Which shocks to get?

[Doog]

Ok so I got the new Dunlops installed on the kids Rav4 and they noticed one of the rear shocks has some signs of minor fluid leaking so they said it will need replacement in 5-10k. There is a recall on the rear alignment adjusters coming out in 60 days so I will get new adjusters and new alignment from Toyota free. Nice time to do the install of the shocks right before the free alignment.

So which shocks?

1. Monroes from Rock auto are $29 each plus the 5% discount.
2. KYB shocks from Rock Auto which are supposed to be tuned to a worn suspension are $59 each plus discount.
3. Factory OE Tokicos are $31 each on the internet.

So which would you get?

 

[Ram01]

Monroe's will give the best ride and last the longest

 

[DuckRyder]

I would do the Tokicos.

 

[oilmaven]

I've used Sachs for a while now and am very impressed. They seem to provide the best balance of supple ride/good handling of any shocks/struts I've used (and I've used them all) and I'm finding them to be very durable. I intend to install them on my Villager soon.

 

[sciphi]

If the factory parts did okay, I'd get the factory part.

 

[NHGUY]

If you buy Monroe in Sept and "ShOcktober" you get one free by rebate if you buy 4.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Monroe Reflex. I have 70K on mine and they are still holding up very well. They do have some wear, but mine still have a lot of good miles left in them. Monroe Reflex are an excellent shock for normal driving and in my case anyway, they last a very long time. I believe there are deals at Napa and AAP this month for a Buy 3, get one free, after rebate of course.

 

[Donald]

Why not Bilstein shocks. They are reasonable on EBAY and other places.

 

[SLCraig]

I like KYB myself. Nice firm controlled ride with them.

 

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Why not Bilstein shocks. They are reasonable on EBAY and other places.


Yeah, I was kind of wondering where all this love for Monroe was coming from.

While a bit more money, you get what you pay for with a Bilstein.

 

[Ken2]

My experience with Monroes was that they had a moderate life. No where near as long as Bilstein.

Doog,
1---how long do you plan on owning this rig,
2---what kind of a ride do you want...plush, or moderate, or firm control?

 

[mcrn]

bilstein all the way! if not i would vote oem.

 

[artificialist]

How many miles have you driven before the OEM parts failed? If it isn't at least 60,000 miles, don't buy the OEM parts.

I would choose Monroe Sensa-trac or Reflex, don't buy gas-matic, econo-matic, or monroe-matic parts, they don't last.

 

[crazy8]

KYB all the way for me:>)

 

[wrcsixeight]

Originally Posted By: crazy8
KYB all the way for me:>)


+1

Gas A Just

 

[gspfunk]

I'd go with the Tokico's. They were my preference on my 1990 Mustang 5.0. Aftermarket Bilsteins have a great reputation for a reason, but OEM Bilsteins leave a lot to be desired.

 

[bdcardinal]

If not using the OEM dampers, go Bilstein. The only time I have not used Bilstein on a vehicle I own is on my Volvo which has Ohlins valving and electronics in a Monroe body.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Ken2
My experience with Monroes was that they had a moderate life. No where near as long as Bilstein.

Doog,
1---how long do you plan on owning this rig,
2---what kind of a ride do you want...plush, or moderate, or firm control?


1---current mileage is 70k will go to 200k minimum
2---OE ride is fine so moderate.

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
How many miles have you driven before the OEM parts failed? If it isn't at least 60,000 miles, don't buy the OEM parts.



70k hard city miles so far on the OE tokicos and one is starting to fail.

 

[Lakersguy]

Bilstein.