Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » KYB vs Bilstein
| KYB vs Bilstein [message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 12:32  |
PETEinLongBeach
Messages: 90
Registered: June 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
Karma: 0
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My coach currently has a set of Bilsteins, installed by the previous owner (tires are Michelin LTX on alcoa wheels). I notice that the ride over long undulating road irregularities is acceptably comfortable, but short & sharp bumps/holes/etc are a bit sharp and harsh. I don't recall this degree of harshness in other GMCs I've ridden in.
So, I'm wondering if KYB shocks might have better damping rates for more comfortable ride. Does anyone have any experience directly comparing ride quality/characteristics between KYB and Bilstein? I don't want to install a new set of shocks if the difference is negligible.
Thanks,
Pete.
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186712 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 13:04  |
rssbob
Messages: 259
Registered: January 2004
Location: La Mesa, Ca. (San Diego a...
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Pete,
I had new Bilsteins on both my previous GMCs. Always thought the ride was pretty good. Another plus is they are guaranteed for life, (but don't know the exceptions). With my latest "junk yard dog" salvage coach When I priced out the Bilsteins I was shocked at the price. I could not even get a discount through my sons who both are involved with the tire business. I checked Jim at Applied and found out he had a package deal if you bought all 6 KYBs at once. It was 354.00 back then. Saved some serious cash, almost 200.00 IIRC. Although I cannot truly recall my previous rides for a comparison, I am very pleased with the ride I have now with the KYBs.
On Oct 8, 2012, at 10:32 AM, Pete wrote:
>
>
> My coach currently has a set of Bilsteins, installed by the previous owner (tires are Michelin LTX on alcoa wheels). I notice that the ride over long undulating road irregularities is acceptably comfortable, but short & sharp bumps/holes/etc are a bit sharp and harsh. I don't recall this degree of harshness in other GMCs I've ridden in.
>
> So, I'm wondering if KYB shocks might have better damping rates for more comfortable ride. Does anyone have any experience directly comparing ride quality/characteristics between KYB and Bilstein? I don't want to install a new set of shocks if the difference is negligible.
>
> Thanks,
> Pete.
> --
> Pete Smay
> Long Beach, CA
> 1977 Kingsley
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Bob Sobrito
1978 Palm Beach
La Mesa, Ca
antique pocket watch repair
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| Re: KYB vs Bilstein [message #186718 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 13:59 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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I also bought the KYB after hearing good things about them, and have been happy with my choice. An excellent choice for the money.
If you ask JimK about Bilstein's warrantee, you will get an earful from him. It sounds like a case where you don't get what you pay for.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186726 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 15:43 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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I installed a new set of KYB's several years ago, have been very happy with
them. Old ones by PO were KYB's also.
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Pete <peteinlb@aol.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, October 8, 2012 12:32:59 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein
My coach currently has a set of Bilsteins, installed by the previous owner
(tires are Michelin LTX on alcoa wheels). I notice that the ride over long
undulating road irregularities is acceptably comfortable, but short & sharp
bumps/holes/etc are a bit sharp and harsh. I don't recall this degree of
harshness in other GMCs I've ridden in.
So, I'm wondering if KYB shocks might have better damping rates for more
comfortable ride. Does anyone have any experience directly comparing ride
quality/characteristics between KYB and Bilstein? I don't want to install a new
set of shocks if the difference is negligible.
Thanks,
Pete.
--
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186728 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 16:28 |
Mike Teets
Messages: 299
Registered: January 2004
Location: Dublin, OH
Karma: 0
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I had Bilsteins on my coach from previous owner. When doing the front
brakes this spring I noticed that both shocks were broken at the top mount.
They had about 10,000 miles on them. The steel loops had pulled open where
they are welded to the top of the shock. After talking with JimK about
warrantee headaches, I just purchased KYB's from him. He was prepared to
go after for the warrantee but I didn't want to take the time or increase
frustration.
The ride seems better but I often find that the ride, gas milage, turning
performance, acceleration, stopping distance and thumbs up from passing
motorists gets better every time I spend an hour with tools under the
coach.
MIke, 77 PB,
Dublin, OH
On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 1:32 PM, Pete <peteinlb@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> My coach currently has a set of Bilsteins, installed by the previous owner
> (tires are Michelin LTX on alcoa wheels). I notice that the ride over long
> undulating road irregularities is acceptably comfortable, but short & sharp
> bumps/holes/etc are a bit sharp and harsh. I don't recall this degree of
> harshness in other GMCs I've ridden in.
>
> So, I'm wondering if KYB shocks might have better damping rates for more
> comfortable ride. Does anyone have any experience directly comparing ride
> quality/characteristics between KYB and Bilstein? I don't want to install
> a new set of shocks if the difference is negligible.
