Shock preference?

[my65289stang]

I have a stock 96 cherokee sport 4.0 4X4 and I need some new shocks. I was looking for a few opinions to see what you are using. I am looking for a reasonably priced set but I don't want pieces of $Hit. It is used as my daily driver but it gets some 4X4 work out whenever I get drawn for hunts(which hasn't been too often lately).

Thanks
Brian

 

[Rick Anderson]

Everyone seems to like the Monroe "Sensatracs" available at your local auto store. ~$40 a piece. No one likes the ~$20 Monroe "Gasomatics", which is the only other cheap alternative.

Have you lifted the vehicle? Even so, I think the Monroe Sensatracs can handle 2 inches of lift.

I'm fixing up an old XJ, a 4X2, just for street driving. I plan on getting the OEM HD Shocks from this site.

http://www.rigidsteel.com/y131pC3tIGk0.html

There $23.95 a piece, I don't know if they are as good as the monroe "sensatracs", but I don't think you can beat those shocks at that price.

 

[steveC]

I plan on getting the OEM HD Shocks from this site.

I think Chrysler was getting them from Tokico (that's what came out of our WJ, anyway). Would be curious if that's what you actually get from them, but they might not carry any name.

 

[edmaude]

Does anyone have opinions on Bilstein HD Shocks? There is a posting on Ebay for all four 219.00 w/ free shipping.

 

[Rick Anderson]

Tokico has a good rep for making good shocks, if its OEM I would think I'm getting OEM ride at least.

Well its heavy duty Shocks, I don't know if I have the HD suspension, a base model SE that is 2WD, I doubt its the HD suspension. BUT, HD shocks should be over-damp which is usally means a little firmer ride with better control and handling, so I think its worth a shot at that price, it make work out very well.

 

[Rick Anderson]

Does anyone have opinions on Bilstein HD Shocks? There is a posting on Ebay for all four 219.00 w/ free shipping.

The Shock Discussion I was part of, those were considered the best. Not sure for serious off-roading, but for the street they are considered best, there probably fine for light off-roading, if not better.

They usually go for about $80 a piece, if you can get them for $55 a piece, then thats a good deal.

Blistein has an outstanding rep for great shocks, only Koni may be considered better.

 

[prb24]

FWIW...

I just picked up 4 NAPA Reflex shocks (rebadged Monroes) for less than $40 a piece. NAPA also has a $25 rebate going on until the end of the month when you buy 4 Sensa-tracs or Reflex shocks.

Haven't installed them yet...but from what I hear, the Reflex's are top notch.

 

[Rick Anderson]

Haven't installed them yet...but from what I hear, the Reflex's are top notch.

Thats not much more than I would pay for the OEM at mail order, maybe the same with shipping.

So the Reflex, is that top notch for "OFF-ROADING" or top notch for "STREET DRIVING"?

I'm only interested in driving on the hi-way, so is the extra reflex feature just a waste? is it a compromise between both, meaning a little less on the street?

Another way to say it, "Forget off roading, will the reflex be as good or better than OEM HD on the Street"?

 

[prb24]

Well...the folks that I know that run them say they are an improvement in every way.

One of those people has an XJ, that I don't believe has ever been off-road. The rest of my friends that run them have them on pick-up trucks that see on- and off-road use for work and play.

The Sensa-tracs (and Reflex's) have been given good reviews by folks in our very own community, amongst other places. When I went to price shocks, I found that the Reflex's were only a couple of bucks more. Of course, prices were at my local NAPA, YMMV. After seeing the prices, hearing/reading reviews for both models, I figured I'd give thm a shot.

 

[Rick Anderson]

I may go for the NAPA Reflex Shocks then.

I went and checked the shipping costs for the www.rigidsteel.com website, and the price for the Reflex on NAPA's website, my local NAPA charges the same as the website.

NAPA Reflex are $159.96 a set. -$25 rebate equals $134.96.
The OEM HD Shocks at rigidsteel.com are $110.75, that includes shipping.

So for $25 more I can get the Reflex Shocks, if I can get the rebate. I think I'll go for it.

 

[montanaman]

Has anyone ever run Monroe Gas Magnums on their Jeep? They are basically a truck shock.

 

[DeftwillP]

I got 4 monroe sensatracs for $139 shipped from rockauto.com. Might wanna check that out too, no need to wait for a rebate.

 

[JoesXJ]

I have procomp ES3000 shocks on my rig, I dont know anything else but these work nicely for me, the ride is much better than it was when I was stock (I have a RE 3.5" lift also). $135.99 for 4 shocks, stabalizer shock and colored boots for all....no too shabby

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/packages/index.asp?ParentPacID=46

 

[streetpirate]

The Shock Discussion I was part of, those were considered the best. Not sure for serious off-roading, but for the street they are considered best, there probably fine for light off-roading, if not better.

They usually go for about $80 a piece, if you can get them for $55 a piece, then thats a good deal.

Blistein has an outstanding rep for great shocks, only Koni may be considered better.

i know you said only koni's have a better rep, but i have a question. would the blistein's or some rsx9000's be better for a street only rig? am i ever going to need to adjust valving on a street rig or do i just get blisteins?

 

[jassco2]

I had Sensa-tracs on my old 96 and they were perfect (I consider Boston streets a good testament to that)
I recently put a pair on my 01. They had a deal at SEARS with free install. I figured since it's winter I won't suffer through the rear shock bolt deal like on my 96.
Best price vs performance I'd say