So many brands: What are you using to keep the rubber on the road (dirt)?

I'm curious on this one too...and I don't want to hear "I like (whatever)" just cause that's what your running.

just got my bilsteins on - theyre amazing :)

Originally posted by SSIKORA
I'm curious on this one too...and I don't want to hear "I like (whatever)" just cause that's what your running.

I like my Gabriels, just cause that's what I'm running :).

Sorry, had to do it. Actually I like the Gabriel's because they seem to work much better than my stock shocks did (I yanked the stock shocks at 4000 miles). I have a lot less wheel hop on bumpy roads, and mucho less nose dive on stopping and less body roll on the corners. Off road, they seem to keep the wheels from hopping as much under wheel spin. The Gabriel's are the same as the Monroe Sensatrac and the Edlebrock IAS shocks for a lot less money. $19.99 each at Pep Boys.

I got my Monroe Reflex shocks due to popularity. I wasn't sure at first, since i heard bad things about Monroe. I was checking out Bilsteins, Rancho and Edelbrock at the same time. I figured that since i'm gonna be using the truck mainly on-road, i'd might as well go with something affordable.
After driving on the Reflexs for about 4000kms, and going off-road (little hills....some mud), i must say that these shocks have performed beyond expectations. I may not be an ardent off-roader, but i definetly know a good shock when i see one in action.
Bilsteins are good for on-road, while Edelbrocks are supposed to be the king of off-road. Yet, with all the advertised motorsport use etc...how many of us stop to think if we really need that level of performance, and how much of a difference that level makes to us.

I'm not against doing mods to make a trucks look better or perform better, but for something like shocks....whether the Bilsteins outlast the Monroes, or whether the added cost makes a whole lot of difference to daily driving (on/off-road) is an elusive question.

My 2 cents worth. Thanks for listening. :)

Oh....and btw.....i love the Monroe Reflex shocks 'cause i've got 'em! *Snicker..snicker*

Ranch RS9000. Five way adjustable. Awesome shock.

KYB Monomax..much better than the edelbrocks i had before.

bumpity bump...more opinions???

Well, after feeling what Bilstein's did for my father-in-law's 1965 Volvo 1800 S, I was convinced they would be the best for my 'plorer.

I don't have anything to compare them to except over stock and WOW what a difference!!!

NO brake diver and no more "rocking the boat"!!!

I honestly thought the factory forgot to put shocks on my X. Only 37,000 miles on it and it's bouncing more than Pamela Andersen on a mechanical bull.

In all honesty I think I too will lean (no pun) toward the Monroe Reflexes based on the reviews of them by members like Moron.

My 2c.

Bilstein are the best shock, the end.

very satisfied with the Edelbrock shocks, they are quite pricey though. incredible difference in handling on road compared to stock.
i have heard alot of good things about the monroe reflex also, u may want to check those out too. they are pretty affordable.
Rick H.

Well, I figure that I'll add my two cents and increase the level of confusion.

I have the Monroe Reflex shocks on my truck. They replaced the stock shocks after about 80,000. (I know, I know I bought the truck used and was used to the bumpiness) These shocks are wonderful. No wheel hop under hard braking. The antilocks do not engage when you hit a bump under braking anymore.

I think that these are the best shocks for the money and worth much more that the $40.00 a piece that I paid for them. There may be better shocks, but not for the money. Just remember that you get what you pay for. If you a re looking for comfort (as much as can be expected in a truck) with good performance for middle of the road price I would get the Monroe's.

Dave

I replaced my factory shocks on my X after 49,000 with the trailmaster SSV's. All i can say is awesome. Great ride....improved handling, heck of a difference. Many guys at the local 4x4 shop around here recommeded these, as they ride like the edelbrocks for a little less....oh and the quality of the shock is great.

I went with the Rancho RSX Shocks. Mainly because I more of an on-roader with the offroader running wil through his veins. I have no complants about them. The handle excellent ON and OFF road

Just fyi for all of you, I spent some time talking to a Monroe rep and he said Rancho and Explorer Pro comp shocks are made by Monroe. If you are looking at shocks from these companies, and the specs are basically the same, they probably are the same shock repainted and rebadged.

Originally posted by JDraper
Just fyi for all of you, I spent some time talking to a Monroe rep and he said Rancho and Explorer Pro comp shocks are made by Monroe. If you are looking at shocks from these companies, and the specs are basically the same, they probably are the same shock repainted and rebadged.

Ouch. That must hurt. Considering the top dollar people pay for these.

Have Edelbrock which replaced the worn out OEM originals, big improvement - but after 6-12 months later the front end does not feel as good. I will not buy again

I have them on for a year now, and runs great keeping the Ex on the road(and off). My rep told me that there where only 2 companies making shocks, Monroe and Gabriel...Hummmm

KEbert: Considering Bisteins for my stock 93. Is your 91 stock? What kind of a highway ride do they give for you? Any other comments would be appreciated. I currently have 5 year old Tokikos. Great shock, but a harsh ride. Thanks Mike

part of my big money saving plan consisted of not replavcing ANYTHING suspension related until the lift went on. Well I was amazed that at 110,000 miles I still had the stock shocks on there(I know I know it handled like crap) well the ride is 6 inches higher and has LESS body roll with the Rancho RS5000's than it did stock height. amazing but I was up against crap. I would like to test out the 9000's with in cab controls and see if it really is noticable. My vote, my shocks were a good investment for the $160

:) Dannyboy, you are right about the stock shocks. When I first replaced my stocks for the RS5000s, the auto parts guy showed me this article from Cosumer Reports which found most of the shocks which come on new cars and trucks to be unacceptable when compared with the aftermarket cheap shocks. Further more it stated that many of those shock which came on new cars would last on average maybe 20 to 30k at most. I too was so surprised with the dramatic change in handling when the RS5000 were added. I Later upgraded to the RS9000 which I must say are the best shocks I ever riden on. I don't have the in cab stuff, but I have friends that do and it is easier to adjust. It doesn't take all that much longer to do it manually. I think you'll be happy with your RS9000. May I suggest when you do upgrade, that you check with Rancho. They may be willing to let you pay just the difference between the 5000s and the 9000s since their shocks are all under lifetime warranties and it would just be good PR on their part to help out a loyal Rancho customer.

I think some shops do that but it is not totally honest. I had a buddy lift a YJ and he got longer shocks free which seemed cool, but you wonder. Oh well when do I have a conscience when a huge corporation wants to save my poor ass some money.
A word on the 9000's w'/o in cab controls. I have heard that if you live in harsh weather places the knob will seize up and it is not under warranty, but you can avoid this by taking out the knob and coating it with anti-seize. Dont know if this applies to you but that would suck if your shocks were stuck in one position. Just something I learned that I wanted to sound smart saying:D

;) Hey Dannyboy, thanks for the suggestion. Though I haven't had any problems with it yet, I can see what you are talking about. I think a little anti-seize wouldn't hurt. Like you said it would be a bummer to have your shock stuck in one position. Take care dude!

You wouldnt have this problem because you suck
Why do you suck
Because you live in Hawaii and I live in Wisconsin it is extremely sh*tty around here for a good portion of the year when all this white crap falls and our trucks freeze up and sometimes dont want to startLOL

:) Hey Dannyboy, It maybe paradise as most people believe it to be, but let me tell you there is definitely a price to pay to live on a rock. We're probably the highest in the nation in the cost of living ranks and unfortunately our pay is probably ranked somewhere near the bottom. We have major traffic problems that will only get worst in the future. The mainland is looking better all the time! Take it easy dude!