Rancho or Monroe

[snoop_1]

So what do you guys think, should I get Rancho 5000s or Monroe Sens-a-tracs?

I'm leaning towards the Ranchos.

Any reason to pick one over the other?

 

[Robb]

On-road - Monroes (no need to spend the extra cash)

Off-road - Ranchos (nice off-road shock)

Robb

 

[snoop_1]

Anyone else have any advice?

Also, how much more are the Ranchos than the Monroes (usually)?

Thanks,

Snoop

 

[Alec]

I say Ranchos. Go ahead an splurge for 9000s up front and 5000s out back.

 

[BigDave]

I've had the Monroes Reflex shocks (designed like the Edelbrock IAS shocks) on for about two years now and I have been very happy with them. They work very well on the road (I have not had the opportunity to wheel in a loooonnnggg time...)...

I would get the Monroes Reflex shocsk, as they are designed for Light Truck use, if you are going to be mostly on road, but want a decent off-road shock as well. There are a lot of threads on the board about them too, if you want second opinions.

Dave

 

[becker69]

I only have experience with the Rancho 5000's on a Nissan Hardbody, but I can vouch they are a very good all around on and especially off-road shock. I think they are in the neighborhood of $39 a piece or so... and Sear's has them on sale all the time (many times with a free install). The 9000's are very good, because you can dial them in as you see fit but at $79-89 a piece they get expensive in a hurry. It depends on what you want. Good luck.

 

[snoop_1]

Well, I went to Sears today, and got the Monroes--mostly because they were on sale for $30 a piece, and the Ranchos had to be ordered.

Also picked up a battery charger/starter for $35 ($25 off), so it was a pretty good trip.

Thanks for the responses,

Snoop

 

[Bordo9]

Reflex or Sensa-tracs??

Which did you get, the Reflex or the Sensa-tracs??

Which would any of you recommend since I primarily drive on-road? Only off-road use is dirt roads for hunting in season.

Most importantly, will either of these work with shackles and a TT??

I was also considering some rancho's 5000, but since I don't off-road that much I didn't know if they were worth it.

Bordo

 

[Hokie]

Monroes and lift?

Wouldn't you have to use shock extenders with the Monroe's for TT/WAR? Or can you buy the monroes that are 2" longer than stock?

 

[snoop_1]

Re: Reflex or Sensa-tracs??

Originally posted by Bordo9
Which did you get, the Reflex or the Sensa-tracs??

Sensa-tracs.

 

[Bordo9]

Are you happy with the ride quality you're getting with the sensa-tracs. Do you have shackles/AAL/ or a TT on your truck or is it stock?

Thanks

 

[snoop_1]

Truck is stock...and the ride is maybe just a little bit rougher than I'd like, but nothing really to complain about. It is an Explorer, after all.

Also, things I learned...

Have deep sockets handy for the front shocks.
Be prepared for a lot of wondering of who designed the "setup" of the top of the rear shocks.

One question....

What is the thing that is sitting on top of the plate that is above the rear tire?

 

[2001ExpSport]

Monroe and Rancho have the same parent company.

Both have the Reflex technology, Rancho comes with a rubber boot and the Monroe has a steel factory "boot". In my opinion the Rancho shock is lower quality. They last about a year under moderate offroad conditions. I have Monroe Reflex Truck shocks and they are excellent both on and off road.

http://www.tenneco-automotive.com/

Look under BRANDS.

Hope that helps.

 

[Bordo9]

Do I need to ask for a particular model since I'm planning on adding shackles and doing a TT to comfortably fit some 31's?

Or do the regular replacements have enough travel for the slight lift I'll be giving?

 

[Digger196]

Originally posted by Alec
I say Ranchos. Go ahead an splurge for 9000s up front and 5000s out back.

i did that!

I love rancho! very pleased with there shocks.

 

[410Fortune]

Throw this into the mix.

Monroe owns Rancho

I agree the Ranchos kick butt, but they are made by monroe, so are the sensa tracs worse?
doubt it.

 

[jimbo74]

yup, monroe and rancho are the same company... well owned by the same company.....

 

[Felix]

Also more food for thought the Gabrial LT shock sold at Auto Zone is the same thing as the old Monroe Magnum 60. Also this shock has the veriable valving system in them. I have replaced my factorys with these shocks and they work very well. When you first put them on you have to get used to the TRUCK ride again. Cause the factory shocks on a explorer/ranger leave much to be desired, but after one full weekend of wheeling those things are feeling just fine.

Mark