Another shock thread

[CaffeineSam]

The truck needs new shocks, and I was wondering what would be the best option between a set of Rancho 5000 or KYB Gas-a-Just. I know that the KYB go for a cheap set of shocks, but I had them under my old Volvo wagon (with lowering springs and stiffer sway bars, that poor thing got so abused when I swapped these in :rotf: ) and liked the handling it gave on the road. The truck being about the same weight I guess the ride would be somewhat similar.

 

So is it worth coughing the dough for the Ranchos ? The Comanche will be used mainly as a stuff hauler for our motorcycles, boat, wood, auto parts, etc., it's equipped with a functional air-ride system. I don't off-road that often, like firm rides and may or may not have a heavy right foot. Hah ! I sound like I'm placing an ad in a singles site.

 

Any suggestions are also very welcome. Thanks !

 

P.S. : On a side note, would KYB Monomax made for a Grand Cherokee fit on a 'manche ? There's a killer deal on eBay. I know the front fits, but would the rear require a lift or something ?

[comanche09]

Are you at stock ride height? Planning a lift?

[Eagle]

I would use Monroes. Whatever the line is next cheaper than the Sensatrac.

 

Way back when my '88 XJ was new (ish), when the factory shocks wore out my brother talked me into buying a set of KYB Gas-A-Justs for it. I HATED them. They were sloppy over big bumps and dips, yet extremely harsh over pavement cracks and closely-spaced ripples. I didn't even wait to wear then out. I had them on less than a month before I did what I should have done. I put on a set of Monroe Magnums (a series that has been discontinued). Those rode and handled much better, and lasted well over 100,000 miles.

[CaffeineSam]

I would use Monroes. Whatever the line is next cheaper than the Sensatrac.

 

Way back when my '88 XJ was new (ish), when the factory shocks wore out my brother talked me into buying a set of KYB Gas-A-Justs for it. I HATED them. They were sloppy over big bumps and dips, yet extremely harsh over pavement cracks and closely-spaced ripples. I didn't even wait to wear then out. I had them on less than a month before I did what I should have done. I put on a set of Monroe Magnums (a series that has been discontinued). Those rode and handled much better, and lasted well over 100,000 miles.

 

Thanks, I will consider this. Though I'm not sure about what's offered on the current Monroe lineup, having heard some horror stories about them too.

 

Are you at stock ride height? Planning a lift?

 

Stock height, not planning a lift yet. May or may not happen but certainly not before two years from now.

[comanche09]

I would use Monroes. Whatever the line is next cheaper than the Sensatrac.

 

Way back when my '88 XJ was new (ish), when the factory shocks wore out my brother talked me into buying a set of KYB Gas-A-Justs for it. I HATED them. They were sloppy over big bumps and dips, yet extremely harsh over pavement cracks and closely-spaced ripples. I didn't even wait to wear then out. I had them on less than a month before I did what I should have done. I put on a set of Monroe Magnums (a series that has been discontinued). Those rode and handled much better, and lasted well over 100,000 miles.

 

Thats what i'm running and no complaints about the ride (Monroe blue shock).

[October_V]

I put a set of Rancho 5000 on a 4x4, solid axle 'yota I had, it was really stiff and hard riding.

I would think on a MJ, it would be a stiff ride there too.

[Eagle]

Thanks, I will consider this. Though I'm not sure about what's offered on the current Monroe lineup, having heard some horror stories about them too.

Ummm ... who do you think makes Rancho? Rancho and Monroe are both part of Tenneco and I'd bet a donut they all come out of the same factory.

 

The reason I don't recommend the Sensatracs isn't that they're not good. IMHO they are VERY good. But ... they adjust to road conditions by having short bypass grooves in the bore at the mid-height position, allowing for a softer ride at "normal" height that stiffens up as the suspension compresses or droops, when the piston gets beyond the grooves.

 

If you'll be towing or carrying a heavy load frequently, you lose the benefit of the "groove tube technology" ... so why pay for it?

 

You can get the Monro-Matic Plus for a few bucks less than the Sensatracs, or you can go for the Reflex series for a bunch MORE than the Sensatracs. For a daily driver that sees a lot of miles at highway speeds, I might go for the Reflex. For most of us who use an MJ as a weekend warrior, 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) vehicle, the Monro-Matic Plus is fine.

[88pioneer]

i agree with eagle, whenever i do shocks on a non lifted vehicle i go with monroe or gabriel. They ride much better than an "offroad" shock. My MJ has rouch country shocks up front an beleive me i can see where they got the name. Replacing with bilstein 5100's