Monroe Sensatrac or KYB shocks
- Thread starter Anthony
- Start date
- Status
The SensaTrac are going to restore OE ride quality as well. I currently have both in my daughters car(mazda3)...
KYB Excel GR-2 in front and Monore OE Spectrum(the import version of SensaTrac) in the rear. It's just the way it worked out.
I believe KYB & Monroe are both offering some form of rebate(~$40)
I have used mainly Monore shocks/struts since the 70s and never an issue. This is our first experience with KYB.
KYB Excel GR-2 in front and Monore OE Spectrum(the import version of SensaTrac) in the rear. It's just the way it worked out.
I believe KYB & Monroe are both offering some form of rebate(~$40)
I have used mainly Monore shocks/struts since the 70s and never an issue. This is our first experience with KYB.
The KYB Excel GR-2 seem to be a better shock, the Monroe quality has gone off considerably over the last decade.
I've only used KYB, I've heard too many stories of people installing monroe and not noticing any difference from their old shocks. With KYB you know that its a new shock, but if you just want a semi controlled floaty ride, KYB isn't for you.
Note that Rock Auto has the KYB GR-2s for your truck for about $27 each. I've had some success getting Advance Auto to match Rock Auto's price.
Well...
My experience with this particular pairing is 20 years old, so consider that as you read.
I owned a '90 Dodge Shadow. After a few years, it felt to me like it needed new shocks & struts; no surprise given where I lived and where it got driven. I bought Monroe Sensa-Tracs for the front first. They were different than the factory strut feel; softer at static ride height (in order to be more compliant over small bumps, I suppose?). They tightened up nearer the ends of the stroke.
For the rear, I wanted better control of porpoising, because a particular stretch of concrete road that I drove somewhat regularly was SUPER good at inducing just this condition. I bought KYB GR-2s for the rear. All porpoising was gone immediately. The ride was not at all hard, but it was better controlled even than the car had been when new. I liked them better, and so bought them for a subsequent vehicle all around.
Neither the struts nor the rear shocks needed replacement again.
So, my ancient and out-of-date feedback is that the Sensa-Tracs were more compliant in the middle of the stroke, whereas the KYBs were more firm. My preference was for the KYBs. Not everyone has the same preference.
My experience with this particular pairing is 20 years old, so consider that as you read.
I owned a '90 Dodge Shadow. After a few years, it felt to me like it needed new shocks & struts; no surprise given where I lived and where it got driven. I bought Monroe Sensa-Tracs for the front first. They were different than the factory strut feel; softer at static ride height (in order to be more compliant over small bumps, I suppose?). They tightened up nearer the ends of the stroke.
For the rear, I wanted better control of porpoising, because a particular stretch of concrete road that I drove somewhat regularly was SUPER good at inducing just this condition. I bought KYB GR-2s for the rear. All porpoising was gone immediately. The ride was not at all hard, but it was better controlled even than the car had been when new. I liked them better, and so bought them for a subsequent vehicle all around.
Neither the struts nor the rear shocks needed replacement again.
So, my ancient and out-of-date feedback is that the Sensa-Tracs were more compliant in the middle of the stroke, whereas the KYBs were more firm. My preference was for the KYBs. Not everyone has the same preference.
Originally Posted By: 29662
I've bought both and I would definitely go with the KYB's. They are definitely better quality than Monroe.
I agree
I once bought a set of brand new Monroe for all 4 corners for my 97 Escort and within a year or two the fronts were as soft as the OEM's were when they failed.
I've bought both and I would definitely go with the KYB's. They are definitely better quality than Monroe.
I agree
I once bought a set of brand new Monroe for all 4 corners for my 97 Escort and within a year or two the fronts were as soft as the OEM's were when they failed.
Ebay Sensen struts are working very nicely on my car for at 4/$100.00.
The OEM shocks were probably made by KYB, as in most Japanese cars and trucks. Therefore, KYB would be my choice out of those two.
However, if you can afford them, I suggest Bilstein. A set is $319 at shox.com
Rock Auto also has a great selection. Sachs Advantage, KYB Gas-a-Just, KYB Monomax, and Gabriel Max Control. Any of these would be great choices.
Sachs makes the OEM shocks for most European cars.
However, if you can afford them, I suggest Bilstein. A set is $319 at shox.com
Rock Auto also has a great selection. Sachs Advantage, KYB Gas-a-Just, KYB Monomax, and Gabriel Max Control. Any of these would be great choices.
Sachs makes the OEM shocks for most European cars.
Originally Posted By: Greggy_D
I just had replacement KYB struts/shocks go out on my Mazda 3 after 40,000 miles. Never again.
How many miles did you get out of the OE struts? I've heard of even the OEM units not lasting very long.
What did you get after the KYB's, and how many miles on them?