>
> Thanks,
> Pete.
> --
> Pete Smay
> Long Beach, CA
> 1977 Kingsley
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Mike, GMCing since 2002
77 Palm Beach, 260, 403
Dublin, OH
http://teamteets.com/gmc/
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186744 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 19:18 |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Bilsteins are warranted for life. I just had a set installed by them on my
Jeep as a test bed by their facility in Poway CA. I plan on taking the
set off the GMC and having them tested there and if out of spec I will get a
new set.
Cheers,
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Pete
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 10:33 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein
My coach currently has a set of Bilsteins, installed by the previous owner
(tires are Michelin LTX on alcoa wheels). I notice that the ride over long
undulating road irregularities is acceptably comfortable, but short & sharp
bumps/holes/etc are a bit sharp and harsh. I don't recall this degree of
harshness in other GMCs I've ridden in.
So, I'm wondering if KYB shocks might have better damping rates for more
comfortable ride. Does anyone have any experience directly comparing ride
quality/characteristics between KYB and Bilstein? I don't want to install a
new set of shocks if the difference is negligible.
Thanks,
Pete.
--
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: KYB vs Bilstein [message #186754 is a reply to message #186708] |
Mon, 08 October 2012 21:36 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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My experience is with Bilstiens on the GMC, on a Tahoe and on an S15 Jimmy. In all cases Id say they provide a luxury Tuned ride synonymous with we used to call a Cadillac ride. I put KYBs on a Corvette C3 and they were very firm and a bit harsh but had good control. Bilsteins are very immune to wearing out but cant be used as a bump stop or limit stop. This breaks them. This type of breakage is whst is hard to warranty out as it looks like abuse. Havent heard any bad KYB chaster snd pricing is better.. But if you want less firm I think you will not be happy with KYB.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186764 is a reply to message #186754] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 02:20 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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We stock both both KYB and Bilstine.
They both have the life time warrenty.
Bilstine gives us lot of red tape, so I favor the KYB.
I have yet to see any KYB brake like the Bilstiene.
On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 7:36 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> My experience is with Bilstiens on the GMC, on a Tahoe and on an S15
> Jimmy. In all cases Id say they provide a luxury Tuned ride synonymous with
> we used to call a Cadillac ride. I put KYBs on a Corvette C3 and they were
> very firm and a bit harsh but had good control. Bilsteins are very immune
> to wearing out but cant be used as a bump stop or limit stop. This breaks
> them. This type of breakage is whst is hard to warranty out as it looks
> like abuse. Havent heard any bad KYB chaster snd pricing is better.. But if
> you want less firm I think you will not be happy with KYB.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> Source America First
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186765 is a reply to message #186764] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 05:33 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have to also throw my support to KYB. I gave up with Biltein after being turned down trying to claim warranties. I do not see defective KYB shocks. Yea, the rubber in the eyelet may wear out but hey, by then it might do your coach good to replace them anyway, why wait until you loose one. Every part has a useful envelope. Put on new ones, sell the old set at a swap meet, someone will buy them!
Jim Bounds
--------------------------
________________________________
From: Jim Kanomata <jimkanomata@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 3:20 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein
We stock both both KYB and Bilstine.
They both have the life time warrenty.
Bilstine gives us lot of red tape, so I favor the KYB.
I have yet to see any KYB brake like the Bilstiene.
On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 7:36 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> My experience is with Bilstiens on the GMC, on a Tahoe and on an S15
> Jimmy. In all cases Id say they provide a luxury Tuned ride synonymous with
> we used to call a Cadillac ride. I put KYBs on a Corvette C3 and they were
> very firm and a bit harsh but had good control. Bilsteins are very immune
> to wearing out but cant be used as a bump stop or limit stop. This breaks
> them. This type of breakage is whst is hard to warranty out as it looks
> like abuse. Havent heard any bad KYB chaster snd pricing is better.. But if
> you want less firm I think you will not be happy with KYB.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> Source America First
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186767 is a reply to message #186764] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 07:33 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I had KYBs put on my coach. I do not find
them to be harsh at all and I have a rough
railroad crossing between my house and the
storage lot where I keep the coach when I
don't have it in my driveway working on it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*
> Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:20:12 -0700
> From: jimkanomata@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein
>
> We stock both both KYB and Bilstine.
> They both have the life time warrenty.
> Bilstine gives us lot of red tape, so I favor the KYB.
> I have yet to see any KYB brake like the Bilstiene.
