Forum Discussion

mr__ed's avatar
mr__ed
Explorer
Aug 01, 2013

Monroe vs Bilstien Shocks

Just wondering what you folks are using on your trucks. I've got 89k miles on my Dodge one-ton and know I'll be due for new ones at some time (Monroe's are currently in my truck). I recently had one shock removed and it appeared serviceable for now (of course, the other three could be bad).

In pricing new shocks I found Bilstien's are not quite twice the price of Monroe's. Questions:

1. Are Bilstiens worth the extra cost? ($73 vs $44)

2. About how many miles are you getting before shock replacement?

The original Monroe's have held up pretty well IMHO but if there are good reasons for changing to Bilstien please let me know.
Tow Vehicles
  • phenrichs's avatar
    phenrichs
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2013
    I just rebuilt the suspension on my 06 Dodge 3500. I added a leaf in the rear and went with upgraded Monroe all the way around. I am happy with them.

    And I have 193K on mine. The shocks they took off were original.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2013
    I just put Rancho made by Monroe on my F-350 and they do a decent job. I have always used Bilstien's and know they are a good shock and last a long time.
  • amxpress's avatar
    amxpress
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    I installed Monroes on the front of my RAM 2500 in January 2012. I am disappointed in their performance. I should have gone with the Bilstiens, but I was too cheap.
    The front end floats up & down excessively when towing. Live & learn, I guess.
  • Norskeman's avatar
    Norskeman
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    Purchase only Bilstein for my trucks - well worth the cost.

    Pulled the OEMs on my 2011 chevy at 22,000 miles - they were shot. Big improvement when towing.

    On my 2004 and 2005 I put them on right after I purchased the trucks - got rid of the "wheel hop".

    Traded my 2005 after 68,000 miles and they still worked good.

    Set of 4 - $290.00 http://www.kennedydiesel.com/detail.cfm?ID=542
  • Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
    Perrysburg_Dodg
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    Do Bilstien's come with a life time warranty, Monroe's do. I replaced the stock shocks with Monroe Reflex put 50,000 miles on them and they gave me a new set. Will be ordering my second replacement set some time around October. Every 50,000 mile or sooner if needed. No hassle, no fuss, no muss.

    Monroe Reflex 100% IMO!

    Don
  • BeerCan's avatar
    BeerCan
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    Bilstein 4600/5100 have the lifetime warranty. Another shock to throw in the mix is the Rancho rs7000mt. It is a true monotube with digressive valving.
  • Hannibal's avatar
    Hannibal
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    I prefer the softer ride of the Gas Magnum Monroes but they don't make them for the rear of my 4X2 F250. So I'll opt for the Monroe Reflex front and rear. Just can't see yaller shocks up front and pewter shocks out back. It just ain't right. The originals have done well for 68k miles. Still rides like a square wheeled rickshaw but it's starting to get the jiggles.
    I just can't imagine a more expensive shock making it ride like the Fusion.
  • azchuckmo's avatar
    azchuckmo
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2013
    Theirs a posting on FTE forum about his 5100 Bilstein failing on his Superduty on a washboard road and Bilstien denied him warranty.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Aug 02, 2013
    I looked long and hard at the Bilsteins and decided to go with the KYB Monomax's on the burb. Worth a look, quality shock.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2013
    mr. ed,

    Not calling you a liar but I don't think your factory shocks are Monroe.

    They probably are a no name brand from Brazil. At 15K one of my front shocks were leaking. Bottom line factory shocks are junk right out of the box.

    I bought my Bilstien's from Geno's garage, the yellow and blue ones. They really improved the empty and towing ride. They are worth the extra money.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025