Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
| Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172275] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 16:04  |
biggreen
Messages: 347
Registered: June 2011
Location: Northeast Florida
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
KYB or Bilstein?
Whadda ya think?
Thanks.
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| Re: Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172282 is a reply to message #172275] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 17:18  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 15:04 |
Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
KYB or Bilstein?
Whadda ya think?
Thanks.
|
KYB
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172306 is a reply to message #172275] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 19:58 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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I'd say the Bilstiens have a better ride (luxury) but the KYB have more control and firmness. I think they cost less too. I have Bilstiens and no problems so far. Fronts could be firmer on certain dips in the road. In the rear with doubles, not problem.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172309 is a reply to message #172275] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 20:18 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 14:04 |
Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
KYB or Bilstein?
Whadda ya think?
Thanks.
|
From my experience, Bilstein shocks are not as robust as KYB. When jacking you really have to make sure you have let the pressure out of the air bags BEFORE the suspension bottoms out. The Bilsteins do not seem to be able to handle the job as the lower suspension limit... and leak oil when bottomed out. (Remember that they work "backwards" to most applications and compress when the coach is jacked up.)
I also understand the KYB are better warranted.
So... KYB's
Call JimK (or JimB)
Another note when replacing shocks:
While it doesn't effect you with your '77, some early coaches ('73/74) should have the boogies ground to prevent interference with ANY shock. <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous/p12025.html> The redesign around 1975 removed the lip from the casting so there isn't any interference on the later coaches. (Look at the old ones to see if you have an issue.)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172338 is a reply to message #172275] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 22:37 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I like Bilstein better.
BUT.....
On the 4 rear ones if you do not know how to jack up the coach correctly, the Bilsteins will blow the seals and leak oil all over the place. Ask me how I know. I blew two new ones apart before I learned to completely remove ALL air pressure in the bags BEFORE lifting the coach. I actually remove the air line from the bags BEFORE lifting the coach.
Bilstein will NOT warranty / replace their shocks for this failure.
So if you understand the problem and are careful Bilsteins will work. Otherwise get the KYBs. I also believe KYBs are cheaper.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
[Updated on: Wed, 06 June 2012 22:37] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172339 is a reply to message #172309] |
Wed, 06 June 2012 22:37 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| Mike Miller wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 19:18 |
| biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 14:04 |
Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
KYB or Bilstein?
Whadda ya think?
Thanks.
|
From my experience, Bilstein shocks are not as robust as KYB. When jacking you really have to make sure you have let the pressure out of the air bags BEFORE the suspension bottoms out. The Bilsteins do not seem to be able to handle the job as the lower suspension limit... and leak oil when bottomed out. (Remember that they work "backwards" to most applications and compress when the coach is jacked up.)
I also understand the KYB are better warranted.
So... KYB's
Call JimK (or JimB)
Another note when replacing shocks:
While it doesn't effect you with your '77, some early coaches ('73/74) should have the boogies ground to prevent interference with ANY shock. <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous/p12025.html> The redesign around 1975 removed the lip from the casting so there isn't any interference on the later coaches. (Look at the old ones to see if you have an issue.)
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I was trying to be honest on this net which seems to be not acceptable these days but the Bilsteins are junk and way over priced.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172358 is a reply to message #172357] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 07:59 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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The rear shocks are set up backwards to other socks-- they do their job in the out direction. Don't know this for sure but to my knowledge the only 2 shocks that do that are the Bilstein (which I would not touch) or the KYB's. This is always one of those subjects-- people have a love/hate love affair with shocks. I had a time when Bilstein would not honor their warranty on rear shocks having the eyelet come apart-- said it was"operator damage". Jim K. must be deep in their bed because he has taken care of several issues-- thanks very much-- but still I lost so much on replacing shocks under "warranty"" to find out I got hooped-- enough with that! I use KYB shocks, have not had any returns-- that says alote to me. So if you come here with spazzed out Bilsteins-- I'm calling Jim K. to put on his kneepads and help out-- I want no part of them.
Just my opinion from getting burned--
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
________________________________
From: Bob Drewes <bmdrewes@iw.ne
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 16:04
> Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
>
> KYB or Bilstein?
>
> Whadda ya think?
>
> Thanks.
When researching info on shocks several years ago, I found the extended & retracted dimensions on some shocks that are currently recommended for the GMCMH are not even close to what the OEM spec's were. After contacting Monroe tech on this matter, they informed me the Monroe shock is the same spec's as OEM was. The front, #555045 replaces the OEM 4975488. For the rear, #555046 replaces OEM 4975412.
Go to this Monroe site and check them out, put in the shock number and it will give you all the spec's.
http://www.monroe.com/catalog/Part-Search
I have had these shocks on my coach for 20K miles with good results.
Bob Drewes in SESD
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172361 is a reply to message #172358] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 08:30 |
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hnielsen2
Messages: 1434
Registered: February 2004
Location: Alpine CA
Karma: 0
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Jim;
I have never had a problem with Brillstein's on our GMC.
I did have a problem on my 1950 Chevy P/U with a dropped front axel and the
local Brillstein dealer made right.
