$500 for 4 Shock Replacement?

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Hey -

Just wondering if you think that $500 is a good price for the replacement of 4 shocks - There is a local FLAPS that is having a rebate on Monroe shocks (buy 3 get one free - Includes Severe Service) and 50% off installation.

Mark

[fastblackmerc]

Hey -

Just wondering if you think that $500 is a good price for the replacement of 4 shocks - There is a local FLAPS that is having a rebate on Monroe shocks (buy 3 get one free - Includes Severe Service) and 50% off installation.

Mark

Are you willing to pay that price?

If so it's a good price.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Are you willing to pay that price?

If so it's a good price.

Not sure - The car has been feeling a little loose lately.

[RacerX]

Not sure - The car has been feeling a little loose lately.
Shoulda told the Doc to add an extra stitch or two. :D

[marauder410]

i thnik that is a terrible price i did my shocks on all 4s and paid 45.00 for the yellow monroe severe struts for rear and a pair of monroes for the fornt for 85.00 for front..

i installed them in 2 hours front and back so i paid 130.00 total 500.00 is crazy

i replaced rear end to springs and changed all 4 struts and front with eibac springs...installed for 480.00

car drives sooo nice now love it

[tbone]

2@45 = 90
2@85 = 170
2@65 = 130 labor
Total 390 plus parts tax

Why is $500 crazy? Don't know many shops that only charge $65 per hour around here. He's talking parts and labor.

[marauder410]

no no no i paid 48 dollars for both rear the llow monroe severe

i paid 84 for BOTH monroe severe fronts

installation easy front little difficult, but back super easy and took me bout 2 hours but labor FREE

132.00 compared to 500.00 yea thats terrible with that 368.00 you can comvert rear to springs and new front springs

just saying but if you got money like that and dont really care about saying money pay 500.00 go for it... :beer:

[justbob]

Where are you getting Monroe severe duties for $84 front pair and $48 rears legally? I wanna see a receipt.


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[WhatsUpDOHC]

Hey - I'm lazy and don't have all of the tools/spring compressor/etc.

Also, it will net out at ~$450 with the rebate on 1 shock.

[fastblackmerc]

Hey - I'm lazy and don't have all of the tools/spring compressor/etc.

Also, it will net out at ~$450 with the rebate on 1 shock.

No need to apologize....

Like I said in my previous post... if you think it's a fair price..... then it's a fair price....

[Blackened300a]

Hey -

Just wondering if you think that $500 is a good price for the replacement of 4 shocks - There is a local FLAPS that is having a rebate on Monroe shocks (buy 3 get one free - Includes Severe Service) and 50% off installation.

Mark

Today I pulled the front suspension apart on the parts car and its not all that terrible to do. Wheels, brakes, upper and lower ball joints, then the bolt out the bottom and the three nuts on top. Hold down with a pry bar on the lower control arm and pull the assembly out. Then use a set of spring compressors to collapse the spring and remove the center nut. Probably takes 15-25 minutes a side with air tools and as long as the hardware comes off like it should. The rear shocks are even easier, I removed both sides within 10 minutes. I also have a lift so that may contribute to the speed of how quick I can pull it off.

Keep one thing in mind, I went crazy for the last two weeks chasing a loose suspension and I tightened every bolt and nut I can find and checked all the shocks which is why I know how to remove the rears so easily. It turned out to too high a air pressure in the rear tires. Heat expands so it can increase your air pressure to the point that the rear feels disconnected with the car. Check that first before investing in suspension parts. then check your rear control arm bushings and sway bar end links.

[Panther]

Today is a Holiday and some people are acting like A&& holes what going on today.


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[J-MAN]

I was quoted $800.00 for 4 KYB installed. Bastages!

[SC Cheesehead]

Where are you getting Monroe severe duties for $84 front pair and $48 rears legally? I wanna see a receipt.



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That's less than half price, I'd like that kinda deal, too.

I paid just over $300 for my fronts and rears about 18 months ago from Advance Auto.



2@45 = 90
2@85 = 170
2@65 = 130 labor
Total 390 plus parts tax

Why is $500 crazy? Don't know many shops that only charge $65 per hour around here. He's talking parts and labor.

That's what I'm thinking, too, Tom. $500 may be just a touch high, but certainly not highway robbery.

[marauder410]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190709149356?ssPageName=STRK:M EWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

i said 48 my bad it 52 so there the recipt for the fronts right there

i dont need to lie about nothing at all

[marauder410]

yea i got a steal and thaqt link i posted youy cannot see i offered 52.00 total shipping included for BOTH fronts and they accepted it

i know some1 in thr auto business plus my school discount i got them for what i said yea i got a hellava deal

thats what i do :D

like i said i did all 4 front and back with monroe severe struts

converted rear end the heavy duty sunoco spring

front eibach springs

i did all the installation myself and paid juts over 500.00 rides awesome

[MOTOWN]

I was quoted $800.00 for 4 KYB installed. Bastages!

