Moparts

New Shocks recommendation

Posted By: larrymopar360

New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 06:58 PM

Need a set of new Shocks for my '79 Power Wagon 150. It's not really going to see any off-roading, but I'd still like what's consider kind of a HD Shock, but not anything crazy for off-roading. Factory lift, but 33x12.50 tires right now. Might go with slightly less tire in future but nothing drastically smaller. I don't like the red and other colorful stuff that shows either. Just a good HD long lasting shock.

Thanks.
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 07:48 PM

What do you think of these specs on these Monroes for the rear?

The Monroe® Gas-Magnum® truck shock absorber is designed for mid to full size, hard working pick-up trucks and vans. These units provide firm control without a harsh ride. With up to twice the fluid capacity of standard 1 inch bore shocks, Monroe® Gas-Magnum® truck shocks work more efficiently with less effort.

Features
1-3/8 inch Bore: Lower operating pressure than standard 1 inch bore units

2 inch Reserve Tube: More fluid for more consistent performance.

5/8 inch Piston Rod: Heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod for long service life. On non-dust shield units only

All Weather Fluid: Contains special modifiers to reduce friction and ensure smooth rod reaction.

Full Displaced Valving: Better valving range on both the compression and extension cycles of the unit for a smooth comfortable ride.

Nitrogen Gas Charged: For improved ride and handling, helps maintain tire to road contact by reducing aeration - on most applications

Sintered Iron Piston: Stronger than traditional metals, enhances durability for longer service life.

Special Seal: 'Self-lubricating' fluid seal designed to retain gas without excessive wear or friction.
Posted By: ahy

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 08:30 PM

I run the Monroe gas shocks on a brand F PU. They work and have held up fine.
Posted By: T2R9

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 09:49 PM

Let us know how you like the ones you choose. My W150 is due for a set as soon as I get it back from paint. popcorn
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 10:26 PM

Originally Posted By T2R9
Let us know how you like the ones you choose. My W150 is due for a set as soon as I get it back from paint. popcorn
Will do. I read reviews of this Monroe shock on Amazon and all were really good. Still waiting on answer back from vendor to confirm they will fit W150.
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/18/17 10:50 PM

Ok, I know I didn't wait long for responses, but my shocks are really shot. I just purchased the Monroe's for front and rear, front #34853, rear #34854, specs listed above. Four were $135 free shipping. Hope to install them soon, and I'll check back in with feedback. Like I wrote, mine are pretty old and bad, so anything new is going to feel better.
Posted By: astjp2

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/19/17 09:25 AM

Bilstein 5100 series, one of the best shocks for the money! Those were the best thing I did to my wife's tj jeep, wish I had them on my Wrangler to tame the buck board leafs. Tim
Posted By: Mr. Smurf

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 11/20/17 05:08 AM

I've ran the Monroes since the 80's on Dodges & Chebbies....best bang for the buck, imo.

FYI, NAPA premimums are Monroe gas mags.

Ed
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/13/17 01:19 AM

The Monroes are installed (part numbers above), and I love them. BIG difference in ride. Much more controlled but not harsh. As Mr. Smurf said, great bang for the buck. Very beefy shock. Glad I made this choice. up
Posted By: J_BODY

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/18/17 02:51 PM

Funny how much shocks are overlooked. Having worked on cars for 25+ years you'd think I'd have an opinion of them, but I didn't. About six months ago I put a set of KYB Monomax shocks on my 01 2500. Could tell as soon as I backed out of the driveway that I'd REALLY overlooked something as simple as a shock.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/19/17 04:09 AM

Shocks are one of those items that unless the fail altogether, we basically ignore them. Until they allow the vehicle to bounce uncontrollably, most people give them very little thought.

I really don't remember the last time I put new shocks on anything! One front strut was replaced on our PT when it was in a wreck and the strut got bent, That would have been around 2008 or 2009. The other strut, as well as both rear shocks are still original to the 2004 PT. The car has 120K miles on it.

How sad is it that I don't bat an eye changing a set of $500-$600 tires every 40 K miles, but haven't changed a set of $150 shocks and struts? Gene
Posted By: Mopar Boy

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/19/17 05:01 AM

I will also pipe in here. I have extensive background in building gen 1 Rams with the intent of towing trailers. If you want a REALLY good shock for making the truck ride like it is on rails, consider a Bilstein 5100.

I have run Monroe, Napa, Mopar, etc and for ensuring the truck handles with very little body lean, I have found good results with these shocks. Normally about $120 per, for sure more expensive. But, it depends what demands you need your truck to do. As poorboy said, you pay $600 for tires.... ever consider what a really good shock can do?

Again, changes if you never have a load in it or behind it.... but if you actually work a truck (My 1990 W250 has peaked weight at 29,000 gross truck and trailer), then you may need a step up.

My 10c. laugh
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/23/17 08:06 PM

Mopar Boy, I have never heard a bad word about Bilstein Shocks in any application, so I bet they make a great truck shock too. My recent '79 Power Wagon purchase has needed so much right away, having been neglected for so long, and because I have no real off roading, towing, or work (other than an occasional moving some furniture) planned for it, and the ones that were on the truck were so bad, I just needed to do something immediately. I had to keep the cost somewhat low without buying junk. Down the road, I can see myself going for the Bilstein's for my second set though. up
Posted By: a12rag

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/24/17 07:45 AM

I had 66k miles on my 02 2500 cummins, last spring and decided it was time to change out the shocks, before towing the trailer for summertime. I went round and round on what to buy - went with the Monroe Gas Shocks. I am sure they are correct for my truck (8800lb GVWR) . . . but, wow, they are not as good as the old originals I took off my truck - just way bouncier and not what I thought they would be. Thinking that I will have to move up to the Bilstein . . .
Posted By: Mopar Boy

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/24/17 09:27 PM

Originally Posted By larrymopar360
Mopar Boy, I have never heard a bad word about Bilstein Shocks in any application, so I bet they make a great truck shock too. My recent '79 Power Wagon purchase has needed so much right away, having been neglected for so long, and because I have no real off roading, towing, or work (other than an occasional moving some furniture) planned for it, and the ones that were on the truck were so bad, I just needed to do something immediately. I had to keep the cost somewhat low without buying junk. Down the road, I can see myself going for the Bilstein's for my second set though. up


Makes sense! Regardless of what you get, make sure that truck gets back on the road! smile
Posted By: larrymopar360

Re: New Shocks recommendation - 12/24/17 11:48 PM

Originally Posted By Mopar Boy
Originally Posted By larrymopar360
Mopar Boy, I have never heard a bad word about Bilstein Shocks in any application, so I bet they make a great truck shock too. My recent '79 Power Wagon purchase has needed so much right away, having been neglected for so long, and because I have no real off roading, towing, or work (other than an occasional moving some furniture) planned for it, and the ones that were on the truck were so bad, I just needed to do something immediately. I had to keep the cost somewhat low without buying junk. Down the road, I can see myself going for the Bilstein's for my second set though. up


Makes sense! Regardless of what you get, make sure that truck gets back on the road! smile
It is now and I'm so happy! Lots more to do for sure, but it's safe to drive now, the engine is reliable and sealed up, sounds good, and puts a smile on my face! beer
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