new shocks. oh yeah!

[rathrbcruisin]

I put some new KYB gas-a-just shocks on the explorer today. I'm glad i went with they KYB's instead of the monroe's. I usually just get monroe but have always thought they were too soft. What a huge difference, rides like a new truck and no rolling in the corners. the old shocks were so bad that when i took off the upper nut the shock compressed itself! As far as I know those were the original shocks at 142,000 miles.

 

[toypaseo]

Good to hear

I have been contemplating buying the KYBs

 

[drdoom]

I have the KYB also, took off the Monroe LTs. Very pleased with the change.

 

[SoNic67]

I have originally bought Monroe Sensatrac's but they didn't last too long on my truck because I hated the way they handled, I have replaced quickly with KYB Gas-A-Just.
There is no doubt that a monotube shock is the best choice for a big truck like ours, all the new "fancy/expensive" SUV or Crossovers have monotube shocks today.

 

[2lungking]

I have the same shocks on my 98 sport they ride great love them you made a good choice

 

[chefduane]

I am running Monroe's all around with coil overs on the rear. I have been pleased but that's just me. Next time I might try the KYB's. Everyone seems the recc them.
I was shocked (get it..? ...shocked'.. heh heh.. ahem..) when you said the upper just compressed on itself. That was one used up shock!

 

[koda2000]

Many here run the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (including me) and like them. There are many opinions on what the "best" shocks are, but I find that for an everyday street driver the KYB's work very well. Rancho's might be better if you off road a lot, but I've never read any complaints on the KYB's.

 

[beach]

I've had Monroe Reflex and Monroe Air Shocks (for rear). Truck is lifted now with TT/Shackles on 31s, but with Rancho RS5374 in front and Monroe Coil Overs in rear, truck rides, handles and drives much better then it ever has before.... stiff but in a good controlled stiff way. Been in other TT/Shackle explorers that didn't drive near as nice.

 

[PODHokie]

How do you guys think the Gas-A-Just compare to the GR-2 / Excel-G's? I'm looking at both and are the Gas-A-Just worth the extra $$?

 

[Flash]

There are many opinions on what the "best" shocks are,

Well, that would be Konis.

 

[Flash]

How do you guys think the Gas-A-Just compare to the GR-2 / Excel-G's? I'm looking at both and are the Gas-A-Just worth the extra $$?

How much more do they cost?

Later, when you're driving down the road or track are you going to regret not spending the extra $xx.

Personally I get the best I can.

 

[rathrbcruisin]

I can't compare the two as I only have experience with the gas-a-just. But i'm real happpy I got these. The're like 10 bucks more each on rock auto. I got all four delivered for 146.xx I'd buy them again (so far) I usually buy the top monroe available. I put monroes on my 93 ranger a year ago and it was a good ride, but still too soft i think. I'm glad i spent the extra 40 bucks.

 

[masospaghetti]

I've gone from stock, to Monroe Reflex, to Sensatrac shocks between the three Explorers i've had.

To me the sensatracs are far preferable to the other two and provide a good ride that I'm happy with. No compliants. The coilover load-leveling rear shocks are just icing on the cake.

The Reflex shocks were way too stiff, IMO, and made the truck ride really poorly.

 

[PODHokie]

How much more do they cost?

Later, when you're driving down the road or track are you going to regret not spending the extra $xx.

Personally I get the best I can.

They're $10 more per shock, so $40 total.

 

[beach]

I've gone from stock, to Monroe Reflex, to Sensatrac shocks between the three Explorers i've had.

To me the sensatracs are far preferable to the other two and provide a good ride that I'm happy with. No compliants. The coilover load-leveling rear shocks are just icing on the cake.

The Reflex shocks were way too stiff, IMO, and made the truck ride really poorly.

Monroe Coilovers? Yeah thats what I have in the rear on my lifted Mounty, their awesome. Far better the Reflex or the Monroe Air shocks I had. Be cool if they could be used in the front lol. I've taken some on ramps way faster then norm and and right when getting on the highway it gets uneven, truck handles it with aplomb now, before it would skip or wallow when hitting those sections. Not even phased now with the Coilovers.

 

[bodkin1]

Not to hijack, but the Bilstein 4600's are just as good. Have them on my Ranger and they were the best $$ ever spent.

 

[Nolastcallss]

i agree Bilstein are a great shock to use, i replaced the original ford shocks with all new Bilstein on my 95 ex and what a difference they made, yeah they cost a pretty penny but you definitely feel where your money has gone, i often joke if i ever get rid of my ford for a newer one i am taking the shocks with me lol while we are on the subject of shocks , how many of you have replaced the axle shock and did you noticed any difference in performance or driving ??

 

[SoNic67]

I have replaced the axle shock and definitely help while tight turning to keep the rear in check. Supposedly it helps with wheel hop too.

I think GM adopted a different solution - their rear shocks have asymmetrical mounts (on front/back of axle), to emulate this horizontal damping component. I think that a real shock is better than that.

 

[Nolastcallss]

for give me for asking but what are those bars connected to the lefsprings and where can i ge them

 

[toypaseo]

how many of you have replaced the axle shock and did you noticed any difference in performance or driving ??

I just replaced mine a short while ago with a KYB unit. $26.39 total delivered from AutoAnything using coupon code CAEA3.

Mine had a nice dent it it from my Gibson exhaust. It was not leaking. Was it still good Can I tell a difference