Installed some KYB shocks...1998 V70

Post by **Eddystone** » 07 Aug 2021, 16:52

A few years ago, I bought a set of two KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and two KYB Excel-G Struts from a guy on Craigslist for I think $120. I know these are not the shocks FCP sells or shocks that get recommended here.

My 1998 V70 has felt all sloppy to me for a while, and I've been trying to sort that out. I have discovered that all the shocks and struts on this car are Monroes that have been there for a while. People don't speak highly of Monroe. I don't know how old the shocks on the car were, but when I took them off, they were absolute crap.

I installed the two KYB Gas-a-Just shocks , and it made a world of difference. Many noises seem to have disappeared, and the car just feels planted when it hits a bump in the road. I guess ANY new shock would have been an improvement, but the Japanese car crowd and the off-road people swear by these. I'm actually quite pleased.

The ones I installed are KYB KG5747 shocks, and they are the only P80 shock KYB makes. You can find them on the web for about $50 each.

Just tossing this out as food for thought and not recommending these over anything else. With all the recent talk about what's now built where and how it's not as good as it used to be, I'm not unhappy that these are still made in Japan.

Side note: I picked up a Moog K90240 strut mount bearing and a National Hub Assembly/BCA 513174 front wheel hub brand new for $20 from Craigslist. Both parts have "Germany" stamped all over them. One of them has an ITA bearing.

Also ordered all the parts to refurbish my CV joints and install the KYB struts in the V70.

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 09 Aug 2021, 07:40

Hardly surprising. KYB are one of the largest shock manufacturers out there, widely used in Motorsport, and have a monstrous R&D budget. I've used KYB on several of my Jap 'dailies' and found then excellent.

Post by **foggydogg** » 09 Aug 2021, 10:09

I'm always confused about fitment on shocks from the Mother Ship, but these fit the rear of some applications and are right cheap.
8600274
https://parts.volvocarsannapolis.com/p/ ... 00274.html
Oh, wait, you already have shocks.

Post by **Eddystone** » 09 Aug 2021, 12:23

foggydogg wrote: 09 Aug 2021, 10:09 I'm always confused about fitment on shocks from the Mother Ship, but these fit the rear of some applications and are right cheap.
8600274
https://parts.volvocarsannapolis.com/p/ ... 00274.html
Oh, wait, you already have shocks.

This is another example of what I have seen more than once, lately. You've probably noticed that OEM Volvo parts for our cars have been somewhat discounted or marked clearance at FCP. I've also noticed that some OEM parts directly from Volvo dealers are being heavily marked down. I think the gist of all of this repricing is that the dealers are dumping their inventory of P80 parts and will no longer carry them in stock.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 13 Aug 2021, 06:00

The last four sets of shocks I've bought have been KYB. The gas-a-justs are killer shocks, firm but not too soft. A few steps up from Monroes and right below bilsteins.

I did put a set of Monroes on my s70 in 2015. They actually surprised me on how well they held up, after 70k they were still firm.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 Aug 2021, 08:20

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Had 4 Monroes on an 87 Acura Integra 4 doors. The ride was a definite improvement over OE but not sporty. Soft but not floaty.

The 4 Monroes on the 93 Ford Aerostar were soft after 50K miles. The Big O Tires we used warrantied them and the ride was restored and was quite an improvement.

Purchased a used 95 Plymouth Grand Voyager and it came with KYB Excel-G fronts and stock rear shocks. KYB warrantied one front strut as it was blown and I purchased another new making both fronts new. One of two new Excel-G was really soft so KYB provided a second unit. The front Excel-G's were Made In Mexico while the rear Gas-a-Just were Japan. The Excel-G's were never that good but the Gas-a-Just were excellent in terms of ride quality loaded and unloaded.

Having installed a set of 4 Gabriel's on a former 98 S70 T5 I think they are a step above both Monroe and equal if not better then the KYB.

Experience with Koni's was on a 98 Maxima. Pretty stiff but not harsh, definitely sporty and lively in a good way.

The Bilstein's were excellent on the 95 E420 (last of the good V8's) till... Have a set of rear Bilsteins on the 08 C30 T5 2.0 with 18" and it's just okay. A little stiff but not harsh.

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Post by **Clemens** » 18 Aug 2021, 15:20

Eddystone wrote: 09 Aug 2021, 12:23
foggydogg wrote: 09 Aug 2021, 10:09 I'm always confused about fitment on shocks from the Mother Ship, but these fit the rear of some applications and are right cheap.
8600274
https://parts.volvocarsannapolis.com/p/ ... 00274.html
Oh, wait, you already have shocks.

This is another example of what I have seen more than once, lately. You've probably noticed that OEM Volvo parts for our cars have been somewhat discounted or marked clearance at FCP. I've also noticed that some OEM parts directly from Volvo dealers are being heavily marked down. I think the gist of all of this repricing is that the dealers are dumping their inventory of P80 parts and will no longer carry them in stock.

These cars are old by now and most people rather fix them up cheaply or are DIYers, so this males sense, especially for parts that are available as aftermarket parts or where the volume in stock is high.

redc70 · Post by **redc70** » 18 Aug 2021, 22:08

I am completely heart broken seeing that magnificent E420 with a boo-boo. I have let 2, yes 2! of these tanks slip through my fingers in the last year or so. Never again, they were both early '90s 400Es and I WILL snap up the next one I see. I currently have an 87 560 SEC but there is something even more special to me about the W124.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Aug 2021, 00:40

redc70 wrote: 18 Aug 2021, 22:08 I am completely heart broken seeing that magnificent E420 with a boo-boo. I have let 2, yes 2! of these tanks slip through my fingers in the last year or so. Never again, they were both early '90s 400Es and I WILL snap up the next one I see. I currently have an 87 560 SEC but there is something even more special to me about the W124.

Brother gave my parents his 93 E320. A white beauty with beige interior and the E420 rims. That one got rearended and was totaled. Parents drove at the time. Brothers purchased that E420 used and again gave it to my parents. I was driving my parents and Son when a lady with 5 DUI's hit us and fled. Due to injuries the DA had no choice but to give her jail time despite her connections.

Had aftermarket Bilsteins, Brembo Brakes and Michelins. Such a refined and well rounded nice driving vehicle besides being a tank!

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