Which KYB shocks x4 for 1961 Newport

[Ultrasummer]

Hi folks. So I've scoured the forum and it seems like KYB Gas A Just is the way to go. When looking on different web sites there is always a variety of these shocks to choose from. 1961 seemingly was such an odd year that I don't know if things were different from the majority of the C bodies to follow or not. I'd hate to get them and find they are not the right ones. I'm just looking for simple , plain jane, gas shocks from KYB that will fit my car. Anyone know if the 61 would require anything different from the C bodies you guys have ?

 

[CBODY67]

Have you looked on the KYB website for information and other models the shocks might fit? Looked in RockAuto for shocks, too?

In other many threads in here, over the decades, there were complaints that many then-available shocks were too weak for a Chrysler's weight. The usual ones everybody mentioned as "being strong enough" were the KYBs.

There are THREE levels of gas shocks. The basic "low pressure", with about 15psi of gas pressure, so they are easy to compress to install. KYB is a "medium pressure" shock which might require removal of lower control arms on "Slab" '66-'68 cars. With Bilstein being of the "high pressure" variation. The bulk of gas shocks come with a tie-string to keep them compressed, so at the last moment of installation, the string is cut/removed and hopefully the top of the shock is aimed correctly to the hole it is supposed to index with/into. Several threads in here on the KYB installation in '66-'68 cars.

When your car was built (and into later years), Monroe was the main shock absorber supplier to Chrysler Corp. Even in Chrysler Parts, too. The current Monroe OESpectrum shock is a version of their Sensa-Trac shocks from the 1990s and such. The do still build a MonroeMatic shock that might be decent. Not sure of the valving, though, on the front shocks.

Keep us updated on your progress and results.
CBODY67

 

[Ultrasummer]

Have you looked on the KYB website for information and other models the shocks might fit? Looked in RockAuto for shocks, too?

In other many threads in here, over the decades, there were complaints that many then-available shocks were too weak for a Chrysler's weight. The usual ones everybody mentioned as "being strong enough" were the KYBs.

There are THREE levels of gas shocks. The basic "low pressure", with about 15psi of gas pressure, so they are easy to compress to install. KYB is a "medium pressure" shock which might require removal of lower control arms on "Slab" '66-'68 cars. With Bilstein being of the "high pressure" variation. The bulk of gas shocks come with a tie-string to keep them compressed, so at the last moment of installation, the string is cut/removed and hopefully the top of the shock is aimed correctly to the hole it is supposed to index with/into. Several threads in here on the KYB installation in '66-'68 cars.

When your car was built (and into later years), Monroe was the main shock absorber supplier to Chrysler Corp. Even in Chrysler Parts, too. The current Monroe OESpectrum shock is a version of their Sensa-Trac shocks from the 1990s and such. The do still build a MonroeMatic shock that might be decent. Not sure of the valving, though, on the front shocks.

Keep us updated on your progress and results.
CBODY67

Yes I have been to the KYB website and they have pages of years and different car models but nothing for 1961 Chrysler. I even put it in their search engine and came back with nothing. I am focused on KYB Gas A-just shocks. front and rear. Unfortunately there are many variations of them probably due to different makes and models of vehicles. Except mine........thus far.

 

[CBODY67]

OK, not go to the Chrysler factory parts manuals (online versions) and look for differences in the front suspension pieces. Like lower control arms and such. Also look in the Chrysler factory service manuals about shock absorber installation and removal on the '61, '60, and '62 cars.

Next, look at the compressed length and mounting of the '62 and '60 shocks. It the upper and lower mounts are the same (in the Specs listings) as your car, no issues. KEY thing is that the compressed distance is not greater, in any case. Sometimes you have to "go through the back door to get to the living room".

Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67

 

[CBODY67]

I went into RA to look around, just now (Friday AM). Gabriel and a few Monroe listings. Their listings indicate 1955-1964 coverage, front and rear. No gaps. In these "buyers guide" listings, you have to also understand that some models did not go all the way through that time frame. Some models end in 1960 or others start in 1962, for example. So you have to look at the model names (as "New Yorker") that were built throughout that complete period. In some cases, the same shock also went back to the 1951 model year, but the complete upper end "stop" was for 1964 models.

What this means is that the mountings were all the same, with the compressed and extended lengths being compatible, too. Things which ANY shock manufacturer would be consistent on, even if they might provide an "adapter kit" in the box with the shock.

Now, why does KYB have "a gap" in their coverage? Might even be as simple as "an over-sight" they made, not knowing that? Which is why I looked in the Gabriel and Monroe listings at RA. As confirmation of the similarity and compatibility of THEIR shocks on the car.

Perhaps a respectful call or email to KYB (by a motivated buyer) might provide their answer? If they build a shock for a '58-'60, not '61, but '62, as everybody else has shocks that use one shock to cover those model years, did they overlook something? Just curious.

