Monroe Sensatrack or...

[jsimpson]

I want a shock that will be relatively soft un;loaded and relatively stiff loaded. I'm trying to decided between Monroe SensTracks, which have a narrowed rod in the center to give a soft rod, but stiffen up after they get past the center, or the Monroe shocks that are normally stiff until they get a big bump, and then the valve acts withing 12 milliseconds to drastically soften the shock (and the bump). I carry a 3500 pound Lance in the back of my 94 1 ton. Anyone of you used either of these shocks?

 

[juicedcummins]

The Monroe sestracs are what I'v got on My 99. The ride is not bad but I don't think they last very long.

The first set didn't last 15k on the front and they were both leaking. Good thing I bought them from a buddy and their lifetime-Warranty was a no hassel.

Next truck I'll try the rancho's they seem to hold up but not sure of the ride.

 

[KYOUNG]

shox

:-{} ranchos last about 30 to 40k than have to be replaced , i am on my fifth set and think one is bad. i will try edelbrock IAS shock or bilstien:--)

 

[Turbo Thom]

JuicedCummins is right . They willl not last long. I had the Monroe's on my 3500 and at 20K they gave out. I had a new set installed with warranty, and now they are gone. I'm putting the IAS shocks on my truck and the wifes 98 2500. I do tow but not on a steady basis. I ride empty most of the time.



. . Preston. .

 

[mimprevento]

Monroes OK on my Tahoe

I have had an early set on my 95 Tahoe 4x4 for about 65,000 miles- 142,000 on the Truck total- they were put on with a set of Wrangler ATS's- the first set of Wranglers lasted 60,000 miles and were just replaced- the Monroes have never leaked and have been excellent- I think they may be overtaxed on harder working trucks thats why I went to Edelbrocks on my 02 3500 Dually-I consider them an excellent product for my application as they are still going strong

 

[JohnE]

How about a compromise?



My buddy has a 4wd 94 reg cab with KYB Gas-a-Just. They work great. He added a set of airbags to control the ride when loaded with his 9½ camper and towing the boat. In a side-wind situation you cannot beat airbags.



I've got KYBs Gas-a-Just on my 97 2wd. The ride better now after 20k miles than when new.



Never again Monroes and remember the same company makes Ranchos.



my 2 reale



-John

 

[JPS]

KYB shocks

Thats a brand of shock I have't heard of! Sounds good ,any good prices anywhere? JPS

 

[DocStressor]

I've used Monro Sensatracks on a number of off road 4X4s over the years and I think that they give a fine ride and are a great value. We would wind up breaking one shock on the average of every 20K miles or so and would then replace the entire set. I could never see using expensive shocks for field vehicles. In general, Bilsteins give the best performance regardless of price for unloaded vehicles. But if you haul your camper a lot, go with the adjustable Rancho 9000s. No doubt about it!

 

[JohnE]

KYB

I've used <a href=http://www.kyb.com/shocks2.html target=_blank>KYBs</a> on a number of vehicles including my RAM. It is a very high quality product for a reasonable price. My only complaint is the original paint is poor and rusts through very quickly. I repainted the ones on my wife's mini-van before installation and they are just fine.



I've got the Gas-a-Just series on the Ram as the Mono-Max wasn't available at the time. A friend put Gas-a-Just on his Ford 2wd and it is not enough. The Ford twin I-Beam suspension is probably the poorest overall concept (and they bragged about it for 30 years) and requires extreme measure to control tire wear.



I had the best luck with <a href=http://www.shox.com/ target=_blank>SHOX</a>. Their website is a learning adventure in suspension components, too.



-John

 

[jsimpson]

The Bilsteins on my wife's Tundra are great, but will they hold up on my RAM?

 

[Bigramguy]

We used to sell lots of the sensa-trac shocks for all makes and models,but had WAY too many comebacks (40-50%). Lately Monroe has been real sticky on warranty returns as well. Before they would replace them all if one would act up. Now it is ONLY the defective unit. Last week we had one come apart and stick in the fully extended position.



I have always felt they are just a little too soft,vehicle will wallow like a big lincoln,and they don't stiffen up quick enough when they should.



We have just recently started carrying the KYB lines,and they seem too be working well so far,only time will tell.

 

[tgbol]

I have used the sensa-trac on a number of GMC vans at work. It seems that ride height is important to the shock function. While we aren't puttting lift kits on them, the way they are loaded and have the springs been changed make upp the difference. I am lookiing for shocks for my Ram. I have Bilstiens on one Jeep and KYBs on the other 2. I like both.

 

[CPH]

Shocks

I have monroes and they are comming off this summer. I am not satitisfied. They are shot and never gave me the ride I wanted. I had ranchos on my ford and one broke at the weld on top. I bought thru a warehouse distributer. They (Rancho) would replace it IF I sent them the bad one first! What good is a truck with only three shocks? My next set will be Bilsteins.



cph

 

[csutton7]

Monroe produces most of the shocks out on the market today and then with a sticker or two they suddenly become a different shock. . do your homework when you pick your shock, as you know the front ends of our trucks are very heavy... . chris