i keep reading about 2 or 3 diffrent part number for the 05 xb. i have stock springs for now and only plan to drop it 1 or so inchs (h-tec) what part number do i need for the rear at stock height?...and i have seen picture of black ones, yellow ones... what color are they? thanks.

 

The sensa-tracs I got are the 5870's. Those are the shorter ones YOU DO NOT WANT. They will ride bouncy with the height you are at and are planning. The stock xB shocks are 5987. Those are the correct height for your box.

 

monroe 5987
takes 10 minutes maximum to replace

 

I am looking for a 1 inch drop this fall with new tires and an alignment.
H-TECH's soon.

I installed the Monroe 5987 rear shocks. Excellant ride, softer. Black in color.

 

now im back to square 1 with posts of diffrent part numbers 5987,5870...

 

Glad ya figured it out bighvyxb.

The 5870 is for other makes, where-as the 5987 is the monroe shock for the xB.

I am on air-ride and ride at lower heights than most springs normally ride at. The 5870's are shorter, and the "sweet spot" is at a lower point than a stock height xB shock. This allows the airbags to be compressed and still ride at a decent "bounce" versus a stock height where it would be stiff because its in the "performance" area of the sensatrac.

Hope that explained it...ug.

Heres a quick picture...
Sensa-Tracs:

1
2
1

These numbers represent harsheness. 2 = "Perfect Ride" where 1 = Stiff (more compressed or decompressed).
The 2 area in a 5987 is at a higher location than a 5870. If you bought 5870's for a stock height car, you would be riding in a 1 area where it would be stiff.

 

So then someone lowered 1.2" would be better off with 5870?

 

I've heard lower than that. More of the extreme drop springs. 2" or so.

 

Neither of the shock part numbers listed are listed as a replacement shock for the xB. Part number 5897 is a replacement shock for the Echo, and what most people choose to use as a direct replacement shock on the xB. They have been proven to work very well on xBs from stock height to lowered just over 2".

Part number 5870 is a shock someone, somewhere figured out would work for the xB in extremely lowered suspensions such as air bags. Spider13 on this board is the first person I heard of using this part number. There is no need to use this shock instead of the 5897 if you aren't lowered 3"+.

On a side note, as of yet Monroe does not have any replacement shocks or struts listed for the xB. Apparently it is just too new. But since the Echo used a virtually identical suspension, it is the logical choice for replacement parts.

Hope that helps.