Well it looks as though I'm going to get my Monroe Reflex shocks replaced under warranty. Now the question is: What shocks should I replace them with? The store I got them at, told me that I could get some RS5000 shocks for like 45 bucks, which would be nearly an even trade. The RS9000's would be like 95 dollars each. Does anyone have any opinions on the prices of these? I think the 95 dollars is a little steep. Let me know anything you know, good or bad on ANY shock. Thanks guys

 

I think 95 dollars is too much. I just paid 69.99 for mine (got a deal because they miss quoted me on price, said they were 69.99, but were really 79.99) and got them installed free at Sears. Oh ya and they are the 9000x with the new 9 position switch.
Must say that I do love them...wayyy better than stock

 

I would see if you could get a hold of the new rs9000x rancho shocks they are suppose to be pretty good. If not go for the ranch rsx self adjustable.

 

Blue Farmer,

The 5000 is a great shock. They are a little stiff, but they last a long time and do really well off-road. I have had several sets of these and they are hard to beat for the money. Good luck, Rich.

 

Let me say this...IMO stay away from Gabeirals(sp) and off-brand shocks. They just do not last. The Reflex line has been played down and the new hype to Monroe is the Sensa-tracs. The sensa-trac line is Monroe's version of the Rancho RSX and a little like the EB IAS's. To explain it better they sense the road and can tell the difference in a pothole and a speed-bump which is totally two different movements that are not related. Actually I have been told that Monroe owns Rancho and the RSX was sort of a trial run before they would introduce the Sensa-trac to the general shock buying public.
Now into the the Ranchos. Yes $95 a piece is way to high for RS9000 (old style 5 position), I sell them all the time for less than $75 each. This is the all-time best shock IMO, good company, good warranty, great durabilty, and adjustable. The 5000 series is a lot like the 9000 series just not adjustable and are a little stiff. Compared to the 9000 series it's like riding around on setting 3+ all the time. Where I work at the 9000X series has not hit yet so no $ figures or trial info yet. When they do hit I might warranty mine just to try them out. Truthfully I think it's just a game of catch-up with makers like Pro-comp who has the 6 position shock. I would say there are more settings that are just more finely spaced together and take longer to figure out ehich to run and where. I can tell you the old 9000's are fine and fit everything you find. Meaning on setting 1 they are soft and almost bouncy, setting 2 is where I keep mine for daily driving, 3 is for aggressive drivers and can be stiff, 4 and 5 I never touch but would be great for hauling and loading.
Let me know if you need more help, prices to compare, or part#'s

 

How much would the RSX run, and would they be any better than the 5000's?? thanks in advance KY

 

Well, where I work they do not carry the RSX series but a quick look into my off-road book reveals that 4 Wheelparts has about the best deals

They have
RS9000x $330.19 (set of 4)
RS9000 $297.80 (set of 4)
RS5000 $147.80 (set of 4)
RSX 199.80 (set of 4) plus a $25 manufacturer rebate

I do the know the RSX series is valved for the individual application and uses a patented reflex valve. It's basically the self adjusting version of like the older 9000 series. The 9000 uses a urethane bushings, the RSX uses a double silica bushing which is less harsh then the urethane, and the 5000 uses a high grade rubber, not sure on the new X series. Hope this helps.

 

Have 2000 F150, want to replace front shocks, while investigateing I noticed that on top of the shock mounting hardware there is what looks like some sort of sensor, with a hard plastic line connected to this object. Is there something that you can tell me about the said object and what care should be taken. Thanks for any help that you can provide on this subject. Sid

 

I am going with a set of Monroe Sensatrac's next time Sears puts them on a sale or free installation. Unless, there are reasons I shouldn't go with this brand. I think there is a good warranty on them?

-Brian

 

So what happened to the Reflex shocks? Did they wear out or start leaking on you? I've had mine on my 4x2 for about three months, and they ride better than any shock I have tried before. Just wondering if I should look out for anything.,,,,98

 

Well i'm not sure what exactly "happened" but.. they squeek like no other now, and they act like they are not even on the pickup. If i hit a small pothole in the road, it about throws me into a broad slide going down the highway, not a good thing! So i just walked in the local NAPA where i bought them, told them the story, and he said just bring them in, if you have the receipt, it'll help a little, but.. we'll get ya fixed right up. so then i asked him if i could get a different shock, and he said yeah, sure, we'll give ya any shock we've got or CAN get. At this point, i was about to go ape *****. You can't beat a deal like that.

 

Sorry for all the questions, but how long did you have them on the truck? My old shocks I had on before the Reflex's were doing exactly what you described. The old shocks were on the truck almost exactly 40,000 miles before they went bad. It was horrible, every little bump made the truck bottom out and recoil out of control. It felt like I had 100 pounds of air in the tires
The old shocks were Gabriel VST's on the rear, and Monroe Gas Magnums on the front. It was surprising how fast they went, too! It was like one day they were fine, then the next day, junk. They were so bad I thought I needed front end work. Shocks and rebalanced tires cured everything. Getting new tires tomorrow.,,,,98

 

I had the Reflex shocks on for about 13 months and 11,000 miles. I don't do "any" offroading to speak of. It's mainly all highway miles.

 

I installed a pair of Edelbrock's on my Screw and I must say I am extremely happy with them. I had ProComps before which were real crap compared to Edelbrocks.
I highly recommend them.

 

Check into Skyjacker Hydor or Nitro's....they run about $30-$40 each.
It's not bad for a long lasting shock.