Dayuum! does that include vasiline? or are you getting a totally raw deal? lol

[5ow]

monroe #553001 is for the fronts, 550018 is the rears are they are much cheaper , where can i get the front so cheap?

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Thanks everyone!!!

I'll keep an eye on the special and rebate (extended to the end of October).

Attached is the form if anyone is interested.

Mark

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Hey -

Just wondering if you think that $500 is a good price for the replacement of 4 shocks - There is a local FLAPS that is having a rebate on Monroe shocks (buy 3 get one free - Includes Severe Service) and 50% off installation.

Mark

I just did this myself; went with Monroe Severe Service. I ordered the shocks online through justsuspension.com. Paid $38 each for rears, $74 each for fronts. Went with FedEx for delivery and paid $12.11, tax was $15.90, and got a 5% discount that took $8.96 off the price, which is why I went with FedEx delivery instead of regular delivery option...which I think was 7 or 8 bucks.

Was in Charlotte over the weekend, so popped over to 03mmmonroe's house to have them installed. Paid Russ $140...took a little more than 3 hours. So in my case, the total was $383.05. It needed to be done because both front/rear on drivers' side were leaking fluid.

$500 isn't an outrageous price, but it just makes me wonder what the price would be if they weren't offering 50% off installation? I think you could easily spend $100 less if you searched a little for the best price on the shocks (as Marauder410 did) and order them yourself, then take it somewhere to have them installed...prob get charged 3 hours worth of labor.

If you're not a DIY (like me), you can find cheaper ways to do stuff if you spend some time looking. I thought I did well on the price of the shocks, but it looks like Marauder410 did even better. I knew I would be paying someone else to do it, which is why I waited a couple weeks after I got them because I knew there would be a chance to get over to Russ's place to have them installed for less $$$ than any shop/garage/dealership would charge me.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

For those of you who think it is too dangerous to remove the front springs,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300773676398&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:e n

[babbage]

For those of you who think it is too dangerous to remove the front springs,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300773676398&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:e n

Spring rate for town car is soft compared to MM. Otherwise that is a nice assy.

[Curless]

Just so you all know, my cost thru NAPA on these is $81 each on the front and $41 each on the rear. We are on NAPA's master installer pricing so if you are getting them cheaper than that take them!

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Yeah I was looking for my grand marquis, I was surprised to find some mounted already.

[lifespeed]

It would be a shame to downgrade performance of a Marauder by installing dime-store shocks in place of the factory Tokicos.

[SC Cheesehead]

It would be a shame to downgrade performance of a Marauder by installing dime-store shocks in place of the factory Tokicos.

Uhhh, so Monroe Severe Service shocks are "dime store"? :rolleyes:

[marauder410]

lmao dime store stocks?

yea ok i installed my monroe severe service shocks in rear/ fronts and it feels sooo muchh better.. no where near a downgrade my MM drives better than ever :)

[lifespeed]

lmao dime store stocks?

Yeah, that's my opinion, we all have one. Monroe is an average to above average performer that certainly feels a lot better than blown factory shocks. If you're happy with them, I'm glad it worked out for you.

But they are not performance shocks, which is money well spent on our cars. I'm glad my factory units are still going strong at 100K, but I'm sure I'll be shopping for replacements at some point in the future.

Some brands I've had good results with: Bilstein, Koni, Tokico, Edelbrock and Rancho (yes, Rancho made excellent shocks for cars back in the day). I've heard good things about Naake, no personal experience with these.

Brands that have been mediocre to poor from my experience: KYB, Gabriel, Monroe. As always, you get what you pay for.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

What brand/model shocks do you recommend?

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[EMAS]

\

Some brands I've had good results with: Bilstein, Koni, Tokico and Rancho (yes, Rancho made excellent shocks for cars back in the day). I've heard good things about Edelbrock and Naake, no personal experience with these.

Brands that have been mediocre to poor from my experience: KYB, Gabriel, Monroe. As always, you get what you pay for.

And who makes Rancho? ................ Monroe

[lifespeed]

And who makes Rancho? ................ Monroe

My reference to Rancho shocks refers to before Monroe purchased them in 1990. A little historical shock manufacturer trivia. Rancho made some good stuff back in the day.

[lifespeed]

What brand/model shocks do you recommend?