CBODY67

 

[Ultrasummer]

I went into RA to look around, just now (Friday AM). Gabriel and a few Monroe listings. Their listings indicate 1955-1964 coverage, front and rear. No gaps. In these "buyers guide" listings, you have to also understand that some models did not go all the way through that time frame. Some models end in 1960 or others start in 1962, for example. So you have to look at the model names (as "New Yorker") that were built throughout that complete period. In some cases, the same shock also went back to the 1951 model year, but the complete upper end "stop" was for 1964 models.

What this means is that the mountings were all the same, with the compressed and extended lengths being compatible, too. Things which ANY shock manufacturer would be consistent on, even if they might provide an "adapter kit" in the box with the shock.

Now, why does KYB have "a gap" in their coverage? Might even be as simple as "an over-sight" they made, not knowing that? Which is why I looked in the Gabriel and Monroe listings at RA. As confirmation of the similarity and compatibility of THEIR shocks on the car.

Perhaps a respectful call or email to KYB (by a motivated buyer) might provide their answer? If they build a shock for a '58-'60, not '61, but '62, as everybody else has shocks that use one shock to cover those model years, did they overlook something? Just curious.

CBODY67

Very very interesting. And helpful. Thanks for going the extra step. This site and it's members are a wealth of great information.

 

[Ultrasummer]

Mystery solved. I spoke directly with KYB and they told me unfortunately they do not make shocks for the 1961 Chrysler Newport. No wonder I couldn't find them anywhere. So I guess now it's exploring the other brands that are out there. And for the record, I do not want air shocks. Not a fan.

 

[twostick]

Seems highly unlikely that Chrysler had a one year only spec for shocks in 1961.

I would also be surprised if whoever you spoke to at KYB could pick a 1961 Chrysler out of a crowd of 1961 VW's.

I would measure the compressed and extended length of your current shocks and compare it to KYB's spec for 60 and 62. I'm betting they are +/- not enough to matter if any at all.

I've seen some KYB vs Bilstein discussions that seem to put the ride quality for KYB at a disadvantage compared to Bilstein, with no handling advantage, the Bilstein being the cake and eat it too choice.

Kevin

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

"I would also be surprised if whoever you spoke to at KYB could pick a 1961 Chrysler out of a crowd of 1961 VW's."

LOLOLOLOL!!!

 

[CBODY67]

After I made my comments about other model years and Chrysler big-car models, I went into the KYB website and looked around for what they offered. For some reason, no 1961 Plymouths or Dodges, but seems like there were '62s and '59s?

What they showed for the front shocks had a metal tube over the shock's shaft, as other brands showed an exposed shaft (typical front Chrysler shocks), which were their monotube shocks. I somewhat doubt that metal tube would work very well if the stub frame on the '62 is like the '66 and later stub frames, where the front shocks have a tube they reside in (which seems to limit the size of the shock piston of the front shocks to 1" diameter).

When I looked at Gabriels and such, their buyer's guides showed a model year range of '57-'64. Front and rear. Which makes the KYB model year gap more curious. All of these shocks look more "typical Chrysler" in appearance.

As the cars get older, more and more parts which can be combined get very prevalent. Like if two shocks have the same compressed length, but different extended lengths (not unlike B-body and C-body rear shocks), the shorter extended length might end up being what the later catalogs might list for everything. I found something of that nature in the late 1950s rear shocks. Judgment calls?

So, end result, get what you can get and know that it will fit, according to their catalog.

I, too, suspect that Chrysler did not have a "one model year" shock calibration on the '62 full-size cars. It MIGHT have started out that way, BUT it could have been superseded by another model year shock a year or so later. I've got some old Monroe parts books, but they are archived at this time.

Happy Holidays!
CBODY67

 

[Ultrasummer]

After I made my comments about other model years and Chrysler big-car models, I went into the KYB website and looked around for what they offered. For some reason, no 1961 Plymouths or Dodges, but seems like there were '62s and '59s?

What they showed for the front shocks had a metal tube over the shock's shaft, as other brands showed an exposed shaft (typical front Chrysler shocks), which were their monotube shocks. I somewhat doubt that metal tube would work very well if the stub frame on the '62 is like the '66 and later stub frames, where the front shocks have a tube they reside in (which seems to limit the size of the shock piston of the front shocks to 1" diameter).

When I looked at Gabriels and such, their buyer's guides showed a model year range of '57-'64. Front and rear. Which makes the KYB model year gap more curious. All of these shocks look more "typical Chrysler" in appearance.

As the cars get older, more and more parts which can be combined get very prevalent. Like if two shocks have the same compressed length, but different extended lengths (not unlike B-body and C-body rear shocks), the shorter extended length might end up being what the later catalogs might list for everything. I found something of that nature in the late 1950s rear shocks. Judgment calls?

So, end result, get what you can get and know that it will fit, according to their catalog.

I, too, suspect that Chrysler did not have a "one model year" shock calibration on the '62 full-size cars. It MIGHT have started out that way, BUT it could have been superseded by another model year shock a year or so later. I've got some old Monroe parts books, but they are archived at this time.

Happy Holidays!
CBODY67

I have bought the Gabriel shocks front and rear. It was a match with my year and make of car. Gabriel wasn't my first choice but they will fit. If I have issues with them down the road I can always look again for what is out there. (supposed to arrive today)