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 8, 2012 at 7:36 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > My experience is with Bilstiens on the GMC, on a Tahoe and on an S15
> > Jimmy. In all cases Id say they provide a luxury Tuned ride synonymous with
> > we used to call a Cadillac ride. I put KYBs on a Corvette C3 and they were
> > very firm and a bit harsh but had good control. Bilsteins are very immune
> > to wearing out but cant be used as a bump stop or limit stop. This breaks
> > them. This type of breakage is whst is hard to warranty out as it looks
> > like abuse. Havent heard any bad KYB chaster snd pricing is better.. But if
> > you want less firm I think you will not be happy with KYB.
> > --
> > John Lebetski
> > Chicago, IL
> > 77 Eleganza II
> > Source America First
> > _______________________________________________
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186769 is a reply to message #186765] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 08:43 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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| Jim Bounds wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 05:33 |
I have to also throw my support to KYB. I gave up with Biltein after being turned down trying to claim warranties. I do not see defective KYB shocks. Yea, the rubber in the eyelet may wear out but hey, by then it might do your coach good to replace them anyway, why wait until you loose one. Every part has a useful envelope. Put on new ones, sell the old set at a swap meet, someone will buy them!
Jim Bounds
|
Considering the nature of the use/abuse, the KYB's should have a rubber eyelet insert that can take the strain of a 12,000lb vehicle. Proof is in just replacing the inserts with urethane....the issue becomes mute. I will buy KYB's again when these wear out. Knowing what I know now I will install the urethane bushings on the new shocks before installing them on the coach. JMHO
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186772 is a reply to message #186769] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 09:05 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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[quote title=Larry wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 08:43][quote Considering the nature of the use/abuse, the KYB's should have a rubber eyelet insert that can take the strain of a 12,000lb vehicle. Proof is in just replacing the inserts with urethane....the issue becomes mute. I will buy KYB's again when these wear out. Knowing what I know now I will install the urethane bushings on the new shocks before installing them on the coach. JMHO[/quote]
Larry,
Where did you source the urethane bushings for the KYB shock eye?
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186789 is a reply to message #186785] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 13:16 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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[quote title=Larry wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 12:08][quote title=Dennis S wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 09:05]| Larry wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 08:43 |
[quote Considering the nature of the use/abuse, the KYB's should have a rubber eyelet insert that can take the strain of a 12,000lb vehicle. Proof is in just replacing the inserts with urethane....the issue becomes mute. I will buy KYB's again when these wear out. Knowing what I know now I will install the urethane bushings on the new shocks before installing them on the coach. JMHO[/quote]
Larry,
Where did you source the urethane bushings for the KYB shock eye?
Dennis[/quote]
Dennis,
I have an extra set of bushings still in the package. So I went looking for them. I cannot find them. When I do I'll pass the info on to you. IIRC Initially I took the dimentions off of the eyelet and the frame mount. Then went to the Summit Racing web site and ordered them. That was 3 yrs ago that I did that and cannot remember any more of the details. Maybe someone else can chime in here...
|
Larry,
Thank you -- not urgent -- I recently installed new KYB's on the rear and would like to be prepared to change out the bushings when the time comes.
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186791 is a reply to message #186772] |
Tue, 09 October 2012 14:13 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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[quote title=Dennis S wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 09:05][quote title=Larry wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 08:43][quote Considering the nature of the use/abuse, the KYB's should have a rubber eyelet insert that can take the strain of a 12,000lb vehicle. Proof is in just replacing the inserts with urethane....the issue becomes mute. I will buy KYB's again when these wear out. Knowing what I know now I will install the urethane bushings on the new shocks before installing them on the coach. JMHO[/quote]
Larry,
Where did you source the urethane bushings for the KYB shock eye?
Dennis[/quote]
Did anyone think of calling Jim K? He stocks just about everything you can think of for a GMC. He also has both Bilstein and KYB shocks so maybe he has the bushing that you want.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] KYB vs Bilstein [message #186824 is a reply to message #186791] |
Wed, 10 October 2012 01:57 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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I carry the Urethane bushings for the KYB.
Ken Burton is correct, we carry most everything fot the GMC.
On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> [quote title=Dennis S wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 09:05][quote
> title=Larry wrote on Tue, 09 October 2012 08:43][quote Considering the
> nature of the use/abuse, the KYB's should have a rubber eyelet insert that
> can take the strain of a 12,000lb vehicle. Proof is in just replacing the
> inserts with urethane....the issue becomes mute. I will buy KYB's again
> when these wear out. Knowing what I know now I will install the urethane
> bushings on the new shocks before installing them on the coach.
> JMHO[/quote]
>
> Larry,
>
> Where did you source the urethane bushings for the KYB shock eye?
>
> Dennis[/quote]
>
> Did anyone think of calling Jim K? He stocks just about everything you
> can think of for a GMC. He also has both Bilstein and KYB shocks so maybe
> he has the bushing that you want.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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