Shocks ================== i've run bilsteins extensively on 99s and 900s, and like them. KYBs are a very good cheap shock, with performance in the bilstein ballpark, but with somewhat shorter life. they also cost about 1/3 as much. KYB quality control is erratic, and there may be some bad shocks that have to be returned. the choice is kind of based on what you expect from a shock; a case can be made either way. cheers, richard ================== Although I have no experience with Bilstein and KYB on Saabs, I _do_ have a few data points with KYB and Bilstein on other cars. I installed a set of KYBs in my 240Z in 1983 and they are still going strong (I drive this car fairly hard). At the same time, a friend installed a set of Bilsteins in his 240Z. He _loved_ them, but sold the car soon after that, so I have no idea about their longevity. His Z had better tires and rims, stronger springs, and a Scarab conversion, so there was no way to compare performance between his struts and mine. Since then, friends with Euro-cars needing new shocks/struts have asked me what to get and I always recommended Bilsteins. I helped a friend install a set in his Audi Fox and one of the front struts froze up in three months. I installed another set in a friend's Scirocco. Both rear shocks wore out within two years. I am now skeptical about the quality control of Bilsteins, and a satisfied KYB customer. Seth Wolpert ================== I've recently talked to a local mechanic who says that the symptoms I thought were shocks (floating feeling over bumps at high speed) were more likely due to 1) too high tire pressure and 2) tear in front spoiler. So I'm addressing those problems first, then will see if I still notice the "floating" sensation (no, this is not some New Age experience). Cheers, Peter ================== Here's my experience with shocks for my 1985 900s (non-turbo) 4-door: The original rear end of the car often bottomed out, even with just one passenger in the back. I couldn't find any aftermarket booster shocks - the ones with a spring around the shock. So I got cheap and bought 4 shocks from JC Whitney for about $15 each. This helped the bottoming out problem, and also gave a very slightly stiffer ride. However, within a few weeks one of the front shocks broke - the connection between the lower part and rest of the shock came apart. I returned all 4 shocks and got all my money and shipping back. I replaced all four shocks with KYBs, for about $25 each. This gave a very much stiffer ride - every bump and dip in the road was passed on directly to the car and passengers. (The rear end has never bottomed out.) After 2 years of a KYB ride, I couldn't take it any more. I'm still cheap, so I replaced the 2 front shocks with Sears, for about $17 each. I left the KYBs on the rear. The ride is now much smoother, but still just slightly stiffer than the original. And the Sears are guaranteed forever. Bill Paulsen ================== I'm using Tokico shocks on my 900T (pre APC) . (this is the same SAAB, if you followed my postings few months ago, with the 5th gear problem --but it still runs pretty ok). Anyway, back to the shocks: I find that the Tokicos are good but harsh -- so, based on what you're looking for, i'd say, go for something else. (note: Since tires are a part of the shock absorption system, consider soft tires. I'm using Gislaved's. I like'm; not too hard, not too soft. "Erjan" UMassDartmouth ================== You can use the rear shocks from some of the older MG's on the 95, as they both use the same Armstrong unit. There is a rumor that Worldwide Automotive in Madison Wisconsin rebuilds 95 arm shocks, it's area code (608) if you want to call information to get their number. Have you tried topping them off & exercising them? I would think this would work if you would take them off the car & give them a good workout. Dave Hinz (hinz@picard.med.ge.com) ================== Yes, I have a 95. Here is a company that rebuilds lever shocks: Apple Hydraulics, Inc. 715 Route 25A Miller Place, NY 11764 800-882-7753 516-481-8111 The price is listed as $59.95 each exchange. This is from Jack Ashcraft's "Sonnet Sources, An Interchange & Data Manual", which also covers 95's and 96's. I have not had my shocks rebuilt yet, although I need and intend to do so shortly. I did have a brake master cylinder re-sleeved by another company recommended by Ashcraft, and was pleased with the result. Do you know of anyone who has successfully converted to tube shocks? Are there plans or kits available? David Buchanan dbb@virginia.edu ================== I wrote a article for the Saab News letter years ago (maby 10) there was a lot of follow up interest and I think someone came up with a kit. The idea was this. I found a VERY short tube shock that bolted to the stock lower mount and then bolted through the floor above. It came through the floor between the fender and the third seat so the seat still worked. The floor has to be reinforced with a inverted aluminum channel. If you're interested I will try to find the old article and send it to you. It gave sizes and instructions and most important the number of the shock (from Sears and NAPA) Frank DeWitt 716 624 3052 ================== I got a decent deal on Boge shocks from Eurotire in NJ. They weren't that difficult to install except for the upper mount on the front driver's side. For other comments you might look at past SaabNet messages like 1248, 1257, 1285, 1348. John Gorman ================== I