I’m looking to replace the shocks on my 68 Vert. I don’t want super stiff shocks that feel every pebble on the road and I don’t want my cat bouncing all over the place either. I was thinking maybe Koni or KYB. I am requesting recommendations from the Cougar Community. Tell me what you are running on your 67/68 cat and what you think about how they ride. All opinions are appreciated.
Gabriel makes an excellent shock that looks much like the originals. Monroe produces an excellent shock that is bright yellow. Either of these are available at local auto part stores for around $25 each. NAPA sells a house branded shock for about the same price.
I personally like the Koni shocks best. They are around $100 each, and can be adjusted anywhere from regular to extra firm.
I had a KYB gas adjust shock fail while driving my Cougar to the CCOA Nationals one year. Only time I have ever had a shock failure.
Here was a long discussion about shocks from a while back.
https://cccforum.discoursehosting.net/t/cougar-rear-shock-question-issue-answered/4965/1
Cost a little more, but I went with Koni on a 70 Cougar with good results.
Are the rear Koni’s still available? Local distributor said they have been discontinued
I put Koni shocks on mine. I used the Mustang part numbers both front and rear, but added extensions on the rear ones. I have very few miles on them, but so far everything has worked alright. I had the same question last year and there was a pretty lengthy discussion on it at that point, too. I ended up going with Koni because they are typically a higher quality shock. The extensions put them at about the same length as the stock Cougar shocks. There was minimal difference in travel, so my only real concern is that they don’t bend due to the extensions. They should be alright, but any time you modify something there is always a chance that something won’t work quite like you expected.
According to the popular vote, it’s looking like the KYB 344052(AMC/AMX) rear shocks are the way to go. I looked at the Eaton shocks, but $485 with shipping is a mind blowing price for front and rear non-adjustable shocks. Does anybody have a recommendation for what would be a good set of front shocks? Keep in mind that I am running a 68 Vert with a non-AC 302.
I just received a set of Scott Drakes (red shocks) from WCCC for my '68. They appear to be high quality. I would have liked Konis but didn’t have the budget for them, and I wanted something more quality than your typical Monroe or KYB or Napa house shocks. Unfortunately I won’t know how they’ll perform for a couple months because I’m about to dive into a major front end rebuild, but at around $40 each something to consider https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/c5zz-18124-hp.html
Sounds good. Let me know how they run. 
Will do! My cat is getting an export brace, shock tower reinforcement brackets, new tubular upper control arms, delrin ball ends on the strut rods, roller spring perches, 1" drop front springs, and some other minor things. Also the Shelby drop. Can’t wait to get it all done!
After other repairs and some thinking, I am looking at both the (KYB 344052 - KYB Excel-G Gas Shocks) & (KYB KG5429 - KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks) available from Summit as replacements for the rear. What are some recommendations for the front? I see the Scott Drake shocks are getting so-so reviews. Also, recommendations regarding the front & rear springs would be nice. Should I get new ones or get the old ones re-springed?
I’m interested to here your thoughts on renending springs as well. Have a reputable place that does it. But would like more input.
Trying to search the forum for info is futile at times.
I went through the suspension on my 68 several years ago and replaced front and rear springs along with KYB gas shocks. I used competition handling springs in the rear. Also added roller bearing spring perch’s in front. Very happy with how car rides and handles. Have had several comments from friends that are long time Mustang owners on how good my Cougar rides. I felt new springs a better option vs rebuilding old ones. Using aluminum wheels and larger tires also helped ride too.
My mechanic recommended not messing with the springs. Since the car is not sagging/bouncy, it would be a waste of money and a pricey headache that is not needed. Replacing the shocks is relatively inexpensive and won’t require an alignment. I’m looking into what front shocks would work well. With that said, I am just going to replace the shocks and put on the Shelby export brace. I will be good to go after that.
I have used kyb on my last 2 converts. Ride seems stiff and gives a harsh ride. I will not use them again