19 replies to this topic

[1320stang]

I guess I'm going to need the strut bearings as well? This is on a '90 Shadow. What is the prefered strut? I'm not going all out racing with this car, but since I've put 16x7.5 rims on it, it needs a bit firmer strut or spring to keep from bottoming out.

[patricklynch]

My LeBaron has the sport handling package on it and I've found that the Sensa-tracs work quite well.

[JA Cumbo]

Gabriels if you just want a cheap replacement strut, and like Patrick said the Sensa Tracs sound like they would do the job well.

[maschmit]

If you have the budget the KYB's are probably the best performance unit. I personally would go with the SensaTracs as I put a set on my old Daytona and never had a problem with them. They were as tight after 200,000km as they were new.

[D-blue]

I belive monroe has a -'Witch Shock' promotion going on:

http://www.monroe.co.../promotions.asp

[1320stang]

Is there a problem mixing different brand as far as front to rear? I know technically, they're designed as a system, but I know on classic Mustangs, guys have had better ride quality using KYB's in the rear and I think Edelbrocks in front.

Okay, my options are:

Mfg. name__________part____Warrenty________Part #____Best Price___Store

Monroe Sensa-Trac *__Strut___Limited Lifetime___71819___$59.48 ea.___Advance Auto Parts
Monroe Matic Plus_____Strut___Limited Lifetime__801819___$39.99 ea.___O'Reilly Auto Parts
Monroe Gas Matic_____Strut___Limited Lifetime___81819___$41.88 ea.___Advance Auto Parts
Gabriel Guardian_____Strut___1 year__________801511___$36.99 ea.___Auto Zone
Gabriel Ultra_________Strut___Limited Lifetime__G55526___$39.99 ea.___Auto Zone
KYB GR-2___________Strut__________________235902___$47.78 ea.___*to be revealed*
KYB GR2____________Strut__________________235045___$46.26 ea.___*to be revealed*
Bilstein Heavy Duty___Strut___Limited Lifetime__V32-8500__$99.99 ea.___Auto Zone

Monroe Sensa-Trac *_Shock__Limited Lifetime_____5959___$26.99 ea.___O'Reilly Auto Parts
Monroe Sensa-Trac *_Shock__Limited Lifetime_____5864___$26.96 ea.___Advance Auto Parts
Monroe Matic Plus____Shock__Limited Lifetime____33095___$19.99 ea.___O'Reilly Auto Parts
Monroe Gas Matic____Shock__Limited Lifetime____55864___$14.44 ea.___Advance Auto Parts
Monroe Gas Charged_Shock__Limited Lifetime____20864___$11.99 ea.___Advance Auto Parts
Gabriel Guardian_____Shock__Limited Lifetime___81459___$13.99 ea.____Auto Zone
Gabriel Ultra________Shock__Limited Lifetime____69632___$19.99 ea.___Auto Zone
KYB GR-2__________Shock__________________343164___$23.95 ea.___Summit Racing
KYB Gas A Just______Shock_________________KG5563___$29.95 ea.___Summit Racing

* Monroe "Witch Shock Do You Want" Promotion qualifying products, $40 rebate when buying 2 struts & 2 shocks between 9/1 & 10/31.

Right now I'm leaning towards the KYB GR-2 235902 struts but I wonder if they're going to ride too much rougher than a Monroe or a Gabriel. I'd likely match the strut with the shock unless you guys recommend otherwise. That total would be $143.46 for struts and shocks. Going with the Monroe Sensa-Tracs and the rebate would be $132.94 for a $10.52 savings which would be wiped out by local sales taxes.

Edited by 1320stang, September 1, 2006 at 11:52 am.

[blppt]

On my Uncle's 79 Stang, he used Bilsteins in the front and the regular stockers in the back. Car handled beautifully (lightweight 2.8 V-6 option).

[ShelbyDodgeImp]

I have mopar fronts and Gabriel rears. Never had a problem.

My rear also has an aftermarket air suspension system built into where the rear springs go OEM. With no air in, the gabriels are enough to keep the rear level to OEM spec (on my dynasty anyway).

[1320stang]

So a lot of people like the Sensa-Tracs, anyone had both them and the KYBs? Looking for a honest comparison between the two.

Edited by 1320stang, September 1, 2006 at 02:30 pm.

[bamman]

If you want OEM, they are part number G0067526 for struts and part number 4684779 for the rear.

http://www.chryslerp...%...2&pn=update

[ImForReal]

Gabriels on the Dodge, Monroes on the Plymouth.

I like the Monroe's better. When I last drove the Plymouth (In may), the monroes were still not broken in, but handled and rode VERY nicely!!


You need to replace the springs too while you're doing struts. And bearing plates of course, upper and lower.

Edited by ImForReal, September 1, 2006 at 08:24 pm.

[dusty_duster]

I have KYBs on all four corners. I love 'em. Highly recommended.

[smallengineguy]

i have sensa tracs, and they are pretty good

[ecs]

I never used the KYB's on dodge's but they do have fittament issues on the 2nd gen cavaliers... i emailed them and asked them if i bought a pair of shocks or struts and if they didnt fit could i return them or get a replacement and they never emailed me back.

Just something to think about before you buy from them...

[magtec]

still happy with my gabriels.

[Bob Lincoln]

fittament

???

http://dictionary.re...f...p;x=24&y=22

No results found for fittament.

[1320stang]

Well, I promised to put up the name of the source for cheap KYBs. I held off because the guy only showed to have 3 sets on hand and if I were to get some, I wanted to make sure he had them.

But since then, I've found out I'll have to replace my strut bearings and have an alignment and likely new wheel bearings up front (I wonder if they're hubs like my LHS had?) and possibly new springs (likely factory ones), I've decided I'm gonna go local with the struts and likely put on Monroes. Granted, that only saves me a few bucks for the pair (including tax) but I'll have the LLT Warrenty locally at my nearby auto parts store as opposed to fighting it across state lines. Who knows, I might get them to match prices (although I doubt they do an internet matching price, unless I get a newbie counterboy) with the Performance Peddler.

[1320stang]

I belive monroe has a -'Witch Shock' promotion going on:

http://www.monroe.co.../promotions.asp

Looking at this closer, the discount is on the next product you purchase from Monroe. A set of Sensa Trac struts and shocks would net me a $40 certificate the next time I'd need stuff. And it's only valid for 90 days.

That just isn't worth it.

[dusty_duster]

The KYBs have no fitment issues, but if installed with new coil springs, you will have to realign the front end twice--once when you first install it, and again after several weeks when the system finishes "settling."

[SuperShadow]

My 92 Shadow ES runs with Monroe Sensa-Tracs allround WITH Air Lift bags in the coils for the load carrying capacity (a couple of 15's in a custom fabbed ported enclosure [at]185 pounds!!) and I have no issues either with ride quality (16x7.5 wheels and 225/45R16 rubber) or handling. I LOVE em'

Paul