Some brands I've had good results with: Bilstein, Koni, Tokico, Edelbrock and Rancho (yes, Rancho made excellent shocks for cars back in the day). I've heard good things about Naake, no personal experience with these.

I have not yet had to replace the shocks on the Marauder, so my experiences are based on Crown Vics and other cars. If the factory Tokicos are still available I might be tempted to go with them again. Bilstein or Edelbrock would probably be my next choice. It's as much a question of getting the correct valving as it is good design and construction.

[SC Cheesehead]

I have not yet had to replace the shocks on the Marauder, so my experiences are based on Crown Vics and other cars. If the factory Tokicos are still available I might be tempted to go with them again. Bilstein or Edelbrock would probably be my next choice. It's as much a question of getting the correct valving as it is good design and construction.

Well there you go, that certainly makes you the expert then, doesn't it? :rolleyes:

[lifespeed]

Well there you go, that certainly makes you the expert then, doesn't it? :rolleyes:

If it makes you feel better about installing Monroe, you tell yourself that.

Experience with full-frame cars like Crown Vic's and Chevelles must be irrelevant because they're totally different cars.

[SC Cheesehead]

If it makes you feel better about installing Monroe, you tell yourself that.

Experience with full-frame cars like Crown Vic's and Chevelles must be irrelevant because they're totally different cars.

The Crown Vic and Grand Marquis had a different shock and suspension package than the MM, that's the primary reason we have limited options available for shock replacements, and after nearly ten years of operation with the Marauder, we've found that one of the viable alternatives to OEM shocks is the Monroe Severe Service package. I've run them for over two years on my car with good results. The ride is firm, but not harsh, and others have had similar results.


As for Chevelle suspensions, yes, I would consider that irrelevant because it is a totally different car...

[marauder410]

monroe severe service are great shocks

[lifespeed]

It is true selection of many parts is limited for these cars. Original Ford shocks/struts are still available for $130 (Silver State Ford). Anybody know if these are identical to the original Tokicos? These were definitely a good shock. I have heard Naake QA1 has had some quality control issues over the years, hopefully these have improved. It is not clear to me that Bilstein or Edlebrock (Edelbrock is now part of QA1) is an option for these cars.

In some cases struts/shocks are standard, and can be made up by a "racing" shock company simply by providing the dimensions and mounting details. Probably this is what you get when you buy QA1 shocks - a "standard" monotube shock of the correct length, valving, and mounting configuration. Another company that would be worth checking is Ricor Shocks.

There are options other than Monroe, just not necessarily cheap or easy. It may be that Monroe is the only option you can pick up at your local auto parts store . . .

I understand the Monroe's were the easy solution, and further that I may have rattled your cage with my disparaging comments about them. But facts are facts. There are better shocks out there, which I will search out when the time comes for my ride.

[lifespeed]

As for Chevelle suspensions, yes, I would consider that irrelevant because it is a totally different car...

Chevelle frame and suspension are the same design as the '97 and earlier Crown Vic. Probably where Ford got the idea.

It is a legitimate comparison.

[SC Cheesehead]

Chevelle frame and suspension are the same design as the '97 and earlier Crown Vic. Probably where Ford got the idea.

It is a legitimate comparison.

"...For 2003, Ford completely redesigned the frame of the Panther platform, using a design with hydroformed steel. The front and rear suspension were also completely overhauled in an effort to improve handling; rack and pinion steering replaced the recirculating-ball design..."

"For the 2003 model year, Ford introduced the Mercury Marauder as a high-performance variant of the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria...the Marauder used the engine from the Mustang Mach 1 and had brake and suspension upgrades."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Panther_platform

So, tell me again how a Chevelle frame and suspension, whose design is "the same" as CV and GM models preceeding the 2003 Panther platform upgrades and the MM variants to those upgrades is relevant to our suspensions? :confused:

[MOTOWN]

Chevelle frame and suspension are the same design as the '97 and earlier Crown Vic. Probably where Ford got the idea.

It is a legitimate comparison.

WTF were you drinking when you posted this?:bs:

[SC Cheesehead]

WTF were you drinking when you posted this?:bs:

Kinda what I was wondering... ;) -----> :D

[lifespeed]

So, tell me again how a Chevelle frame and suspension, whose design is "the same" as CV and GM models preceeding the 2003 Panther platform upgrades and the MM variants to those upgrades is relevant to our suspensions? :confused:

They are platforms that are similar to our cars and provide a point of reference for comparison of different models of shocks, in my case based on actual real-world experience, not just reading on the internet. The cars are similar in weight distribution and shock valving requirements.

You guys have any experiences to share other than Monroe??