I just had replacement KYB struts/shocks go out on my Mazda 3 after 40,000 miles. Never again.
How many miles did you get out of the OE struts? I've heard of even the OEM units not lasting very long.
What did you get after the KYB's, and how many miles on them?
Thanks for the tips everyone.
I know anything will be better than whats on it as I'm sure they are original. I bought the truck with 141k just to have a daily beater ,and it now has close to 180k
I'm generally very cheap with my beaters ,but since my job transferred me I'm now driving nearly 90 miles a day so new shocks and a fresh set of Michelin LTX are a must.
I was also considering the basic Monroe Gas Matic.
I know anything will be better than whats on it as I'm sure they are original. I bought the truck with 141k just to have a daily beater ,and it now has close to 180k
I'm generally very cheap with my beaters ,but since my job transferred me I'm now driving nearly 90 miles a day so new shocks and a fresh set of Michelin LTX are a must.
I was also considering the basic Monroe Gas Matic.
Originally Posted By: Anthony
I was also considering the basic Monroe Gas Matic.
I don't recommend them. I often see them last less than 30,000 miles.
One great thing about having an older truck is that shock replacement is usually easy. That would make frequent replacement less stressful.
Ever been to a Nissan dealer? Sometimes OEM parts are less expensive than expected.
I was also considering the basic Monroe Gas Matic.
I don't recommend them. I often see them last less than 30,000 miles.
One great thing about having an older truck is that shock replacement is usually easy. That would make frequent replacement less stressful.
Ever been to a Nissan dealer? Sometimes OEM parts are less expensive than expected.
I have almost zero luck with anything lower/cheeper than Monroe sensamatic (or now OESpectrum), those monroematic typically lasts no more than 2~3yrs before calling on replacement...cheep struts/shocks can only take you so far.
OESpectrum and sensamatic lasts a long, long time, and I've yes to wear a replacement set out so far (including most of my clientele's).
On the other hand: inconsistent quality observed with KYB: their GR2 quality can be all over the place: from my Mazda B6 (91 323) block with GR2 sets of 4 going bad within 1 year (replaced under warranty, still went bad in 1 yr's time), to some of those black ones that would go within 2 ~ 3.5 yrs time. Even factory OEM Honda NA built KYB shocks don't last that long...typically within 6 ~7yrs most..(replaced enuf of them on Hondas under factory 5 yr warranty).
Still not enough experiences on Excel-G so no comments on them.
Tokico blue is the best that I like so far, but difficult to come by. Ditto with KYB AGX struts (difficult to get also).
Q.
OESpectrum and sensamatic lasts a long, long time, and I've yes to wear a replacement set out so far (including most of my clientele's).
On the other hand: inconsistent quality observed with KYB: their GR2 quality can be all over the place: from my Mazda B6 (91 323) block with GR2 sets of 4 going bad within 1 year (replaced under warranty, still went bad in 1 yr's time), to some of those black ones that would go within 2 ~ 3.5 yrs time. Even factory OEM Honda NA built KYB shocks don't last that long...typically within 6 ~7yrs most..(replaced enuf of them on Hondas under factory 5 yr warranty).
Still not enough experiences on Excel-G so no comments on them.
Tokico blue is the best that I like so far, but difficult to come by. Ditto with KYB AGX struts (difficult to get also).
Q.
Don't get the Gas-Matic. They are of very low quality, and especially inappropriate for a truck that you drive a lot. Also avoid Gabriel's Guardian, or anything listed in Rock Auto's "economy" category. They often don't last more than 30k and have no warranty. And absolutely forget about Chinese shocks, as you might not even get 10k out of them!
Rock Auto and Amazon have great prices on higher quality shocks, so even if you can't afford Bilstein, you can at least get higher quality shocks in your price range. But if you drive it that much, then you should really consider the Bilstein.
But if you absolutely do not want to pay that much, then these would be my choices, in the following order:
KYB MonoMax
KYB Gas-a-just
Gabriel Max Control
Sachs Advantage
Tokico Trekmaster (green)
KYB GR2
Sachs Super Touring
Gabriel Ultra Truck (white)
Monroe OESpectrum/Sensa-trac
Unfortunately Monroe doesn't make Reflex shocks for your truck.
Rock Auto and Amazon have great prices on higher quality shocks, so even if you can't afford Bilstein, you can at least get higher quality shocks in your price range. But if you drive it that much, then you should really consider the Bilstein.
But if you absolutely do not want to pay that much, then these would be my choices, in the following order:
KYB MonoMax
KYB Gas-a-just
Gabriel Max Control
Sachs Advantage
Tokico Trekmaster (green)
KYB GR2
Sachs Super Touring
Gabriel Ultra Truck (white)
Monroe OESpectrum/Sensa-trac
Unfortunately Monroe doesn't make Reflex shocks for your truck.
- Status
