KYB Shocks for a 1982 2000 Spider

[MikeJones]

I have been told that KYB shocks will ruin my shock towers. None of the KYB shocks will fit without compressing the springs. Thus, I do have concerns about doing damage to my shock towers. If this is true what shocks should I use? Are Gabriels okay?

Mike

[narfire]

Many including myself have used the KYB's. I don't know anything about the shock tower issue with these. The KYB's with aftermarket springs might leave the car a bit high for some and they have cut a coil or two off their springs. Last year I bought a set of Koni yellow's and a 1" front sway bar and love the improvement. Car sits just right with uncut red springs. (15 inch wheels though)

[MikeJones]

I don't think I have after market springs. However, I will have to compress the front and rear springs to fit the shocks. My concern is that this will stress the shock towers just sitting in the garage. Any ideas?

Mike

[narfire]

I'm not an expert but I'm thinking as to what the shock towers go through over the thousands of kilometers or miles, they should stand up to just about everything except rust.
For the fronts, I undid the nuts at the top of the shocks, jacked the side of the car up, put a jack stand under the A arm undid the lower bolt and pulled it out, lowered the car down a tad and pulled the shock down and out. The rears I jacked up at the rear diff, jack stands on the jacking points on the sills, undid the nuts on the top of the shock after placing a shop towel around the surrounding black hole, lowered the car onto the stands and the rear suspension just kind of hung there. There was enough room to pull the shock out with the springs and then reverse order making sure the spring sits in the cups properly top and bottom. Good time to check the front suspension parts,steering parts, and the trailing arms at the rear ect.
Right or wrong method don't know but it has worked for the several times I've had to muck with the things.

[4uall]

My only concern with replacing old parts is the new parts will test the area around them



this may be of interest http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... 14&t=20221

[So Cal Mark]

KYB white shocks are high pressure but the GR2 KYB are perfect for street use and won't break the mounts