My 2006 Ford Focus has 127,000 miles. It has been in need of struts/shock absorbers for a while.I am looking for something a little firmer than the original equipment but not so much firmer. The most common brands on the market are Monroe and Gabriel.
Guide to Shock Buying-Monroe Measurements-Rancho Measurements-KYB Measurements-Knowledge Center-Leveling Shocks vs. Spacer Kits-Complete Strut Assemblies-Shock Video Help-Mounts-Shock Specs-Shock Myths-Difference Between Shocks and Struts-Electronic Struts vs Passive Struts-Installation-Towing Products-Lowered Vehicles-Lifted Trucks-Glossary. There is no way in the world i can justify or afford Koni's or Bilstein's. So i have been looking at KYB and Monroe. I need the shortened shocks to go with my superlows and have got quoted $326 for all 4 monroe gas gt shocks or about $450 for the KYB's.
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I have had experience with gas-charged Monroes (never tried Gabriels) about 25 years ago. I remember them to be not so impressive.I am also looking at the baseline model KYB, which seem a little more expensive than the two common brands.Has any of you had experience with Monroe, Gabriel, KYB or other brands in terms of their firmness and their dirability? Gabriel and Monroe parts WILL be stiffer than factory simply because they design them so you can feel that you actually changed something. All aftermarket shocks and struts are built that way.I have used KYB’s and they ride well and are a quality product.
Many are built in the US. I currently have Tokico adjustable struts/shocks on my Mustang with well over 10,000 miles and I am impressed. I have also used Gabriels. They gave me no issues but they were not stiff enough to settle my Ford van’s bobbing nose.
The Sachs rear replacement shocks on the wife’s car have 80,000 mile with no issues.BTW, I was an engineer for a former GM division that made shocks and I’ve cut apart many brands of shocks and struts to see what is inside. Monroe is a bottom feeder especially their aftermarket replacement parts, Gabriel is a bit better, KYB, Showa and Boge/Sachs (now TRW) are better yet. All are OEM suppliers. Premium suppliers would be Koni or Bilstein.
If your current dampers are shot, new dampers will definitely firm your ride up. They can make a surprising difference. And I’m alluding to OEM replacements.Make sure you replace the rubbery bits too, the seat springs, bumper stops, strut mounts, and boots if your struts have them. They’re dirt cheap to buy, and the spring seats and strut mounts make a big difference in the ride, handling, and road noise.If you want to noticeably improve your steering response, reduce body roll, and reduce sensitivity to wind, without adversely affecting your ride, allow me to suggest you look for some upgraded sway bars. Note that reduced body roll keeps the tires in better contact with the road during turns, and this alone makes a noticeable difference.Again, be sure you get new bushings with them (they usually come with the bar(s). New sway bar links on a ten year old car may or may not be needed, but check yours to be sure they’re not frozen or worn loose.
IMHO upgraded sway bars might be the best suspension upgrade you can make for a daily driver. Jason, You will get much better answers/advice by starting your own thread and by actually asking clear questions. The only thing I have to offer is, my experience with Monroe Quick Struts. I Bought 4 for a 99 Camry 3 of them did not have the bearing/mount on correctly, resulting in lots of noise while driving. I somewhat blame myself for not checking them well, just a quick visual. So basically had to remove them re-do the bearing attachment and re-install. Some lessons are learned the hard way.
Stop waffling on the subject and tell us what you think about it.:DI'm the eternal skeptic, especially when it comes to spending money.I've used KYB and Bilstien.KYB's lasted all of 2yrs in my S10 4x4 and went flat.The Bilstien's in my XJ are still working 10yrs later.I spent twice as much on Bilstiens, and they've held up 5 times longer.My friend Jim's 94 C4 Vette still has it's original Bilstiens. 22yrs later it still rides great.I can honestly say I'm thoroughly impressed with the performance and durability of Bilstien products.And that is what I really think about it lol!
I bought KYB's for my 66. I took them off after about 100 miles and replaced them with $13 Monroe Matics that worked much better. KYB are a joke.
They're too stiff, not from a comfort standpoint put they bound up the suspension. Every little pot hole, expansion strip or crack in the road, the tires would loose contact with the road and the car would be in a different tract. I'm talking about low speed local driving too.I took the plunge and bought the Sport version for my 66. I was thinking of buying the street version and in a knee jerk, if some is good more is better moment, bought the Sport. I could not be happier! Phenomenal shocks, worth every penny! I could not be happier.
They're firm but not hash.Yes, they are worth twice the price! I had KYB Gas-a-Justs on my Impala for 15 years. They worked fine for that car for the price. Decent ride, not mushy or harsh. Not sure if they would be any good on a newer Vette. The Caprice had cheap store Monroe gas shocks. They sucked from day one.
Completely worthless. My friend gave his old Edelbrock IAS shocks off of his 66 Chevelle. They rode like a cement truck in that car, but ride real nice in my tank.I now have Koni' adjustables in the Impala.
Ride fantastic and can keep the nose diving on heavy braking.