Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, Boge. Now sorted - got KYB.

[PandaSelecta]

Well the time has come when I need to think about replacing the front shockers on the panda (springs are in a poor way to start with). I have been looking at getting gas filled but I don't know which to go for.

So any ideas which are best from the list above. I mainly want a nice comfortable ride (alot of potholes and speedbumps around where I live), but I also want it to keep its nippy handling too

Also where can I buy these parts, as nobody seems to sell Monroe, and I have only found KYB is on buypartsby.

Many thanks in advance

[berendd]

monroe sens-a-track's are great shocks for use with original springs, very comfortable.

don't use them combined with lower springs, cos they tend to get a lot bouncier when they're compressed.

bilsteins are brilliant, but expensive..

[berendd]

btw monroe's are available on ebay:
set of 2 Front axle:
cgi.ebay.de/2x-Monroe-Stosdampfer-Vorderachse-Fiat-Panda-Bj-86-03-/350309780285

or order 2 of these (ad is just for a single one)
cgi.ebay.de/Monroe-orig-11038-Stossdampfer-Panda-Marbella-VA-/190390600354

[PandaSelecta]

Guess I should have said that the springs are standard height

Was thinking of the Monroe Reflex shocks, which with the protection kit, and mounting kit will be £150 including postage for the two.
The Bilsteins I can get for £59.99 each plus postage
The Gaz Excel-G shocks with the protection kits are £126.12 including postage.
and the Boge are around £110 including postage

Not really fussed about the price though

Main reason i was looking at the Monroes, is that you can get a mounting kit for the top, but nobody else seems to do them.

[waveman1500]

Go the Monroes, buy South Australian! They're made about 15 minutes' drive from my house. My old Beetle had Monroe GT Gas shocks on all four corners and they worked well, but I can't really draw many comparisons as the shocks that they replaced were worn out completely and I've never bought any other shock absorbers.

[hongkongphooey]

Boge ftw!

[pantera2075]

Gaz are very well thought of in the Mini fraternity. They look good, look very well made, and AFAIK are owned and built by Brits - something in the back of my mind says in the North East.

[Adam]

If you buy Gaz and something goes wrong then its gonna be easier to sort out I've got gaz adjustable coilovers on the Locost and they appear to be very good quality!

[kee]

if its staying standard height then go boge or monroe, otherwise use the others for lowering

[cortinaman]

I've got Gaz shocks all round on the Mk1 Cortina - no problems with them so far.

Speak to them direct as their technical chaps are very knowledgable and helpful.

www.gaz-shocks.co.uk/

[John]

Bilstien .............. assuming they are the monotube. They are definitely the best dampers out of the ones you mention. You will get a good ride and handling.

Monotube are worth having because you have a larger piston area which means more oil flow so more control.

If you need springs go for Eibach.

[PandaSelecta]

Okay, got a bit confused, its not GAZ i was looking at, its KYB

[skinley]

I had Boge on my old Mk2 XR2 back in the day, it handled well and I had no problems with them in the 3 years that I owned it.

[coggers]

Apr 28, 2010 9:32:06 GMT PandaSelecta said:

Also where can I buy these parts, as nobody seems to sell Monroe, and I have only found KYB is on buypartsby.

Well you could always go 'oldskool yo' and pick the 'phone up . Try one of the largest independent motor factors in the North East ; Andrew Pages at Brough Park 0191 2242345 .

They stock Monroe ( and obviously can order in what isn't on the shelf.....) .

Oh and they deal with KYB too.

[Brian Damaged]

It's stock, it's not what you'd call a performance car (no offence like....but it just...isn't), and you're not planning on doing any track days......so why not just go OEM?

Even a set of cheapy standard new shocks will transform the car's feel if the ones you have on there now are sha**ed. Which leaves you with money to spend on your stable of classics.

Just my £0.02.

[ettorebugatti]

I have Bilstein on mine. Very statisfied!

However, I do suspect there are some Chinese copies of them out there. Some sellers have very low prices for them.

[Lopez]

I've used all the above and been completely satistfied with all 4!

[akku]

I've always like Monroes. I had Billies on a couple of cars and they were harsh. But then they were super-fandango-uprated ones. So not a fair comparison. The Monroes usually are more OE+ than a "performance" damper. I hear good things about KYB. Gabriel are another decent brand (or were when I last used them) for an stock-like replacement shocker

[RetroMat]

i've fitted kybs to most of my cars usually the gas ones, cant fault the quality I think they are OE for most J-tin.

[Blown_Imp]

I vote bilstien too, had them on my GTti, good control, comfortable, and excellent quality (still looked new after 2yrs on the car)