have had good service and great prices from R.D. Enterprises, Ph: 619-282-8550. I think it is a small operation and if you don't mind tell them that Michael and Bill Hoza referred you. Michael Hoza ================== In response to your post concerning rear shocks, here's a direct note form the Robert Bentley official service manual on front and rear suspensions: "The SAAB 900 shock absorbers are of a unique design incorporating a special stop. Always replace them with SAAB original equipment shock absorbers or damage to the suspension may result." True, this publication is given a blessing from SAAB as an offical service manual, so what are they going to say. I've read alot in NINES about people using Boge, Bilsteins, and Konis. The above note did cause me to wonder what I should do when the time comes to replace the shocks on my car. I was going to buy the SPG shocks, but if others can give me a reason that the above statement is not true, then probably Koni adjustables. Dan ================== For the Saab, there is more than one available "factory" shock absorber. For the 99, I seem to recall that they sell KYB and Billstein shocks. I have each of these on different 99's at present, and they are very different. The Billstein's are too stiff for 5" wheels, as are stock on the 99, but are great with 6" wheels, if you don't mind a very rough ride. The other car, with the KYB's, has been outfitted with both 5" and 5.5" wheels (stock on the 900), and are a good comprimize shock - not too stiff, but very predictable and reasonably good handling. I've also had Koni's on a previous 99. These were adjustable (or so they said) and were set to full hard. They were nothing special. I don't recommend them for a Saab. You ask which shock is best. By now you should realize that there is no "best" part for any suspension system. The intended use determines the desired parts. I for one, don't mind a rough ride, if I also get super-crisp handling and stability. Most people don't feel this way. As always, your mileage may vary..... Matt Lundberg ================== I heard Bilsteins are too stiff for Saab 900. I installed Boge turbo gas shocks on my brother's 86 900S. He lives in Manhattan. He likes it so far. Alfred ================== I've had good luck with KYB Gas-A-Just on both 99s and 900s. They're not too soft, not too harsh. But use factory rubber bushings where the front shocks mount to the body, no matter what aftermarket shocks you may use. The aftermarket bushings just don't seem to fit and give up long before the shocks do. Tim Winker NINES, the Saab Club Magazine ================== Watch out, SAAB OEM shocks are not what they used to be!!! I had my dealer replace the shocks on my '88 900S at 100K miles (this car has the lowered Turbo suspension and sway bars). I spec'd OEM shocks since I was very happy with both the handling and durability. The dealer dutifully put in OEM shocks, but they weren't the same as what came on the car. They were painted orange and have a noticeably smaller outside diameter, and they have "Togiko" stamped on them -- as well as "SAAB". Well, they were a far cry from the original shocks. Poorly damped, mushy ride and generally not up to snuff. I complained a couple of times and both times the dealer stated it was the only part available from SAAB. He showed me that they were indeed being delivered on the current 900's, ugh. The third time I complained because the replacements were just about shot after only 15K miles and 8 months of use. The dealer "researched" the situation and found the right shock. It's painted blue and made by some English company, I think it starts with a "W" but I can't recall the name. They put on a set for the difference in the dealer cost from the Togikos. My car's superb handling (and very firm ride) was restored! And I have about 30K miles on the new shocks and they're holding up great. % Andrew Cassino % ================== I don't have experience with the KYB's, but I do remember a letter written to NINES by a guy who bought KYB's. His comment was that "KYB" must stand for "Keep Your Bilstein's" #|8-}. LMS ========================================================================== Larry Strollo CD Imaging Eastman Kodak Company ================== I got 100K uneventful miles out of my KYB's, but my mechanic has told/showed me a few horror stories when they freeze up. Mine self destructed without doing damage to the car. As far as I know, OEM for the Turbo is Bilstein and OEM for the 900 and 900s are Bogue (sp?). I replaced the KYB with the stock Saab and the handling is much better. ted ================== Sachs shocks were OEM equipment on my '88 900S, which has the same suspension as the Turbo for that year. I like them a lot, and went through a fair bit of trouble getting Sachs replacements installed on my car. Retrieve the SHOCKS archive for my story. % Andrew Cassino % ================== A friend of mine, a Saab mech., put KYB on his car. He had them back off real soon. They were awful. Instead, he purchased the suspension upgrade kit from Saab for his 900 T. It came with springs, too, so the difference in ride may have also been attributed to them, but the new shocks must have helped because the car handles excellently now. You can't hardly feel any bumps, and cornering is amazing! If you don't go with the Saab set, I would recommend Bilstein. I have heard many more good things about Bilstein than about KYB. ------------------------------------- Name: Mark Cook