$500 for 4 Shock Replacement?
- Thread starter WhatsUpDOHC
- Start date
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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?
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
All Black Everything 410
:stupid: :bs: :flamer: :censor: :lol:
MrBluGruv
That GM guy....
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.
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.
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.
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
'God Speed Blues Brother'
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?
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.
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SC Cheesehead
'God Speed Blues Brother'
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?
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?
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
'God Speed Blues Brother'
Bingo! No comparison between Sensatrac and the Severe Service line, for the reasons indicated.
WhatsUpDOHC
MM.net Village Idiot
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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SC Cheesehead
'God Speed Blues Brother'
Spectragod
Willing to meet up half way
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
MM.net Village Idiot
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
Sick-Speed play toy
Well put them on, man! Let the factory struts gather dust in your garage, and give us a test report.
Spectragod
Willing to meet up half way
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.
