the "performance upgrade" shocks. All four F/R Monomax are available on Rockauto for $475 including WA tax and delivery, so slightly less expensive than the Eibach set of four shocks. The Gas-A-Just fronts are out of stock, just like the Eibach's. Not really interested in the Ford OEM shocks since, well, they already seem like they're done after 50k miles.

I know nothing about the KYB brand or quality of their products, so looking to the collective for any insight.

I truly only know what I have read here on the forum about Lightning suspension. For me, the stock ride of the shocks on the Lightning when new was just fine, maybe a little floaty. The ride to me has now degraded to "bouncy". I would like to go at least OEM ride or a bit stiffer. I don't want to go back a ride like my old 2001 F350 with leaf springs stiff, that just sucked. I guess "sporty" might be a good description of what I'm interested in achieving.

I occasionally haul heavy and tow a 24' ~6000lb travel trailer. It is also my daily driver, commuter, family road tripper, and I do a little light dirt road/off road for hunting access, so I really get a little bit of everything with this truck. No serious off road or mudding. About 25,000 miles/year right now, hopefully lessening soon as my kids hit driving age.

With that, I'm interested in what you have to say or recommend...

Sponsored

 

[Mach Turtle]

I can supply one data point. I have ~15 year old KYBs in my 35 year old Toyota. It's a car, not a truck, so this is only a rather dated reference for the brand. The shocks are manually adjustable; I leave them on their softest setting because anything else feels like continuous kicks in the pants with no real improvement to the handling. They've had no problems, and I don't regret buying them. Overall, I'd rate them as perfectly adequate but nothing special.

 

[B177y]

I can supply one data point. I have ~15 year old KYBs in my 35 year old Toyota. It's a car, not a truck, so this is only a rather dated reference for the brand. The shocks are manually adjustable; I leave them on their softest setting because anything else feels like continuous kicks in the pants with no real improvement to the handling. They've had no problems, and I don't regret buying them. Overall, I'd rate them as perfectly adequate but nothing special.

Sounds like the KYB's at least pass the longevity test. Thanks for the data point.

 

[MichaelCA]

Eibach makes kit specifically for the Lightning. Bilstein people, including myself, put in the gas version model #6112. There are some threads here talking about both.

 

[B177y]

Eibach makes kit specifically for the Lightning. Bilstein people, including myself, put in the gas version model #6112. There are some threads here talking about both.

The Bilstein website doesn't have options specifically for Lightnings, only ICE F150s. I've checked your Bilstein threads but that is more parts and money than I want to get into right now. I also feel like if Bilstein doesn't want to say a product will work for a Lightning which is quite a bit heavier and handles very differently than an ICE F150, I don't really want to experiment.

Eibach and KYB both show specific items for the Lightning on their websites. I am more interested in just shock replacement, still keeping stock height and using the stock springs and other parts, therefore these two manufacturers are better options for me instead of the Bilstein's.

When I searched the Ford parts site, it had shocks ranging from thousands of dollars per shock to $100. Even entering the VIN didn't seem to filter accurately. Can't figure out whats going on there.

 

[Rose bud]

I have been following and searching the suspension threads for info as my 2024 Pro SSV now has 54,000 miles and I am getting the bouncy ride after hitting a bump or dip. Plenty of info and recommendations for Eibach shocks, but the fronts are out of stock with an estimated ETA of October 2. The Eibach's seem to rapidly go out of stock every time they become available.

I called my local suspension/alignment shop ("Strait Alignment", since we live on the "Strait of Juan de Fuca". Get it? Strait, not straight?) and they suggested OEM Ford or Bilstein. When I told him that Bilstein doesn't make shocks for the Lightning yet, he recommended the OEM Ford again. Said he would install whatever I was able to find, but that he generally doesn't recommend Eibach. Seems opposite of what the forum recommends.

I searched RockAuto, and they sell two different models of KYB shocks, the "Gas-A-Just" and the "Monomax". KYB calls the Gas-A-Just OEM replacements, and the Monomax are called the "performance upgrade" shocks. All four F/R Monomax are available on Rockauto for $475 including WA tax and delivery, so slightly less expensive than the Eibach set of four shocks. The Gas-A-Just fronts are out of stock, just like the Eibach's. Not really interested in the Ford OEM shocks since, well, they already seem like they're done after 50k miles.

I know nothing about the KYB brand or quality of their products, so looking to the collective for any insight.

I truly only know what I have read here on the forum about Lightning suspension. For me, the stock ride of the shocks on the Lightning when new was just fine, maybe a little floaty. The ride to me has now degraded to "bouncy". I would like to go at least OEM ride or a bit stiffer. I don't want to go back a ride like my old 2001 F350 with leaf springs stiff, that just sucked. I guess "sporty" might be a good description of what I'm interested in achieving.

I occasionally haul heavy and tow a 24' ~6000lb travel trailer. It is also my daily driver, commuter, family road tripper, and I do a little light dirt road/off road for hunting access, so I really get a little bit of everything with this truck. No serious off road or mudding. About 25,000 miles/year right now, hopefully lessening soon as my kids hit driving age.

With that, I'm interested in what you have to say or recommend...

I recently had KYB’s put on my 2008 ram 1500 4wd truck. I kept the truck for towing and hauling mulch etc. till the wheels fall off. And the flash is for cleaner jobs. The old shocks were shot and the KYB’s r very good replacements. Stiffer than the old oem’s but not too stiff. Gives a nicer ride when hauling. I went with the mono max as I am towing and hauling. Only been on a short time but I like them and the price is in line with what I paid. I did all 4 with coils in the front. I drive all kinds of roads.

 

[Al_V]

KYBs are famous in the motorcycle/motocross world, where they are generally considered the best after Ohlins, which are quite a bit more expensive.
Yamaha motocross and off road bikes (perhaps road and adventure bikes as well, not sure) come with KYB.
In fact I had no idea they made shocks for cars and trucks.
At the end of the day, I would definitely trust them to be as good or better than any other brand.

Sponsored