karachaffee
09-07-2024, 03:28 PM
So says I , its time to replace crusty old shocks and see how well she drives with new pogo sticks. The factory sheets show , 48500-29605 on the fronts as original and 48531-80133 for the rears. What was actually on the van and looked like it had been there since the time of Methuselah was 48500-28090 on the front and 48531-28280 on the rear. Both very discontinued. Originally made by KYB.
Luckily I found the big KYB spec list on www.Shockwarehouse.com (http://www.Shockwarehouse.com) and could match up some shocks. I found 344098 for the fronts which were within 1/8" of what I measured the originals to be and the rear replacement was 344044 which was 20.66" extended where the orig was 21.187" . With my style of driving , I doubt that I will ever miss the 1/2" . And both the replacements found application on vans, T100s and Mazda B2600 etc.
Here is the thing. When I picked up the 344044 , I observed that the KYB shocks were Made in Mexico. I said a silent prayer that the shocks would not be junk. One shock was visually OK. However when I removed the packing band from its mate, as it expanded it revealed that it had covered itself in hyd oil. Now , the nice folks at the auto parts store said "Nah, it will be fine..." to which I replied " In 50 years of automotive repair , I have not had a shock leaking oil brand new in the box. We shall get me another one ..." *** See Photo*** Well, another trusted manufacturer has gone to the Dark Side.
However all is well and I am enjoying the 3CT !
1283012831
Luckily I found the big KYB spec list on www.Shockwarehouse.com (http://www.Shockwarehouse.com) and could match up some shocks. I found 344098 for the fronts which were within 1/8" of what I measured the originals to be and the rear replacement was 344044 which was 20.66" extended where the orig was 21.187" . With my style of driving , I doubt that I will ever miss the 1/2" . And both the replacements found application on vans, T100s and Mazda B2600 etc.
Here is the thing. When I picked up the 344044 , I observed that the KYB shocks were Made in Mexico. I said a silent prayer that the shocks would not be junk. One shock was visually OK. However when I removed the packing band from its mate, as it expanded it revealed that it had covered itself in hyd oil. Now , the nice folks at the auto parts store said "Nah, it will be fine..." to which I replied " In 50 years of automotive repair , I have not had a shock leaking oil brand new in the box. We shall get me another one ..." *** See Photo*** Well, another trusted manufacturer has gone to the Dark Side.
However all is well and I am enjoying the 3CT !
1283012831