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Technical => Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: young51 on 2021-04-21 10:33

Title: Shock confusion
Post by: young51 on 2021-04-21 10:33
I've searched for a bit and am still unclear on the shocks to use on my 57' Ranch wagon.  For fronts I've seen 2 kyb's, 343127'standard" and kg-4515 "performance".  I want to do the longer 56' rear shock mod but don't find a part number listed for KYB for the year, either 56' or 57'.  I've seen a kyb343131 and kyb343171 on rockauto, has anyone here used these on the rear?  I've seen both Gabriel and Monroe rear listings but no fronts.  Can anyone recommend a matched set front & rear of either the kyb, gabriel, monroe, bilstein or any other decent brand?  Sorry for the confusion but my local parts places are no help at all.
thanks
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: gasman826 on 2021-04-21 18:07
1st gen F body rear shocks fit the rear of your Ranch Wagon.  I was really pleased with adjustable QA1.
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: young51 on 2021-04-21 21:48
gasman826, you mean 67'-68' Camaro/Firebird cars?  Do they have the longer extension like the "56" shocks?
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: hiball3985 on 2021-04-22 07:45
I don't think the 56 type shock can be used on 57 wagon/ranchero, the top mount is different then the passenger car.
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: gasman826 on 2021-04-22 08:54
The F body shock is the same length as the original shock and will not help with tire removal.  The Raunch Wagon had rear disc brake conversion and this resolved the tire removal issue.  The 10"+ wide tires went on and off with no problem.
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: young51 on 2021-04-22 18:16
Any other matched pairs front and rear to recommend?  This is for a stocker, 6 cylinder, not even lowered.
thanks
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: abe_lugo on 2021-04-23 14:17
If I read correctly '56 Shocks are slightly longer allowing for the rear to drop more. But you need a KYB version. # KG5517  compressed 10.91", ext 17.87" This came up on the KYB site. the length seems to be the same as the  the Gabriel 84270 10.56/17.67
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: young51 on 2021-04-23 16:59
thanks, I also saw a kyb 343171 that goes 20.28 and 12.01 which I think is close to the longer 56' socks from garbriel and monroe.
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: abe_lugo on 2021-04-23 18:57
That seems more inline, I found those on the 56 wagon within Rockauto also looked at the KYB site, they seem to go back that far on their search.  BTW there is old post it states that you made bottom out even with the taller shock, millage may vary and wear on the upper mounts. 

It like to know how it works out for you? is your car stock height?
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: hiball3985 on 2021-04-24 11:12
#KG5517 won't work on your wagon, wrong upper mounts. Wagons/rancheros aren't like passenger car.
Title: Re: Shock confusion
Post by: abe_lugo on 2021-04-24 12:11
Hi all thanks for that info.  Surely it will others.