So i probably asked this before, but fell off the shock bandwagon in order to deal with other issues.

Anyway, 1998 cherokee sport, like 150k, 4x4 part time, 4.0 etc.

So one thing I can't seem to do, as a average wrencher, is determine if a shock is bad.

I've tried the "Sharply push down on the corner" thing, can't really determine anything from that.

I know its not supposed to lean too much or dive at a stop, etc. But i haven't owned it long enough to know what it was like before.

But the fact of the matter is, they are probably original shocks, and when I go over bumps, holes, etc. It feels like the wheel is trying to smash through the fender, into the cabin. So.. I think i need shocks.

I have no interest in spending crazy money on OME's or Bilstein, etc. But i don't want to get crap.

I have been contemplating getting the monroe sensa trac since every one says their good, and their only about $30 a piece, but one concensus that every one seems to agree on is that they ride HARD. I know its a Jeep, not a cadillac, but as this is my DD with 0% offroading, I want to get a shock that doesn't ride toooo hard (I know new shocks ride harder than worn ones).

One guy said he bough the Mopar Value line shocks for $40 a piece, and they ride a lot softer than the sensa tracs, and still are very stable.

Not really sure what to do, and not looking to spend more than $40 per shock. So any input would help. Please keep in mind, this is a DD, with all highway/city driving, and NO offroading whatsoever, if any of that matters.

 

you're going to have people say (especially on here) that anything other than Bilstein isn't worth putting on your rig.

Well I simply don't give a **** about what others think. My rig is a trail rig only. I spent $40 each on some and they do their job. Got other things I'd rather do with close to $1000 than replace the shocks on something I beat the **** out of.

Went with Doestch Tech personally. Under $200 for all 4. Done.

 

Getting ready to do mine also- anything will be better than the ones I have now...

 

Had the Monroe sensa-tracs on my XJ for quite a few years, and was happy with them. I didn't find the ride harsh at all, and they were fine when they were taken off the Jeep as well. I installed some shocks on a friend's XJ, I think they were KYB Excel-G shocks he got off Rockauto for around $160. They seemed to be a decent quality shock and rode well also; however, I can't attest to the longevity of the KYB's. (Only installed a few months ago.)

 

The Monroe Matic-Plus shocks are about as cheap as you get (about $16 ea. on rock auto) and are pretty decent if you want a "stock-equivalent" shock (they don't have the fancy multi-stage valving that the Sensa-Track does but are otherwise pretty much the same and cheaper, not that Sensa-Tracks are all that expensive).


They KYB Excel-G shocks are decent too, though I've heard that they tend to rid a little hard.


The Monroe Gas-Matic LTs are good if you tow but as "heavy-duty" shocks will be hard as a rock.

 

I've been using KYB's on my vehicles since the early 80's and have never had a failure. I've had Monomax on my '96 xj for over 2yrs. They're charged to almost 300psi so they do give a "firm" ride. But they fit my needs. Last summer I put a set of Excel-G's on my wife's '96 Blazer. She likes the comfortable ride they give.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=1998

 

RE Twin Tube have been great for me so far on my Trail rig only. I spend less than $200 shipped for all 4.

 

I had one on the front left that made a distinct "whoosh" sound everytime that tire flexed up into the well..... that one was obviously shot!

if you feel any body roll on corners or anything like that, I'd look to replace them. Don't confuse a saggy rear end with a shock problem. New shocks aren't going to fix that.

 

Yea i see on rock auto they are half the price as the sense tracs. I have also read that the matic plus' ride less harsh than the sensa tracs, but do they last at least somewhat as long as the sensa tracs?

 

Thanks for the tip.

And yea, I know. Rear end sag is attributed it sagging leaf springs from what i've seen. Mine are suprisingly straight for 150k miles.

 

Really any oem style stock will do in your case.While your under it check your tie rod ends and sway bar end links.

 

If you're stock ride height, Summitt Racing had Rancho RSX's on sale for $19.50 each. Normally a $69 shock..

 

I went with the Monroe Gas Magnum Severe Service shocks last month and I don't find the ride to be at all harsh, but on the flip side of that coin, my springs are closing in on 200K, so there is that. They were only about 12 bucks more than the $20 budget shocks.

 

That's like the people who say either carry a 1911 .45 or don't carry at all, but you know a lot of us carry .380, 9mm, .40, or .357. A gun in the pocket is better than a gun left at home.

=)
Squelchtone

 

Monroe Sensa-Tracs don't ride rough or hard to me. I've had them on a couple different Jeeps and I've always been happy with them. I don't expect my Jeep to ride like a Lincoln Town Car either so I feel they're great for the money.