Of course there are differences in suspension design, but that does not invalidate comparisons amongst shocks. A shock sees no difference between four-bar vs four-bar with Watts link.

I think you're just mad because I bagged on Monroe. If you like them, go down to Sears with a coupon from the Sunday paper, sit in the lobby with Soccer Mom and her minivan and get yourself a set just like her.

[marauder410]

:stupid: :bs: :flamer: :censor: :lol:

[MrBluGruv]

I've found that different brand loyalists/different models favor different shocks GREATLY. Around here, Monroe shocks are VERY well-respected, but on the F-Body forums I belong to, they get talked down pretty bad for any kind of performance use. The most reasonable explanation I've been given though seems to make a lot of sense, and that was that the heavier-duty Monroe shocks are better for bigger vehicles (in the case of the person who said this, they were referring to SUVs, but the Marauder is quite a large vehicle compared to a 2002 Camaro.)

I recently replaced all 4 shocks on my SS, and went with Bilstein HD shocks, which were actually a factory option with some of the handling packages, so the car rides VERY well but still feels factory-comfortable. I paid around $380 for all four shocks, but also had to buy upper strut mounts and isolators for the front shocks because GM didn't design those very well and they are prone to premature rusting. :mad: I had a friend who is a mechanic do the install, but bottom line is the Bilsteins are considered to be a very high-quality performance shock that is also DD and budget-friendly. I haven't heard the same about Monroes, but if they perform anything like the Bilsteins I had installed, $500 for parts and labor would be AWESOME in my opinion.

[SC Cheesehead]

They are platforms that are similar to our cars and provide a point of reference for comparison of different models of shocks, in my case based on actual real-world experience, not just reading on the internet. The cars are similar in weight distribution and shock valving requirements.

You guys have any experiences to share other than Monroe??

Of course there are differences in suspension design, but that does not invalidate comparisons amongst shocks. A shock sees no difference between four-bar vs four-bar with Watts link.

I think you're just mad because I bagged on Monroe. If you like them, go down to Sears with a coupon from the Sunday paper, sit in the lobby with Soccer Mom and her minivan and get yourself a set just like her.

There definitely are series of Monroe shocks that aren't suitable for application on our cars, and yes, there are definitely other shocks out there that work well, and that cost more.

Like I said, I've got a couple years on mine, there are other guys running them too that have had good results, certainly enough folks to indicate the Monroe Severe Service shocks work, and work well.

What's your suggestion for replacements?

[lifespeed]

What's your suggestion for replacements?

For a practical, off-the-shelf approach I would probably go with the factory shocks, assuming Tokico is still the manufacturer. They can be had for $130 each online, and I don't think anybody here would say they don't perform well. To be honest, they are the best factory shock I've ever driven. Which may not be saying much, as factory shocks are typically junk.

Once you go past the reasonable price threshold the world is your oyster, so long as you are willing to pry open your wallet. The fronts are coil-overs, so pretty much any racing shock manufacturer can assemble fronts based on dimensions and valving requirements. We know Naake has made some of these, but most race shock manufacturers can provide them. Same is true for the rears, they are assembled based on length and mounting requirements. I have heard good things about Ricor shocks, but haven't personally used them. I've never been forced into choosing between parts-store shocks and full-on racing shocks by lack of availability. The in-between option of Edelbrock, Bilstein, and Koni has usually been available and can be a very satisfactory solution. But none of the Big Three make shocks for our cars as far as I know. So the Marauder seems a likely car to force the choice of a racing shock upgrade.

The harsh reality with these cars is we aren't going to have the easy off-the-shelf access to performance parts that the Mustang guys do, whether we're tallking about shocks, suspension or emissions-legal engine upgrades.

[SC Cheesehead]

For a practical, off-the-shelf approach I would probably go with the factory shocks, assuming Tokico is still the manufacturer. They can be had for $130 each online, and I don't think anybody here would say they don't perform well. To be honest, they are the best factory shock I've ever driven. Which may not be saying much, as factory shocks are typically junk.

Once you go past the reasonable price threshold the world is your oyster, so long as you are willing to pry open your wallet. The fronts are coil-overs, so pretty much any racing shock manufacturer can assemble fronts based on dimensions and valving requirements. We know Naake has made some of these, but most race shock manufacturers can provide them. Same is true for the rears, they are assembled based on length and mounting requirements. I have heard good things about Ricor shocks, but haven't personally used them. I've never been forced into choosing between parts-store shocks and full-on racing shocks by lack of availability. The in-between option of Edelbrock, Bilstein, and Koni has usually been available and can be a very satisfactory solution. But none of the Big Three make shocks for our cars as far as I know. So the Marauder seems a likely car to force the choice of a racing shock upgrade.

