Originally Posted By: ediamiam
So how is the ride? Improved? Like New? Better than new?
If you are querying OP's results then it would be up to him to respond.
If you are responding to us poster's response then I would say: YMMV.
If you have some worn shocks/struts that failed to dampen the springs properly to begin with, then replacing them with new units, be it monroe sensatracs, gas-matics or even lowly Gabriels will definitely improve the ride (and to a certain extent, the handling as well).
If you think that monroe sensatracs or gas-matics are a good way to improve your new car came straight off of the dealer's lot then I'm afraid that you may be disappointed. Consider them as a replacement for the already expensive factory OE replacements as the ones on your car becomes old (5yrs+) (most new cars bought in NA comes with standard 3yr bumper-to-bumper warranty which also covers shocks/struts).
While gas shocks/struts are the best out in the market these days, regrettably no 2 manufacturers are of the same quality for if they aren't made properly, you'll loose nitrogen gas charge far sooner than what you would like to see. For example: on my previous Mazda B6 block (91 323), bought some KYB (made in Spain) and lost nitrogen gas charge in 10,000kms during normal city driving (70% city/30% hiwy). Replaced them with Japanese Tokico lumina and never loose any charge for 4+yrs afterwards. Case 2: wifey's 94 camry V6 replaced OEs with sensatracs (labelled as made in Oz) and they lost charge after 20,000kms and become just like ordinary, bouncy, soft ride afterwards. Never bother to replace them afterwards due to cost/time concerns even though they came with factory warranty (cost me 3hrs to RE&RE + 4-wheel alignment cost).
Case 3: replaced 86 Chev Sprint (my SCCA pocket racer) rear with monroe sensatracs and the ride was so harsh that the car literally bounced all over the road in the city. Replaced them with OE Showa(Jpn) and problem solved.
I have tonnes of stories to tell but frankly due to time and bandwidth I would rather not.
Bottomline: if your struts/shocks ride funny and you are on a tight budget, monroes aren't a bad choice at all. If you want some elevated performance then don't go cheep but to go with brand names like Konis, Bilsteins, Tokicos, or adjustable KYBs(make sure they are made in Jpn and not some other ccraapp).
Lastly, while you are at it, check/service/replace all your suspension components incl. rubber bushings, sway bar bushings, strut dust/moisture boots, strut top plate bearings, etc. for it makes no sense to keep a worn car on the road even if you put new struts/new tires on them, only to realise that they wouldn't handle the road in a safe, predictable manner.
Q.