monroe severe service vs kyb gasajust

[whitey]

Looking to replace the rear shocks and front struts on my mm. For the coil overs im going to get the moog, unless there is a more preferred brand to use. What would you guys recommended? Why? Any drawbacks to either brand? Should i replace anything else while im doing it? Thanks!

[Haggis]

Go with leaf springs for all the wheels.

[tbone]

You pay for the Moog name, that's for sure. Not real sure if their springs are any better than other brands. Probably not.

I've been very happy with my Monroes and they are quite a bit cheaper than KYB's.

[whitey]

Haggis: ill look into it....:lol:
Tbone: the kybs are more expensive, but im wondering if they are worth it. The moogs are i think ~$60, which i think is fair. Thanks

[jsignorelli]

I have the Monroe severe duty and they perform fine. I tried KYB's on my Mustangs. NG... The ponies now have Koni shocks.

[whitey]

Monroe's are 2-0....

[lji372]

i switched to the monroe from stock at 70k and am satisfied.
it feels better when curless is in the back seat imho :D

what??? it does

[Co1207- Fabc1]

KyB only KyB
I had Monroe on 97 crown wictoria 04 grand caravan and marauder In my personal opinion ( KyB )are it. Monroe's didentt last more then 2 years and and where to soft for me marauder got KyB 3 year on now and steel stick to the rod lick new :)

[maineiac]

I have the monroes,no issues , and a lifetime warranty to boot.

[whitey]

KyB only KyB
I had Monroe on 97 crown wictoria 04 grand caravan and marauder In my personal opinion ( KyB )are it. Monroe's didentt last more then 2 years and and where to soft for me marauder got KyB 3 year on now and steel stick to the rod lick new :)

WTF, Can i get this translated in english? steel stick to the rod lick....sounds painful.

Monroe is now 4 wins, and kyb are a -1

[lji372]

WTF, Can i get this translated in english? steel stick to the rod lick....sounds painful.

Monroe is now 4 wins, and kyb are a -1

If kyb's are stiffer than severe duty that is too stiff IMHO.

[Co1207- Fabc1]

hehe pick up on the bead spelling members but seriously for real KyB for life and I'm sorry for my bead spelling I love mm.net for life :banned: :)

[marauder410]

man you NEED to use proper grammer on this site buddy...

so if your not going to then don't bother posting

trust me I knowww..ive been bashed for it myself

[lji372]

man you NEED to use proper grammer on this site buddy...

So if your not going to then don't bother posting.

Trust me I know, I've been bashed for it myself.


Fixed :laugh:

[whitey]

man you NEED to use proper grammer on this site buddy...

so if your not going to then don't bother posting

trust me I knowww..ive been bashed for it myself

that's right! but we still love you:P

[whitey]

hehe pick up on the bead spelling members but seriously for real KyB for life and I'm sorry for my bead spelling I love mm.net for life :banned: :)
let me see if I respond to this correctly.....

fur reelz tho, I jus gutz me dem monrows becuz lots mores peoples said to me to get dem fur reelz. thanx fo da responkjuyyb tho.:flamer:

[lifespeed]

First, you can't really generalize within a brand across different applications. For example, KYB's for the Marauder rear are pretty darn good. I drove a members car who had them. However, I once tried KYB on the front of an '89 Grand Marquis and they were awful.

I have never tried Monroe (see sig), but was fairly impressed with KYB given the low price. Who said KYB's are expensive :confused: Aren't they around $75 each?

Expensive shocks are anywhere from $150 - $1,000 apiece. And they don't make any $150 shocks for the Marauder . . .

[MOTOWN]

Moog coils, and KYBs are the way i would go.

[IwantmyMMnow!]

FWIW, I've got the Monroe Severe Duty and have no complaints...have had them for a year and a half now.

[whitey]

I ordered the Monroe's with the moog coils, the kyb's would have been around $120 more off of rockauto. thanks for the responses guys

[Haggis]

I ordered the Monroe's with the moog coils, the kyb's would have been around $120 more off of rockauto. thanks for the responses guys

I still say go with leaf springs, you cannot go wrong.

[1Marauder]

Shopping on line will net a $30-$80 difference between MOn SD, and KYP gas a Just.

I shopped long and hard and went with KYB recently. Backs installed, fronts go in next week.

