A new range of KYB shock absorbers tailored to four-wheel-drive vehicles has been released in New Zealand by STOCKS. Marketed under the Skorched 4’s brand name, the new 4WD shock absorbers were designed by Japanese KYB engineers in conjunction with its team in Australia, with the harsh Australian off-road conditions in mind, such as the pounding of endless kilometres on unmade corrugated roads. That means they should be ideal for New Zealand, where the conditions are less extreme, but still very demanding, according to Grant Scheuber, Divisional Manager for STOCKS Auto Parts. The new Skorched4’s twin-tube, gas-filled shock absorbers are made to heavy-duty specifications and are engineered to provide superior handling and control in both off-road and on-road driving. Described as ‘touring’ shock absorbers, they are engineered to withstand high-speed shock movement over unmade roads, typically found when off the beaten track in New Zealand. Such rapid movement generates considerable heat, which can quickly render a sub-standard shock absorber ineffective. Skorched4’s are accurately valved to control springs under off-road conditions, minimising unnecessary movement and providing the driver with sure-footed control. KYB employs a four-step top seal to keep dirt and other foreign matter out and KYB incorporate increased diameter bodies and 16mm piston rods to maximises oil volume in the working cylinder. Greater oil volume results in slower heat build up, thereby extending shock absorber life Designed and tested in Australia, Skorched 4’s when matched to industry leading KING coil and leaf springs, provide extra wheel travel and an overall suspension system that suits the undulating terrain found in New Zealand, helping to keep the wheels in contact with the surface. Their velocity-sensitive valving is a perfect combination for both original equipment and aftermarket coil and leaf springs, further improving handling with reduced nose diving under braking, flatter cornering, added towing benefits and a more precise feel, both on and off the road. The Skorched 4’s range currently covers Toyota Hilux and Toyota Landcruiser models and Nissan Patrol. Fitments for other vehicles will be available soon. The units can be used with standard suspension set-ups and also for lifts of up to 50mm. The addition of Skorched4s’ brings the range of shock absorbers carried by STOCKS to well in excess of 2,000 individual applications from both KYB and Koni – by far the largest in New Zealand. KYB is the first choice for many in the New Zealand aftermarket, since it is the world’s largest OE manufacturer of shock absorbers and not only supplies to Japanese and European companies, but also American, Australian and Korean manufacturers. A large number of used imports arriving from Japan are equipped with KYB and it makes sense to replace worn shock absorbers with the originals, says Mr Scheuber. With the recent changes in regulations preventing older used imports coming to New Zealand, Mr Scheuber says there may possibly be a reduction in some compliance business, but he suggests that this will be made up by an increase in replacement work for vehicles already here, due to a higher change over price seeing some people holding on to their vehicles longer. He recommends that workshops keep an eye on this trend in the coming months. In addition to KONI and KYB shock absorbers, STOCKS is the distributor of a wide range of other suspension and steering components, including King Springs from Australia, Transteering balljoints, tie rod ends, pitman arms, tracks rods, along with bushes from SuperPro. The comprehensive STOCKS suspension and steering parts range can be viewed online at www.georgestock.co.nz. Or call in at any of the three main STOCKS branches to talk to their experienced staff. There are branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and for those outside the main centres a call to the 0800 786 257 free phone call centre will get the same results, with a same day delivery service to most parts of the country.