Another "shocks" thread...

[SoNic67]

I did replace the original OEM ones that where rusted trough and with no damping left.
I have now on my 2001 Explorer (Eddie Bower) four Monroe Sensatrac shocks. The ride is smooth on highway but a little "jumpy" over bumps and I think it leans a little too much curves. In theory, I should have low damping on small bumps and higher damping on bigger bumps. I think that the difference either is comming to "abrupt" or is too big... Maybe I am wrong, but I am willing to shell some more money on another pair of rear shocks.
The Monroe Reflex have dual valving and I am afraid that will have the same "abrupt" transition.
The load adjusting Monroes look interesting too because the springs might "soften" the leaf springs reaction, but then, I am worried that might be too "spongy" in curves and at breaking.

Conclusion: I am looking into mono-tube shocks because the high-pressure gas might act like a stiff but progressive "spring" to absorb the initial shock and release, after that, the energy into oil. The gas compression would be instantaneous, not like the "inertia" valving.
Practically I have found for rear as options Gabriel, Bilstein and KYB.
Gabriel (MaxControl) - I heard rumours that they might not be too reliable in long term.
Bilstein too expensive for just a test and might be too stiff.
More inclined towards the KYB because the fact that they have 2 models - Gas-A-Just for normal use and MonoMax for tougher conditions and more damping - the KYB technical rep told me that for my case (light use) Gas-A-Just might be the best.

Am I crazy? Does anybody own one of those monotube shocks on their Ex?

PS: Soon I might have a pair of rear Monroe Sensatracs for sale

 

[BubbaFL]

I just took Reflexes off the back of my truck. Good shocks, they ride nice, and at five years old still work perfectly.

I replaced them with the Monroe's with coil springs, to get a little lift and fight ass sag. Only had time for a few mile road test, they're definitely a bit stiffer.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I've run the Reflex and the SensaTrac, and the Reflex is a much better SUV shock, better ride, less lean... I haven't run any of hte monotubes you're listing though.

 

[alohamonte]

repalce the 5th shock it helps with lateral axle movements and that jump/skipping feeling.

 

[SoNic67]

I will order also the fifth one, I thought about that too. I think the Monroe SC2958 will do there?

 

[my98nnj]

I was running KYB-GR2's all around. They are stiff, rode OK. I wanted a little smoother ride so I changed the fronts over to the SensaTracks and kept the GR2's in the rear. Ride improved, stability and roll stayed the same, I credit that to the mono tube GR2's in the rear.

The GR2's are cheap, tossing a set in the rear might be the way to go for you.
I'd almost say, I'll trade ya the rear SensaTracks for my GR2's????

 

[SoNic67]

I want the Gas-a-Just KYB, they are monotube (with high pressure nitrogen and floating piston). GR2 are regular twintube (low-pressure, single damping level), IMO just at OE level, below Sensatrac (that is twin-tube with dual damping levels).
Actually I think I will bite the bullet and order them today...

PS: I will eventually sell the rear Sensatracs with half price (are less than a year old) if the KYB feel better to me.

 

[bobflood]

I think the Monroe SC2958 will do there?

That's the one!!