My apologies to MaddMike for over extending his thread, BUT it has raised questions that I am dealing with, namely KYB Excel-G shocks on the front.
I started by removing one front shock to compare to the Gas-a-Just shocks currently on my car. The part numbers I bought seem to be correct, however, the Excel-G's are longer by over 1". That said the stoke is also 1" more at 5", so as the Gaj's are only using about 3" of stoke, I don't see that as a problem. However as I mentioned before when comparing the NOS shocks I have to the Excel's, the body length is also 1/2" long than the Gaj's. That would be my concern, will the shock body hit the underside of the cap? I tried to use a jack under the front disc to lift the suspension through it's full travel, but alas, it started to lift the car before it got that far. I'm thinking that as these shocks are pretty inexpensive and rather than send them back, I'll install them and see what happens. One thing I did learn with the extra travel length, one can lower the suspension all the way and it will not pull the rubbers through the top cap. However, I think I would still either use a jack carefully placed under the front disc or drum, or use a support of some sort. Here I used a piece of 2x4, but found it in the way to get to the nuts at the bottom of the shocks.
Here are some pics I hope will explain this rambling.
Pic 1, looking a shock cylinder. 2, a dust line is visible approx 2 3/4' from the cylinder, indicating the cylinder is not hitting the cap. 3, the two lengths compared, 4, a dust line is visible 3" from the cylinder top. 5, using an extra 2 3/8" washers to stop nuts bottoming out on the threads. 6, Nut tightened, so about 3/4" to tighten the cap down. NOTE: I'm temporarily using the old rubbers until I decide to install or return them. 7, jack and block. 8, NOS versus Gas-a-Just, exact same length. 9, Excel G fully extended.
I decided to fully install the Excel's on the front only so far. They actually went in without a problem. I was a bit concerned about the 1/2" long cylinder, but in effect, there was an inch of the Gaj's stroke that was unused, now there will be a 1/2". As long as the shock cylinder doesn't hit the cap, all will be good.
I took the car out for it's first drive after and I was impressed with the softer front end, no more thumping going over railroad tracks and bumps. Next will be the rears maybe tomorrow. I'll update when done.
I also went to KYB's website and the part numbers are correct for the Excel-G's and the Gas-A-Just for the 71-73 Mustang.
Nice thing is with such low mileage and garaged, everything just fell out when the bolts were removed. Replaced them with KYB Gas-a-Justs from Rock Auto $150 for 4 after the $25 rebate... Always check traditional sites before ordering from CJ and the like... There are just some things you can't find anywhere else but those sites, but some stuff is still readily available.