After everyone who posted, and many other threads reading-- you just have to make a commitment and go that way. I found all comparisons to be mostly subjective (this is not a bad thing), and thus--it made it harder to chose.

I went KYB AND LOVE THEM!

[71cyclone]

KyB only KyB
I had Monroe on 97 crown wictoria 04 grand caravan and marauder In my personal opinion ( KyB )are it. Monroe's didentt last more then 2 years and and where to soft for me marauder got KyB 3 year on now and steel stick to the rod lick new :)

Rebuilt my MM front end with Factory Ford control arms and ball joints ,yanked the factory strutts out , compressed and swapped out with new KYB's and R/R rer shocks with KYB's courtesy of Rock auto at 123,000 miles =MM drives better than new .also Hi speed rated Coopers all the way around .[rsa's] ..:banana: ''True FLATTT Cornering "

[chief455]

thanks to this thread I will buy a KYB for the left front and right rear, Monroe severe duty for right front and left rear -
seriously - sure reads as if both brands could make the MM feel good.
I'm in the market, and now do not need to post this thread.
thanks fo sharing guys - oh, leaf springs and an Econoline van straight axle should be considered up front ;)

[whitey]

I hope to get my car back today, i put the rears on myself, and attempted the front, however i failed miserably so i took it to my mechanic yesterday. I will update as soon as i get her back, hopefully it firms up Belinda's bootie.

[chief455]

I hope to get my car back today, i put the rears on myself, and attempted the front, however i failed miserably so i took it to my mechanic yesterday. I will update as soon as i get her back, hopefully it firms up Belinda's bootie.

Please share the exact part numbers or a link to the the shocks you got.
I've found a couple different Monroes, both front and rear
thanks!

[whitey]

Please share the exact part numbers or a link to the the shocks you got.
I've found a couple different Monroes, both front and rear
thanks!

Rockauto.com:

monroe#550018---rear(gas magnum severe service)

Monroe#553001---front(gas magnum severe service)

Moog#80668---front springs to go with #553001

[whitey]

So i got the car back, and it rides as smooth as butter. Cost me $388 to get the front struts/coils put on and a 4 wheel alignment. Take my review with a grain of salt: understand that i bought the car with 86 or 87k on it, i dont think the suspension has ever been replaced. I now have 156k on it, and the front left/drivers side coil spring has been broke(1 coil) for about 12k+ miles. The drive home was about 10 miles, mostly city. Not much of a review right now...just my initial test drive back home.

[chief455]

Rockauto.com:

monroe#550018---rear(gas magnum severe service)

Monroe#553001---front(gas magnum severe service)

Moog#80668---front springs to go with #553001
thank you!

I was looking at those for the front at parts store = $130 each:mad2:

Found them on the 'auction' for even less with free shipping :)
I have the Monroes in back already, maybe a few years old with good air spriings still.
I'll post up the difference the front's make over what appears to be older, cheaper Monroes.
It will be after Thanksgiving.
Again, good thread - thanks for sharing :burnout:

[Mebot]

Fixed :laugh:

Grammar is still spelled wrong.

[whitey]

Ok, just got back from a little joy ride and i will say : WOW! The fronts being swapped out make a huge difference! Its pretty silky smooth from what im used to and it seems the car sticks to the road much better. I will say that at 115mph, it feels like it floats a bit but still sticks to the road....if that makes any sense. Also, for those shaking their fingers at 115mph, i had to....how else are you supposed to elude the police? :P jk.

[lifespeed]

I will say that at 115mph, it feels like it floats a bit but still sticks to the road....if that makes any sense.

Now all you need to do is replace the rest of the suspension parts. It will really drive nice then. ;)

[Mebot]

Great thread. I'll be referencing this thread in the near future when I install my Eibach springs and replace my front shocks.

Did you by chance replace your bushings and/or front control arms at all? My bushings are cracking/dry

[whitey]

Great thread. I'll be referencing this thread in the near future when I install my Eibach springs and replace my front shocks.

Did you by chance replace your bushings and/or front control arms at all? My bushings are cracking/dry

My mechanic said he didn't have to replace anything, and i did tell him that if he sees anything that needs replacement to just go ahead and replace it. My rubber bushings look dry too/cracking, but the portion that is actually in use looks fine. He did say, it was definitely a "job" getting those on there, and said that it aint no backyard job. You have to definitely make sure you have the right tools and experience to do it.... my 156 piece craftsman tool set wasn't getting it done.

