Yes another shocks post!

[eoliva]

Have been reading a lot of posts about preferences etc but have seen very little discussion on this setup:

Monroe Sensa-Trac in the rear and Reflex in the front. Anyone currently have this? What are your thoughts about it? I am picking up some shocks today and need some input on this setup.

Thanks

 

[fordlover3]

i just installed reflexes in the back in sensa tracs in the front and i like them. i know this probably doesnt help you but just sharing my opinion

 

[eoliva]

how is the ride? stiff / soft? still pretty bumpy over rough roads?
also did it cut down on the sway any and tighten up the suspension during turns?

From what i've seen some people were doing reverse (sensa-tracs in the rear).

I may just end up doing the reflexes all around.

 

[fordlover3]

well my original plan was reflexes all around so ordered four online and when the came they gave me the wrong fronts so i just went to pep boys and all they had were sensa tracs. i personally would go all four reflexes. the ex handles way better now that i have the new shocks though, a lot less sway in turns now, and i dont get knocked around when going over speed bumps. Overall im very satisfied, but i would probably go with all reflexes

 

[Allstock98]

IIRC the last time I checked this, it was Sensa Tracs that were preferred. Are Reflexs a newer item?

93k+, time for new sneakers and shocks....

ALSO, what about the sideways shock on the rear axle, is that a dealer only job? Can you feel a difference with or without it?

 

[SoNic67]

I did look on Monroe site for selection. Monroe has the fifth shock too, but I choose not to replace it.
On their site is stated that for better comfort they recomend SensaTrac, for better control they recomend Reflex.
The way they work is a little different, but since both are shocks with dual damping they will both be better that the OEM ones (single damping).
My SensaTrac are soft on highway, smooth roads, but when the bumps are biggher, they become more damped, limiting the roll and balance. At curbs, they let the Ex tilt a little bit faster at the begining of the turn, but they limit that quickly. The actual ammount of tilt is the same since that depends of elastic components of the suspension.
The Reflex are stiff all the time and when a bigger bump comes, a valve opens and loosens the damping for a short time. That is great for bumpy roads, but I think it might be rougher on highway, depending of th esensivity of that valve. The valving system is present in other shocks (Bilstein) but the SensaTrac one is proprietary (some channels cut on the sides of the center portion of the cylinder to make piston travel less stiff in that area).

 

[astiocles]

I say go with the reflex all around. I had to learn the hard way. I had purchased 4 sensatracs for my 02 sport, and hated the ride as soon as I got in. Every single bump on the road was magnified. Decided to take advantage of monroe's 90 day guarantee, returned them and bought the reflex. Ride is much more controlled whether in the city or highway. Just the right amount of stiffness. I personally do not think sensatracs work well with SUVs and would be better suited with a car.

 

[eoliva]

I say go with the reflex all around. I had to learn the hard way. I had purchased 4 sensatracs for my 02 sport, and hated the ride as soon as I got in. Every single bump on the road was magnified. Decided to take advantage of monroe's 90 day guarantee, returned them and bought the reflex. Ride is much more controlled whether in the city or highway. Just the right amount of stiffness. I personally do not think sensatracs work well with SUVs and would be better suited with a car.

i've bee getting kind of the same vibe from reading some of the posts that the reflex are more suited for my driving style and for SUVs.

 

[gtyates]

I also recommend Reflex all around. Very pleased with them on my '96. Yes a little "stiff" on the highway but dramatiacally improved handling. Also I suggest replacing the 5th shock on the axel. I had the Monroes installed on mine. I do notice more stability on turns in the rear vs. the original 15 year old 5th shock. I replaced main shocks about a year ago and only recently replaced the 5th shock so I can say the 5th shock does make a difference.

 

[eoliva]

do you think if i let the air out of tires a little bit and ran like 33-35 psi it would be better.

 

[gtyates]

That is where I run mine, 33-35.

 

[SoNic67]

"Let out to 35psi"??? No wonder the ride is bumpy! I have mine at 32psi...

 

[eoliva]

well me not knowing a lot about it just looked at the tires and they were rated for 44 psi so i aired them up to about 40. horrible ride lol. i have them at about 33 right now. haven't drove it since i did that earlier though.