Shocks - monroe or gabriel? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

cArSiK · 04-02-2003, 01:38

Hey all,
Just about to lower my ED with king spring lows. My shocks are not in the best shape so im wanting to do them at the same time. Im just wanting to know what brand of shocks you guys recommend - keeping in mind i dont want to spend all that much. I ve been quoted $199 for the springs and $255 for Monroe GT shocks (all round). However i can get Gabriel gas shocks from super cheap for $220 (taking into accound their deal buy 3 get 4th free).

What shock would be better? Im after a smoother ride but still would like to handle well.

Also how hard are they to install myself?

thanks
james

redGhia · 04-02-2003, 02:42

monroe have a buy 3 get 4 th free as well at the moment as well

i have monroes and i feel they could be a bit tighter doent know about gabriel i think they are supposed to be of reasonable quality

image · 04-02-2003, 02:54

Go for the Monroes. Gabriels are too stiff and will give a very harsh ride especially with the lowered springs (you'll feel every bump on the road).

cArSiK · 04-02-2003, 02:57

thats funny , i heard the monroes give the harsh ride.....

taximan · 04-02-2003, 03:30

Personel preference I prefer Gabriel to Monroe made by the same company.Try Cofab approx. same price but better quality and for a smoother ride fit King comfort springs same ride height but a softer spring rate so a smoother ride

ebxr8240 · 04-02-2003, 03:53

The last thing you want on a lowered car is the springs bottoming out and gives the impression that the shocks are too hard and "could" be the opposite.Gabriel are the base shock that Pedders use,revalved talk to them.Have you checked prices on KYB or Tokico ???

LoverBoy · 04-02-2003, 06:58

Quote:

Originally posted by cArSiK
Hey all,
Just about to lower my ED with king spring lows. My shocks are not in the best shape so im wanting to do them at the same time. Im just wanting to know what brand of shocks you guys recommend - keeping in mind i dont want to spend all that much. I ve been quoted $199 for the springs and $255 for Monroe GT shocks (all round). However i can get Gabriel gas shocks from super cheap for $220 (taking into accound their deal buy 3 get 4th free).

What shock would be better? Im after a smoother ride but still would like to handle well.

You are in the exact same position as me!
but the bloke recommended the gabrielle shockies to me, and they are slightly cheaper, i'm also getting "low" gabrielle springs.
Let me know how ya go mate.
Cheers
Mason.

cArSiK · 04-02-2003, 14:11

LoverBoy , tell me more about the low gabriel springs? Are they the same height as king spring lows? what are they worth??

james

Venom XR · 04-02-2003, 15:01

Agree with Graeme, check out KYBs - good shock for the price.

Bluedriver · 04-02-2003, 18:09

Guys, coming from the Suspension game let me spell out a few facts................
*Gabriel Springs ? No such animal !!!
*Gabriel/Monroe same company ? No at all, both large global manufacturers for the oe and aftermarket.
*Cofap better quality ? Brazilian made shock ! Fair quality imo.......
*Gabriel base shock for Pedders ? Infact for the last 5yrs Monroe have been making the car program for Pedders, all 4wd Pedders product is made by Gabriel.
*Base shock ? A shockabsorber factory can make a shock from a base type to a premium product ( like base BA XT to GT etc ), so quality and cost price varies.
*Harsh ride ? Well what do you expect, lower the car the ride is going to suffer, bump stop travel is reduced.
*IMHO the std Monroe/Gabriel is not suitable for anything lower than 25mm, BUT they are bought because of the $$$ ( cheap ) yes I know Konis etc too expensive for many........
*KYB not much distribution, used to be a great product in shocks,using small bore now (cost cutting) but struts still great.
*Tokico good product, no longer distribution in the Aftermarket.
*Gabriel have short stroke heavy duty shocks/struts for E series ( up to 50mm low ) in their catalog.

Best thing is get a few opinions from specialist's and see some of their work, test drive if possible before you buy.......

Sorry for the long thread.