Howard
Alpine Ca
26' Canyon Lands
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Bounds" <gmccoop@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 05:59
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
The rear shocks are set up backwards to other socks-- they do their job in
the out direction. Don't know this for sure but to my knowledge the only 2
shocks that do that are the Bilstein (which I would not touch) or the KYB's.
This is always one of those subjects-- people have a love/hate love affair
with shocks. I had a time when Bilstein would not honor their warranty on
rear shocks having the eyelet come apart-- said it was"operator damage". Jim
K. must be deep in their bed because he has taken care of several issues--
thanks very much-- but still I lost so much on replacing shocks under
"warranty"" to find out I got hooped-- enough with that! I use KYB shocks,
have not had any returns-- that says alote to me. So if you come here with
spazzed out Bilsteins-- I'm calling Jim K. to put on his kneepads and help
out-- I want no part of them.
Just my opinion from getting burned--
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
________________________________
From: Bob Drewes <bmdrewes@iw.ne
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 16:04
> Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
>
> KYB or Bilstein?
>
> Whadda ya think?
>
> Thanks.
When researching info on shocks several years ago, I found the extended &
retracted dimensions on some shocks that are currently recommended for the
GMCMH are not even close to what the OEM spec's were. After contacting
Monroe tech on this matter, they informed me the Monroe shock is the same
spec's as OEM was. The front, #555045 replaces the OEM 4975488. For the
rear, #555046 replaces OEM 4975412.
Go to this Monroe site and check them out, put in the shock number and it
will give you all the spec's.
http://www.monroe.com/catalog/Part-Search
I have had these shocks on my coach for 20K miles with good results.
Bob Drewes in SESD
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All is well with my Lord
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172365 is a reply to message #172351] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 08:55 |
shawnee
Messages: 422
Registered: February 2004
Location: NC
Karma: 0
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| hnielsen2 wrote on Thu, 07 June 2012 02:06 |
I do too.
Howard
Alpine Ca
26' Canyon Lands
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Burton" <n9cv@comcast.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 20:37
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
>
>
> I like Bilstein better.
>
> BUT.....
>
> On the 4 rear ones if you do not know how to jack up the coach correctly,
> the Bilsteins will blow the seals and leak oil all over the place. Ask me
> how I know. I blew two new ones apart before I learned to completely
> remove ALL air pressure in the bags BEFORE lifting the coach. I actually
> remove the air line from the bags BEFORE lifting the coach.
>
> Bilstein will NOT warranty / replace their shocks for this failure.
>
> oO if you understand the problem and are careful Bilsteins will work.
> Otherwise get the KYBs. I also believe KYBs are cheaper.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
|
Ken,
If you get a piece of steel plate about 1/4 inch thick, about 4 inches wide and about 10 inches long and slide it under the bogie arms evenly before you jack the coach up, you will never have to worry about the shocks extending too far. You will also not have to jack the coach up so much to get the tires off the ground. Works when you grease the bogies also
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172369 is a reply to message #172361] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 09:03 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'm happy they did the right thing and maye I should say let bygones be bygones but it cost me dearly to loose not only yhe labor to do the swap which as a dealer you just have to say what the heck but also having to eat the cost of the shock--- fool me once shame on you....!
The KYB shocks have not only held up well, have had folks tell me they could feel the difference but if I'm not mistaken they are less dollars as well. I can only speak from my first person experiences and that's what happened to me. Bilstein are good shocks, you must admit that but so are KYB's,
Jim Bounds
---------------------
________________________________
From: Howard and Sue <hnielsen2@cox.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 9:30 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
Jim;
I have never had a problem with Brillstein's on our GMC.
I did have a problem on my 1950 Chevy P/U with a dropped front axel and the
local Brillstein dealer made right.
Howard
Alpine Ca
26' Canyon Lands
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Bounds" <gmccoop@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 05:59
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
The rear shocks are set up backwards to other socks-- they do their job in
the out direction. Don't know this for sure but to my knowledge the only 2
shocks that do that are the Bilstein (which I would not touch) or the KYB's.
This is always one of those subjects-- people have a love/hate love affair
with shocks. I had a time when Bilstein would not honor their warranty on
rear shocks having the eyelet come apart-- said it was"operator damage". Jim
K. must be deep in their bed because he has taken care of several issues--
thanks very much-- but still I lost so much on replacing shocks under
"warranty"" to find out I got hooped-- enough with that! I use KYB shocks,
have not had any returns-- that says alote to me. So if you come here with
spazzed out Bilsteins-- I'm calling Jim K. to put on his kneepads and help
out-- I want no part of them.
Just my opinion from getting burned--
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
________________________________
From: Bob Drewes <bmdrewes@iw.ne
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein
biggreen wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 16:04
> Looking to replace the shocks. Late 77 26'
>
> KYB or Bilstein?
>
> Whadda ya think?
>
> Thanks.
When researching info on shocks several years ago, I found the extended &
retracted dimensions on some shocks that are currently recommended for the
GMCMH are not even close to what the OEM spec's were. After contacting
Monroe tech on this matter, they informed me the Monroe shock is the same
spec's as OEM was. The front, #555045 replaces the OEM 4975488. For the
rear, #555046 replaces OEM 4975412.
