Monroe Reflex shocks

Do your self a favor and get the Bilstein 4600's.

With 170k and a truck camper, likely any new shock will be a luxury. Unloaded ride isn’t stiff with any standard shock imo. Tire pressure is the biggest help or culprit in how a HD truck rides when empty.

Long overdue on shocks. I replaced the original shocks on my first 2500 with Monroe Reflex. Second truck I replaced the original with KYB Mono that had good reviews but found the Monroe Reflex does a better job than the KYB's did. Monroe Reflex, IMO, are excellent to factory shocks on my camper.

Charlie D. wrote:
Long overdue on shocks. I replaced the original shocks on my first 2500 with Monroe Reflex. Second truck I replaced the original with KYB Mono that had good reviews but found the Monroe Reflex does a better job than the KYB's did. Monroe Reflex, IMO, are excellent to factory shocks on my camper.

Can you let us know what you liked better when running unloaded and loaded?

Thanks,
Stu

I've run 4600, 5100, Rancho 9000 and KYB Mono. I found the KYB to be the best bag for the buck. I would love to replace my OEM's with them but unfortunately they don't yet make them for my truck.

AlmostAnOldGuy wrote:

Charlie D. wrote:
Long overdue on shocks. I replaced the original shocks on my first 2500 with Monroe Reflex. Second truck I replaced the original with KYB Mono that had good reviews but found the Monroe Reflex does a better job than the KYB's did. Monroe Reflex, IMO, are excellent to factory shocks on my camper.

Can you let us know what you liked better when running unloaded and loaded?

Thanks,
Stu

Monroe Reflex seemed to have smoothed out much of the rebounds and harshness. I will admit that the OEM, especially rear were completely worn out so anything would have been an improvement. The KYB's did not seem to take any of the harshness and rebound much better than the OEM's which still had a little life left.

My first experience was on my first 5er. While doing an inspection one of the OEM's was bent. 2 of the remaining 3 had to action left and the fourth was locked up and the piston would not move. With the Monroe's on both rigs the camper rode better. With the improvement on the camper I decided to put them on my truck. I would not bottom out as often. Combination of both making things better, I don't know. If you have shocks on your camper I suggest to check them carefully.

specta wrote:
How much do they affect the ride when the truck is empty?

Do they harden the ride at all or more than regular Monroe gas-magnums?

I'm thinking with 170,000 miles on the factory shocks its time to replace them.

Your shocks were shot a LONG time ago. I think you should get the Monroe shocks in as much as Monroe/Tenneco is a local company for me.

Having said that, I run Hi-Jacker gas magnums myself.

The way any vehicle 'rides' loaded or empty has very little do with the shocks. It has to do with spring rates, type of springs and starting load on them. All a shock does is dampen the oscillations that occur when the suspension articulates.

Charlie D. wrote:
Long overdue on shocks. I replaced the original shocks on my first 2500 with Monroe Reflex. Second truck I replaced the original with KYB Mono that had good reviews but found the Monroe Reflex does a better job than the KYB's did. Monroe Reflex, IMO, are excellent to factory shocks on my camper.

Thank you. I was hoping someone would respond that actually had some on their truck.

My truck still has the factory brake pads and rotors. I might replace them one day too. ;)

SidecarFlip wrote:
The way any vehicle 'rides' loaded or empty has very little do with the shocks. It has to do with spring rates, type of springs and starting load on them. All a shock does is dampen the oscillations that occur when the suspension articulates.

Monroe's description of them is why I asked.

"Reflex® Truck shock absorbers valving technology automatically adjusts the shock to absorb the impact, leaving the shock with greater control for improved handling, safety, and comfort."