I have a 1997 Mazda B2300 (2WD) with 165,000 miles on it. Until last weekend it was running on the original factory shocks. Knowing I was kinda late to do this, Saturday I installed Monroe SensaTracs on all four corners.

The difference was tremendous, and initially very pleasing. Much firmer ride, less body roll while cornering, the rear doesn't want to come around when taking bumps, etc. Fantastic.

Then I drove to work on the 710 Freeway between Long Beach and Pasadena Tuesday morning. I thought my eyes were going to bounce out of my head; this is a pretty bumpy freeway, and the stiff ride was a real problem. Unless I want to have a headache after each leg of my commute, I think I need to contemplate a fix - probably a different shock; this is unbearable.

Monroe seems to suggest that the SensaTrac is their "comfort" premium shock. My God, if this is the comfortable shock, what the hell is the "performance" one (the Reflex) like?!? While I'm fairly certain that the ride has "mushed up" over the years, I'm also positive that the factory shocks were not this tooth-rattling even when I got the truck new.

I'm interested in any thoughts or recommendations. Motorcraft? Monroe Reflex? A low-end Rancho or KYB? I'm really happy with all aspects of these shocks except the ride on rough roads. Tire pressures are as per the door sticker, and I didn't change anything else.

 

My first question would be ....What kind of tires do you have on your truck?

I put Sensa-trac on my 97 Ranger, and I'm really impressed with the ride on some of the bumpier roads around here (NE Atlanta Area). I don't feel like I've lost control of the truck over a bump, but I'm also running Tiger Paw tires on my truck, and I noticed quite an improvement in the ride after I put them on (the tires) even before I changed my shocks.

When I bought my truck, somebody had put Wranger RT's (I think) on it. Felt like I was riding on a bouncing ball. When I bought the new tires, the guy that replaced them told me the Wrangler's were too stiff for the truck, and the truck didn't have enough weight to make up the difference. The Wrangler's were designed for a bigger truck, and since my truck's not a 4x4, I didn't need them. Gave them to my Dad for his 4x4, and he love's 'em.

 

When I had the Ford version of that truck, I had Konis on it and it was great.

We have a Monroe GT Gas shock here that is the sport version and it rides better than the sensa trac and the touring version.

 

I've got Firestone Destination LE tires on it. (P225-70-14, which was the stock size) They are only a few weeks old themselves, and were a noticeable improvement over the Firestone FR480's they replaced. The ride (on the old shocks and new tires) seemed quite nice - more grip and a generally smoother feeling when rolling.

On smooth-ish roads, these Sensatrac shocks give a real nice ride, and the speed at which I can comfortably take things like speed bumps has gone up a lot.

The particular sections of road that are rattling my brain within my skull are certain sections of the 710 Freeway here in the Los Angeles area which are made of what seems to be sections of concrete that are uneven in height. It's a very periodic oscillation - felt in all vehicles I've ever ridden in - that gets pretty violent in my truck at the moment. Low amplitude, but really harsh vibration felt within the cabin.

Flash635 - thanks for that tip. I just checked out the Monroe website for those Gas Magnums, and they may well be worth considering. I'll look into them.

 

Or are you talking about something else? I might be getting myself confused.

 

The Gas Magnums or for trucks and 4x4s, the GT Gas are for cars.
They might have a different name where you are.

 

brad_d - As a temp solution, you might try adding some weight in the back, possibly lunch for 50, or a couple cases of aspirin, or some sacks of sand from Home Depot. Might at least keep your teeth and eyes where they belong! Good luck, ofg49

 

I like the Sensatracs for off road with my BroncoII. However for pavement cracks they are harsh, especially with my oversized BFG ATs. I have a set of Monroe Gas Matics, real cheap ($15) shocks that I picked up from advance. They go on in the winter when I no longer do much wheeling off raod. They are soft and ride great for my non agressive style.

 

My apologies for stepping away for several days. Thanks very much to all who contributed - some good food for thought. I haven't done anything yet, but have some specific things to consider now.