[tbone]

I hope to get my car back today, i put the rears on myself, and attempted the front, however i failed miserably so i took it to my mechanic yesterday. I will update as soon as i get her back, hopefully it firms up Belinda's bootie.


Doing the fronts is a pain so don't feel bad. And I paid about the same to have it done. Glad you are as happy as I am with the ride and handling.

[lifespeed]

My mechanic said he didn't have to replace anything, and i did tell him that if he sees anything that needs replacement to just go ahead and replace it. My rubber bushings look dry too/cracking, but the portion that is actually in use looks fine.

I call :bs:

You can't "see" what needs replacing until it is literally falling apart. Really not advisable to wait for catastrophic failure. With the amount of miles you have on that car you can be 100% sure it is worn and sloppy. If your mechanic tells you otherwise he does not know what he is talking about.

[whitey]

I call :bs:

You can't "see" what needs replacing until it is literally falling apart. Really not advisable to wait for catastrophic failure. With the amount of miles you have on that car you can be 100% sure it is worn and sloppy. If your mechanic tells you otherwise he does not know what he is talking about.

What he touched/removed and re installed looked fine he said. I doubt he's setting me up for failure. I think 20 yrs in business would tell if he was shoddy or not...and i told him if anything needs replacement to go ahead and do it. He could have replaced it all and charged me for it, but he saw no need for it. Honest mechanic IMHO.

[lifespeed]

What he touched/removed and re installed looked fine he said. I doubt he's setting me up for failure. I think 20 yrs in business would tell if he was shoddy or not...and i told him if anything needs replacement to go ahead and do it. He could have replaced it all and charged me for it, but he saw no need for it. Honest mechanic IMHO.

These cars (or any car for that matter) do not go 150K+ miles without the suspension wearing. Common sense, as well as everybody's experience on this forum will tell you that.

Don't kid yourself.

[whitey]

I agree, the suspension might be worn a bit, im saying it was still ok in the point to where it wasnt in need of replacement. Just like tires wear out, but you dont replace them until its advisable to.

[lifespeed]

I agree, the suspension might be worn a bit, im saying it was still ok in the point to where it wasnt in need of replacement. Just like tires wear out, but you dont replace them until its advisable to.

I suppose it depends on your tolerance for a sloppy front end. I believe "floaty feeling" were your words? I rebuilt my Marauders suspension at 96K miles and the difference was so dramatic it made me wish I had done it a couple years earlier.

If (when) you have it rebuilt you'll kick yourself for not doing it earlier. :)

Congrats on the upgrade.

[tbone]

Other than front springs, shocks, struts and Metco control arms, my suspension is all original and tracks and handles perfectly at 143k.

[lifespeed]

Other than front springs, shocks, struts and Metco control arms, my suspension is all original and tracks and handles perfectly at 143k.

Lacking a rebuilt Marauder to drive you have no point of reference other than a distant memory of when the car was new. Or maybe you didn't even get to drive the Marauder when it was new . . .

Anybody who thinks their suspension is still perfect after 100K+ miles is delusional. I can assure you if you rebuilt it you would be surprised at the improvement.

[justbob]

So i got the car back, and it rides as smooth as butter. Cost me $388 to get the front struts/coils put on and a 4 wheel alignment. Take my review with a grain of salt: understand that i bought the car with 86 or 87k on it, i dont think the suspension has ever been replaced. I now have 156k on it, and the front left/drivers side coil spring has been broke(1 coil) for about 12k+ miles. The drive home was about 10 miles, mostly city. Not much of a review right now...just my initial test drive back home.

Yep. Time to raise my rates!


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[whitey]

Yep. Time to raise my rates!


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"
considering your location :"behind that famous burrito joint", i think you should stick with what you can get. :P

[justbob]

considering your location :"behind that famous burrito joint", i think you should stick with what you can get. :P

Oh shaznapp! But their famous? :)


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[whitey]

Oh shaznapp! But their famous? :)


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

They're famous because of you mr. Bob.

[tbone]

Lacking a rebuilt Marauder to drive you have no point of reference other than a distant memory of when the car was new. Or maybe you didn't even get to drive the Marauder when it was new . . .

Anybody who thinks their suspension is still perfect after 100K+ miles is delusional. I can assure you if you rebuilt it you would be surprised at the improvement.