The harsh reality with these cars is we aren't going to have the easy off-the-shelf access to performance parts that the Mustang guys do, whether we're talking about shocks, suspension or emissions-legal engine upgrades.

Your point above is definitely on target, and that's one of the reasons we're tried out a variety of different options to OEM; it's getting tougher all the time to find factory replacements (BFG OEM rear tires are probably the best example of this).

Relative to the option of Monroe Service Service shocks to others, they've proven to be a viable alternative. 03mmmonroe does some autocrossing, he's got 'em, and likes 'em, and he actually went to them over OEM replacements, as he's found them to perform well.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically is it that you don't like about Monroe products, other than they're reasonably priced and can be purchased through numerous stores? For the life of me, I can't see why you're hitting on them. Are you saying if I don't spend at least $524 on shocks that are somewhat difficult to obtain, that means I can't possibly be getting a quality product that performs well? :confused:

[lifespeed]

Just out of curiosity, what specifically is it that you don't like about Monroe products, other than they're reasonably priced and can be purchased through numerous stores? For the life of me, I can't see why you're hitting on them. Are you saying if I don't spend at least $524 on shocks that are somewhat difficult to obtain, that means I can't possibly be getting a quality product that performs well? :confused:

I used Monroe a while back (Sensatrac), different car of course. They were just average, nothing I thought was up to Marauder standards. Obviously for the Marauder they're better than . . . well, I guess they're better than nothing.

And at some level, yes, it costs money to produce an excellent performing shock. Perhaps Monroe is good bang for the buck, but I find it hard to believe they're going to be able to perform on a level with the shocks we can't buy for our car. So, at least for me, I would be inclined to go with factory Tokico or racing shocks. I intend to have the car a long time, so am not devastated by spending money on shocks that I'll have for many years to come.

One last comment - a "firm" ride under all conditions is not necessarily an indication of a high performance shock. The best shocks use velocity or inertia sensitive valving that are smooth and comfortable on the highway, but firm up when needed.

[SC Cheesehead]

I used Monroe a while back (Sensatrac), different car of course. They were just average, nothing I thought was up to Marauder standards. Obviously for the Marauder they're better than . . . well, I guess they're better than nothing.

And at some level, yes, it costs money to produce an excellent performing shock. Perhaps Monroe is good bang for the buck, but I find it hard to believe they're going to be able to perform on a level with the shocks we can't buy for our car. So, at least for me, I would be inclined to go with factory Tokico or racing shocks. I intend to have the car a long time, so am not devastated by spending money on shocks that I'll have for many years to come.

One last comment - a "firm" ride under all conditions is not necessarily an indication of a high performance shock. The best shocks use velocity or inertia sensitive valving that are smooth and comfortable on the highway, but firm up when needed.

Bingo! No comparison between Sensatrac and the Severe Service line, for the reasons indicated.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Just got a pair of Severe Service shocks on eBay. I'll work their install in with my exhaust mod at the local muffler shop.


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[bugsyc]

Just as a point of reference,labor costs here in Myrtle Beach run $85 an hour...

[SC Cheesehead]

Just as a point of reference,labor costs here in Myrtle Beach run $85 an hour...


Well there you go, $500 for parts and install isn't too bad compared to MB costs...;)

[Spectragod]

Labor in my garage is free, providing I am doing my own work. Got a set of Naake double adjustable's to go on if I ever wear out my OE shocks, which, at 4-500 miles a year, may take some time............. It is really a shame that Bilstien doesn't make a shock for these cars, I have used them in the past and have had very good luck with them.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Ends up that I'll get the shock purchase/install, exhaust mod with muffler change (Type TBD) and tips welded on for $500.


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[justbob]

Just as a point of reference,labor costs at justbobs house run/start at $40 an hour, $60/hr if you stick around and talk, $80/hr if you help...

Thanks for spreading the word!




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[lifespeed]

Labor in my garage is free, providing I am doing my own work. Got a set of Naake double adjustable's to go on if I ever wear out my OE shocks, which, at 4-500 miles a year, may take some time............. It is really a shame that Bilstien doesn't make a shock for these cars, I have used them in the past and have had very good luck with them.

Well put them on, man! Let the factory struts gather dust in your garage, and give us a test report.

[Spectragod]

Well put them on, man! Let the factory struts gather dust in your garage, and give us a test report.

The factory struts are gathering dust in the garage..........on the car, 4-500 miles is all it got driven this year. 80+ hours weeks are killing me, well, more specifically, killing any chance of getting out and having fun.:(