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Old 01-11-2011, 08:50 PM
 
Location: Santa Cruz, California
130 posts, read 902,652 times
Reputation: 204

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Hi,
I have a 1997 Subaru Outback and need new shocks.
I am away from home for the winter and away from my regular mechanic but called them today and they recommended KYB's.
I don't do off-road driving ... just normal roads although this winter i am living on a road with extremely hard-packed snow (basically ice) which is full of bumps, ruts and washboard but that's only for this winter.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Since i'm away from my mechanic and need to find an unknown one to do this job, i'd like to be as knowledgeable as possible before i start making calls.
Thank you.

Last edited by tireeskye; 01-11-2011 at 09:10 PM..
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Old 01-11-2011, 10:20 PM
 
4,500 posts, read 12,343,711 times
Reputation: 2901
KYBs are a safe bet, they're pretty darn good, I know of plenty Subaru owners who's been very happy with KYB shocks.
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Old 01-11-2011, 11:04 PM
 
Location: Northeast Tennessee
7,305 posts, read 28,225,957 times
Reputation: 5523
When I purchased my 1990 Lexus LS400 in 2004, someone had installed KYB-GR2 shocks on it... it didnt like like a Lexus, it rode like a dump truck. Make sure you dont get HD ones unless you like a truck-like ride.

I ended up going to my Toyota dealer and ordering factory shocks for my Lexus for $50 each and it rode like a new luxury car again.
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Old 01-12-2011, 12:31 AM
 
Location: Columbia, California
6,664 posts, read 30,612,996 times
Reputation: 5184
KYB's come with a lifetime warranty as well.
I have only bought KYB Gas-A-Just's for over 30 years.
Great on road and off road. Great out of the box but they actually get better as they age.
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Old 01-12-2011, 01:08 AM
 
199 posts, read 591,745 times
Reputation: 103
If you like the original ride and handling, stick with factory shocks.

I do know kyb aftermarkets are not expensive at all, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tireeskye View Post
Hi,
I have a 1997 Subaru Outback and need new shocks.
I am away from home for the winter and away from my regular mechanic but called them today and they recommended KYB's.
I don't do off-road driving ... just normal roads although this winter i am living on a road with extremely hard-packed snow (basically ice) which is full of bumps, ruts and washboard but that's only for this winter.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Since i'm away from my mechanic and need to find an unknown one to do this job, i'd like to be as knowledgeable as possible before i start making calls.
Thank you.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 01-12-2011, 10:15 AM
 
11,555 posts, read 53,177,205 times
Reputation: 16349
KYB shocks are good quality replacements ...

However, with a 1997 Subie, you may also consider replacing the rear strut assemblies with serviceable units from a boneyard. That's how I've kept my 1995 and 1997 Subie's on the road at substantially less cost than installing new inserts in the struts. Faster and easier to install the assembled units, too, and I've gotten years of service out of the parts.
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Old 01-12-2011, 11:44 AM
 
Location: Santa Cruz, California
130 posts, read 902,652 times
Reputation: 204
Thanks all.
My mechanic said that KYB's are stiffer (i think that was the word) but do last longer although they won't provide a kooshy ride which is o.k. with me.
I just want my beloved car to last forever .... or close to it.
Ferretkona are the "gas-a-justs" a certain kind of KYB shock?
In other words, are there different KYB shocks that one can choose from?
The cost isn't an issue btw ... not that i'm rich but my Subaru has a new engine (2005) and i haven't put much money into repairs (knock on wood) and so am willing to spend what it takes to keep her in good shape.
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Old 01-12-2011, 01:03 PM
 
4,500 posts, read 12,343,711 times
Reputation: 2901
Quote:
Originally Posted by tireeskye View Post
Thanks all.
My mechanic said that KYB's are stiffer (i think that was the word) but do last longer although they won't provide a kooshy ride which is o.k. with me.
I just want my beloved car to last forever .... or close to it.
Ferretkona are the "gas-a-justs" a certain kind of KYB shock?
In other words, are there different KYB shocks that one can choose from?
The cost isn't an issue btw ... not that i'm rich but my Subaru has a new engine (2005) and i haven't put much money into repairs (knock on wood) and so am willing to spend what it takes to keep her in good shape.
There are several types of KYB shocks, they'll all be stiffer than originals, though their entry level shocks shouldn't provide too harsh of a ride. Other than that, they cater to the modifying scene, with good sport medium and high performance shocks.

They are internationally known for their quality.
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