I've been around a long time and have owned dozens of new and used cars. I also drive new cars every day at work. I would know if I had a suspension issue. And if I did, it would be immediately repaired. Is it "perfect"? I'm sure it isn't. The alignment specs from the factory were far from "perfect".

Some people need a new engine or transmission at 30k miles. Every car is different and is driven in different environments. The last and only time I have had the car aligned was at the best shop in town, a shop that does nothing BUT alignments. They checked the ball joints, linkages, etc. and everything was tight. The car doesn't pull, wander, shake, shimmy, dogtail, squeak, groan or rattle, the steering responds instantly and the tires are wearing perfectly.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[lifespeed]

I've been around a long time and have owned dozens of new and used cars. I also drive new cars every day at work. I would know if I had a suspension issue. And if I did, it would be immediately repaired. Is it "perfect"? I'm sure it isn't.

When and how you decide to repair your car is entirely your business. Just don't try and tell the rest of us who know better that Panther suspension doesn't need rebuilding at high mileage.

Those of us who have actually done it know. Considering you have not, I don't find your contrary opinion authoritative. Enjoy your ride however you choose.

[tbone]

When and how you decide to repair your car is entirely your business. Just don't try and tell the rest of us who know better that Panther suspension doesn't need rebuilding at high mileage.

Those of us who have actually done it know. Considering you have not, I don't find your contrary opinion authoritative. Enjoy your ride however you choose.


I'm just relating MY experience with MY car. Your smarmy attitude is not appreciated.
Have a nice day.

[Piece-it Pete]

I rebuilt the entire suspension on my 03 MGM over the last year with 85k or so and the difference is tremendous.

For the record everything except the front LCA bushings which I regret and will do in the spring. I also had to hold off swapping police sway bars because of course the local yards were out when I wanted them.

Late last year, I used moog UCAs LBJ and inner and outer tierod ends, around $250 on Rock. Of these parts the LBJs definitely showed wear. It did indeed tighten up the steering, a lot.

Then a few months ago I changed the balance, KYB GasAJust Police all around, Raybestos prof civvie front springs, Moog cargo coils rear (the car had been converted to coils before I bought it), cheap Chinese upper/lower rear control arms and watts. All bushings were Moog/Raybestos/Kyb (whatever good stuff I could find cheaply). I did use Monroes' front spring seats, the Motorcrafts were ridiculously priced.

I used the cheap rear control arms/watts because it was all I could afford at the moment, I'll upgrade one of these days. I'm glad I did because the LCA bushings were shot and the uppers weren't far behind.

I would strongly suggest having a garage assemble the front struts.

Observations: She rides hard. I mean very stiff. I know I've got smaller tires, less power and perhaps different priorities but whoa Nellie she's firm.

Having coils in the back may be acerbating it but that wouldn't effect the front much. I'm hoping for a little spring 'break in'.

On the plus side the handling is great for a big car. I've let some buds drive it and they're rightfully amazed.

But my take, for my priorities, I should've used civvies.

Just my 02.

Pete

[chief455]

Just got home from swapping in Monroe severe dutys on the front only.
Struts and springs appear to be original to the car with 82k miles.
I changed to Moog upper a-arms as well.
Everything was in 'real good' shape, but it feels awesome now.

[cer0413]

Rockauto.com:

monroe#550018---rear(gas magnum severe service)

Monroe#553001---front(gas magnum severe service)

Moog#80668---front springs to go with #553001
Thanks best bud.

[whitey]

Thanks best bud.
You're welcome baby.

no regerts

[WPG_Merc]

I'm Happy with my FCS Front Strut Shocks & Rear Monroe Severe Service Shocks.
Nice firm ride from Rockauto. :2thumbs:

[cer0413]

Ok, just got back from a little joy ride and i will say : WOW! The fronts being swapped out make a huge difference! Its pretty silky smooth from what im used to and it seems the car sticks to the road much better. I will say that at 115mph, it feels like it floats a bit but still sticks to the road....if that makes any sense. Also, for those shaking their fingers at 115mph, i had to....how else are you supposed to elude the police? [emoji14] jk.
To be honest, I thought you were exaggerating on how much of a difference these are. So i did my own little test on the rear shocks first and to my surprise, I did feel the difference from my older shocks. So I purchased the moog springs and front shocks today. Thanks for helping me out again.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I have KYB's at all 4 corners.
Over 125,000+ miles on both front and rear.
Extremely happy.