The best Shocks for smooth driving

[Andiamo]

I just installed a set of Monroe Sensatrac shocks replacing my Monroe Reflex units. Much improved ride. I live in a Midwestern town that is littered with bumps and uneven pavement. I wasn't looking for handling, just a smooth ride and I think the Sensatracs do a good job so far. We will see how they wear.

 

[shockguys]

anybody have any any experience with bilstein 5100's? i currently have rancho 5000's and an explorerexpress rear sway bar and the ride on california highways are a sore! its bumpy like a horse ride.. i can see other cars doing the same and people in them do bounce around too but do you think the 5100's would smooth them out significantly?

the fronts have rancho 5000's too with the stock tortion bars but i'll be converting them soon to coilovers..

The Rancho 5000s are a twin tube shock and can compared to the Monroe Reflex/Sensatrac. Bilstein 5100s are a monotube shock are stiffer of the three. Bilstein HDs (4600s) are a bit softer than the 5100s and are probably your best bet for comfort and handling.

 

[parad1mg]

is this the 4600 series one? http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/...ilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer

 

[shockguys]

is this the 4600 series one? http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/...ilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer

Yes, the yellow/blues are the 4600 HD's.

 

[dean1997sport]

I'm on a budget I was looking at the KYB GR2's has anyone used these?

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/16172/name/341302-KYB-GR2-Ford,-Mazda,-and-Mercury-Trucks

Pretty cheap

 

[shockguys]

These are a base upgrade from OEM's, although I haven't used them on my vehicles. I would think the Monroe Reflex's are a bit better. They both are twin tube design.

Anyone else use these on their vehicle that could elaborate more?

 

[gijoecam]

As I've said before in this thread, you get what you pay for. A $30 shock isn't going to last the same way a $100 shock will. Initially, they'll feel like a night and day difference compared to a blown-out worn-out set that aren't damping the motion anymore. But in 10,000 miles, the difference between the $30 shocks and the $100 shocks will be night and day.

I've run the SensaTracs, Rancho RSX's, and Monroe Reflex's on my Explorer. None of them are worth a fart after 15,000 miles.

-Joe

 

[shockguys]

I've run the SensaTracs, Rancho RSX's, and Monroe Reflex's on my Explorer. None of them are worth a fart after 15,000 miles.

-Joe

Seeing that Monroe makes Rancho, they are essentially the same part or very close equivalent. The RSX5000's are pretty equal to the Reflex.

Reflex's are an 'upgrade' to the older SensaTrac technology.

 

[Fabbed4d88]

If you want a smooth ride out of your X put the shocks under your seat...j/k.

I'm running a set of Doetsch Nitro Slammers, they make them for an X with the stock ride height. I don't know about longevity but I can say that they really mad a difference (for the better) in my ride quality. They run about $43 bucks a shock.

 

[JCat]

I have these . . . . and the ride is horrible . . .

 

[Fabbed4d88]

I had the edelbrocks and wasn't to pleased with the ride either....especially for the price.

 

[dean1997sport]

I went on the tour of the edelbrock factory a few years ago and they were showing how they made those shocks, alot of quality control goes into them and they seem to be made well I have never used them but they are not made by the thousands. I still dont know why they are making shocks it didnt make any sense to me at the time.

 

[ThePhoenix]

i found someone on craigslist that has to front KYB monomax for $25....I am getting them...NIB...cant go wrong. even tho I need rear shocks more...cant pass momomax's

 

[shockguys]

i found someone on craigslist that has to front KYB monomax for $25....I am getting them...NIB...cant go wrong. even tho I need rear shocks more...cant pass momomax's

That is a good price for those. Obviously they are used?

 

[ThePhoenix]

nope NEW IN BOX...someone bought, never installed, sold vehicle,

 

[dean1997sport]

These are a base upgrade from OEM's, although I haven't used them on my vehicles. I would think the Monroe Reflex's are a bit better. They both are twin tube design.


Ok i will place an order this weekend after i get paid. why would the reflex be better?

 

[shockguys]

nope NEW IN BOX...someone bought, never installed, sold vehicle,

Sweet! Good find!

These are a base upgrade from OEM's, although I haven't used them on my vehicles. I would think the Monroe Reflex's are a bit better. They both are twin tube design.


Ok i will place an order this weekend after i get paid. why would the reflex be better?

Actually, I was just speaking to a colleague here that has used both (I used Reflex, they were satisfactory for me and a bit softer) on an Explorer but he said the GR2's would be a better bet for you if you want a stiffer ride but more importantly said the GR2's will last longer. However that's a matter of your driving style and what what you use the vehicle for.

Lastly, it's simply a matter of preference, but with the GR2's cheaper for your vehicle they are probably your better bet. They are usually more expensive than the Reflex.

 

[dean1997sport]

Terrific thank you!

 

[sne43]

I installed Monroe Sensatracs 2500 miles ago. I staged a suspension rejuvination on my 97 ex and can describe the effect of each. After starting with an add-a-leaf to raise the sagging back end, decided on replacing the OE shocks with 165K on them with the Sensatracs. The AAL stiffened up the back end, but the shocks made a huge improvement to overall handling and ride comfort. I have been pleased with the Sensatracs.

While under the truck doing the AAL, I noticed the 5th shock connected to the frame and differential. Learned that this was a steering stabilizer. I decided to replace it, purchsed the only replacement I could find which happened to be from Monroe, and completed it over this past weekend. It made another huge improvement that can be described as softening up the overall ride even further with less roll. I am surprised, because there is not much on this site about the OE stabilizer. The old one was original and was dented, bent, and full of dirt. More like a solid pipe than a shock.

Overall, I really like my Sensatracs. Have done some lite off roading and they handle it well and feel great on the street. Based on my experience, if you are changing the 4 main shocks, change the stabilizer as well.

None of these shocks cost me more than $36 shipped. I bought them all through Amazon.com. I also used the Frugal Mechanic site (frugalmechanic.com) which will automatically pick up the best prices on your parts from many sources (including Amazon). A good site.

 

[shockguys]

I bought them all through Amazon.com.

Interesting how far Amazon has come from selling books.