Do any of you guys have a preference as to what shock absorbers seem to perform best? I need to replace shocks straight away on this car and I notice there are several brands available. Quite a range in price as well. Can you guys give me your preference and explain your experience?
Thanks,
Frank

 

"Perform best" is a bit vague. What exactly do you want most out of your selection? Long life? Maxium firmness and control? Smoothest ride?

I ran Boge on my Ser III XJ6 and XJS and was very happy. Years ago there was a lot of hoopla about German made vs. Turkish made Boge shocks, with the German made being preferred. Not sure if that issue still exists.

If you're into high performance stuff then Bilsteins or Koni are favored. I would've bought either except for the price....which was a bit too rich for my blood.

If your a gentle driver and just want a basic shock to get the job done, so to speak, then Monroe or standard-issue KYBs will be fine. I mention "standard issue" becuase I recall that KYB markets 2 or 3 different models. The basic KYB is nothing special, IMHO.

Oh...if you go with Boge do not accidentally buy the "sport" variant. Too stiff for most tastes.

Cheers
DD

 

I usually (and this goes for just about all my old Euro cars) will go with KYB GR2s if I'm worried about budget or it will be driven gently. If not, Bilstiens all the way. I'm holding out and getting the Billys' for my XJ (and it will get a 5sp manual, too, but that's another story). I can only imagine for now how different the car will feel with them. Based on prior experience with them in other cars it will be worth the wait.

 

It will be a daily driver and not really a hotrod. however, I would likely appreciate a sportier feel. I was leaning toward the bilstein heavy duty units, but they are quite proud of them. A cheaper option would be nice but not if it means it won't handle.