Shocks

[Ernest]

Just your regular standard front and rear shocks on stock suspension.

What would be a good brand to go with, given that my malibu is not a daily driver, just 20mile runs every sunday(weather permiting), basically for cars and coffee, car shows and swap meets.

 

[abbey castro]

Delco Replacements

 

[565bbchevy]

When I first started building my Regal I bought Auto store Gabrial and KYB gas shocks and it rode and drove OK but then when I went from a 15" to a 17" wheel I did not like how it rode and drove.
Bilstein B6 shocks were recommended to me and I bought those and couldn't be happier with the ride, pricey but worth every penny IMO.

 

[69hurstolds]

I agree with Bilstein shocks being very good shocks, but for what you want to use them for, there's not a big need to spend that kind of coin. Now, if later you have already planned to do more with your suspension, then by all means spend the extra money now and you'll be set.

Stock GM Delco gas shocks are PERFECT for your 20 mile trips with a stock suspension. No muss, no fuss, and they are guaranteed to fit and likely give you the nice unharsh ride you would like.

88945169 for the fronts. 88945170 for the rears. You can probably find a whole set for less than one Bilstein on Rockauto.com.

 

[ElkySS89]

KYB gas adjust are great for the money. I bought all 4 from rockauto for about $130

 

[Ernest]

Finally got the AC DELCO front and rear shocks... the front set is instaled, the rears are next.

Funny thing about the KYB brand.... i have a front and rear set currently on the car, all four GR-2 to be exact, were these shocks any good?

 

[melloelky]

Finally got the AC DELCO front and rear shocks... the front set is instaled, the rears are next.

Funny thing about the KYB brand.... i have a front and rear set currently on the car, all four GR-2 to be exact, were these shocks any good?

View attachment 247535

you need to ask yourself why am I replacing these shocks in the first place? did it handle poorly?Did the car have some bounce after you went over a bump or push down on it or did it settle?as a sign that the shocks are bad or were you replacing them just to replace them to see if the ride would be better?if the ones you took out were showing signs of leaking then yes they're on their way out. The ones you took out vs the one's you're installing are/were middle of the road at best compared to your lower end delco replacements..

 

[Ernest]

you need to ask yourself why am I replacing these shocks in the first place? did it handle poorly?Did the car have some bounce after you went over a bump or push down on it or did it settle?as a sign that the shocks are bad or were you replacing them just to replace them to see if the ride would be better?if the ones you took out were showing signs of leaking then yes they're on their way out. The ones you took out vs the one's you're installing are/were middle of the road at best compared to your lower end delco replacements..

The thng is, i have no history on the car, so i have no idea how old the shocks are, all four KYB units show no signs of leakage.

I have quite the dipping problem of the front end mainly while driving at higher speed when accessing the highway from the uneveness/excessive dips from the access roads causing what sounds like tire rub to me, or it could just mean the taller wheel/tire combo over factory stock causing it and the front springs are worn as well, the car could use an upgraded suspension along with a breaking system anyhow.

 

[69hurstolds]

Well that's new. The excessive dipping may not be a 100% shock issue. It's could be more of a spring issue from my 50,000 foot perspective. The shocks just dampen the sudden movements of the spring as best they can. They do help slightly with compression shock, but if the springs are weak, the shock isn't designed to hold the load like that. Shocks are typically more restrictive on the extension side.

KYB is a decent shock, and I'd say a step up from Delco. Shocks can leak and components can wear, seals leak, valves stick, etc., and the shock can simply wear out. But that KYB shock you show looks like the set's been there a long time. So it's possible they're toast. Can't always tell by looking at them.

I was under the assumption the rest of the suspension was in good shape. If not, then new springs may be in your future. And until then, slower access road speeds where the dips are. 🙂 We'll wait on feedback from the test drive to see if things firm up a bit. Temper your expectations. Don't expect miracles with a set of stock shocks unless your originals were indeed worn out.

 

[Wageslave]

The thng is, i have no history on the car, so i have no idea how old the shocks are, all four KYB units show no signs of leakage.

I have quite the dipping problem of the front end mainly while driving at higher speed when accessing the highway from the uneveness/excessive dips from the access roads causing what sounds like tire rub to me, or it could just mean the taller wheel/tire combo over factory stock causing it and the front springs are worn as well, the car could use an upgraded suspension along with a breaking system anyhow.

Was your Malibu originally a V6 car? It could have the lighter front springs specced with the V6 that absolutely can cause dipping problems. I used front shocks with helper springs to get rid of the worst of the dipping on my Bonneville, but new front springs are the correct solution.