Go to this Monroe site and check them out, put in the shock number and it
will give you all the spec's.
http://www.monroe.com/catalog/Part-Search
I have had these shocks on my coach for 20K miles with good results.
Bob Drewes in SESD
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172374 is a reply to message #172365] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 09:16 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Gene,
Good idea!
BUT remember to drop the air pressure in the bags once the jack is firmly
under the bogie.
If you don't when you lift the coach to get the rear wheel off the ground
the force exerted by the air bags will be transferred to the piece of steel.
Dumb a$$ here forgot to do that and bent one that KenH has as his shop. It's
easy to fix though, give it to another dumb a$$ and tell him to insert it
under the bogie arms with the bend down. ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Dotson
Ken,
If you get a piece of steel plate about 1/4 inch thick, about 4 inches wide
and about 10 inches long and slide it under the bogie arms evenly before you
jack the coach up, you will never have to worry about the shocks extending
too far. You will also not have to jack the coach up so much to get the
tires off the ground. Works when you grease the bogies also
--
Gene
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172387 is a reply to message #172374] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 10:28 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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When I first got my 78 Royale, it had a fairly new set of Bilstein's on it.
As I was rebuilding the hubs and knuckles and wheel bearings, I had the
shocks off. The Bilstein's are gas charged and if they are still
serviceable, when you remove them, they should extend to the end of their
travel. Neither of my front ones moved when I unbolted them, and both were
leaking fluid around the shafts. I called Jim K & asked about their
supposed lifetime warranty, and he said that it wasn't worth CRAP and
because he sold them, he felt a responsibility to cover warranty issues
himself. I couldn't see me putting another set of them on my coach. I
ordered a set of KYB's from Jim K. When they arrived, I compared the two
front shocks. The bilsteins were quite a bit longer than the KYB shocks. I
had a set of worn out Delco OEM shocks on hand, and compared them to the
KYB's. They were exactly the same length. The shock body on the KYB along
with the mounting eyes is quite a bit more robust than either the
Delco/Monroe or the Bilsteins. After close inspection of the lower control
arm where the axle passes through it, there was evidence of contact between
the axle and the control arm. I think the extra length of the Bilsteins
allowed this contact. In any event, they are not exactly the same as the
OEM or KYB. Just what I know.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 7:16 AM, Robert Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> Gene,
>
> Good idea!
>
> BUT remember to drop the air pressure in the bags once the jack is firmly
> under the bogie.
>
> If you don't when you lift the coach to get the rear wheel off the ground
> the force exerted by the air bags will be transferred to the piece of
> steel.
>
> Dumb a$$ here forgot to do that and bent one that KenH has as his shop.
> It's
> easy to fix though, give it to another dumb a$$ and tell him to insert it
> under the bogie arms with the bend down. ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gene Dotson
>
> Ken,
>
> If you get a piece of steel plate about 1/4 inch thick, about 4 inches wide
> and about 10 inches long and slide it under the bogie arms evenly before
> you
> jack the coach up, you will never have to worry about the shocks extending
> too far. You will also not have to jack the coach up so much to get the
> tires off the ground. Works when you grease the bogies also
>
> --
> Gene
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172388 is a reply to message #172374] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 10:31 |
shawnee
Messages: 422
Registered: February 2004
Location: NC
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Thu, 07 June 2012 10:16 |
Gene,
Good idea!
BUT remember to drop the air pressure in the bags once the jack is firmly
under the bogie.
If you don't when you lift the coach to get the rear wheel off the ground
the force exerted by the air bags will be transferred to the piece of steel.
Dumb a$$ here forgot to do that and bent one that KenH has as his shop. It's
easy to fix though, give it to another dumb a$$ and tell him to insert it
under the bogie arms with the bend down. 
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gene Dotson
Ken,
If you get a piece of steel plate about 1/4 inch thick, about 4 inches wide
and about 10 inches long and slide it under the bogie arms evenly before you
jack the coach up, you will never have to worry about the shocks extending
too far. You will also not have to jack the coach up so much to get the
tires off the ground. Works when you grease the bogies also
Gene
|
Rob,
Sorry, I forgot to mention letting air out of the air bags. I usually jack up a couple inches until I hear air being released from the bags and then go inside and let the rest of the air out of the bag, then finish jacking the coach up with the bogies resting on the plate. When I am finished working on the coach I lower the coach down a little and then let the airbags refill until I can get the floor jack out from the bogies. I also grease the bogies this way just before leaving on each trip somewhere. Has worked for me for 35 years on a 1974 coach.
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shocks- KYB or Bilstein [message #172404 is a reply to message #172361] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 11:36 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The X-Birchaven came with Bilsteins all around when I bought it in '98 --
probably installed in '93. They're still on it and, as far as I can tell,
working well. That said, if I were replacing them today, it would be with
KYB's, based solely on all the pro & con postings I've seen here over the
past 14 years.
Ken H.
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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