Monroe Reflex Shocks
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
If you want performance get a set of Bilstein's. This is what I have on my EX. I tow a ~9,500lb travel trailer though so I need a shock that is up to the task. If you are looking for more comfort then the Reflex is a good choice.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Go with the Bilstein's then. Boats typically do not have nearly the tongue weight like a RV trailer does (you don't have to use a weight distribution system do you?) but you will still be better off with them.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
That would be a huge difference if it were true. I just looked up Monroe Reflex shocks for a 2005 Excursion. 51.99/ea Monroe 911175 - Shock Absorber 2005 Ford Excursion | O'Reilly Auto Parts Rock auto charges $38.79 for the same part number PLUS $7.57 shipping. So the true cost of that shock is $46.36. Difference of $5.63. I'll support my local businesses for that small of a difference.
You didn't add tax in there on that O'Reilly's total either.
That $51.99/ea becomes $56.27 each with tax.
So, $225.11 from O'Reilly's with tax or $169.00($157.36+11.64 shipping for ALL FOUR) from Rockauto. I'll take my $56.11 and not have to deal with the idiots behind the counter at the parts store,and not give away $4.28 in tax per shock. By paying shipping, at least I'm getting a service provided by the shipper instead of effectively throwing away the money to tax coffers.
JL
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Brett Foote
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I pulled those numbers from the quote from O'Reilly's and and the actual receipt from my Rockauto order a couple of months ago.
You didn't add tax in there on that O'Reilly's total either.
That $51.99/ea becomes $56.27 each with tax.
So, $225.11 from O'Reilly's with tax or $169.00($157.36+11.64 shipping for ALL FOUR) from Rockauto. I'll take my $56.11 and not have to deal with the idiots behind the counter at the parts store,and not give away $4.28 in tax per shock. By paying shipping, at least I'm getting a service provided by the shipper instead of effectively throwing away the money to tax coffers.
JL
You didn't add tax in there on that O'Reilly's total either.
That $51.99/ea becomes $56.27 each with tax.
So, $225.11 from O'Reilly's with tax or $169.00($157.36+11.64 shipping for ALL FOUR) from Rockauto. I'll take my $56.11 and not have to deal with the idiots behind the counter at the parts store,and not give away $4.28 in tax per shock. By paying shipping, at least I'm getting a service provided by the shipper instead of effectively throwing away the money to tax coffers.
JL
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Rowlett,TX
Getting back on track now...what model # billsteins is recommended? I rarely tow, but at times I do. I want comfort, drive off road at times as well during fishing and hunting. Are Rancho's any good? Would they provide any lift to the vehicle? I don't want any extra lift as it is.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
Nearly 100% of the time, the counter "help" (is that better?) cannot simply walk to the shelf in the warehouse and bring me back what I need when provided with a part number. Instead they simply stand there with a blank stare repeatedly asking "What year is that for?". When they cease doing that and actually use their brain instead of pecking away at that computer, I'll change my view of them.
JL
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
Getting back on track now...what model # billsteins is recommended? I rarely tow, but at times I do. I want comfort, drive off road at times as well during fishing and hunting. Are Rancho's any good? Would they provide any lift to the vehicle? I don't want any extra lift as it is.
Rancho 9000's are supposed to be really good-they're externally adjustable, and I see many good reviews of them with many pleased owners. Rancho RSX shocks are identical to the Reflex except for paint color. It's all up to you-cost, availability, and personal preference are what will usually decide what you'll end up with.
JL
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
Shock Recommendations IMHO:
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
Shock Recommendations IMHO:
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.