05CAMO

I'm trying to decide about swapping out the OEM rear shocks on my XB for Monroe Sensatracks.
If you can offer an opinion, it would help. I'm just looking for a better overall ride.
Suggestions?

05CAMO

I've searched and read archives . I'm just looking for your observations ??

JakAHearts

They made quite a difference in my Xa. Super easy to install and cheap, what else do you want to know?

hotweelz4me

Great Mod!! Easy to install and make a very noticable difference. S-Techs with Monroe Sensatracs provide a very nice ride

JoMac

I love mine...can imagine life without them.

05CAMO

The stock shocks seem to "hop" when you hit something. Since the spring rate is the same, does the new shock affect the handling at all?
Thanks to all who have already replied. Your comments are appreciated .

bB2NER

The problem with the rear OE shocks are they don't absorb the bumps. (compress fast enough) The Monroe #5987 will make the ride 110% better trust me. My stock shocks will Never go back on.

stew32

I just put Monroes on today! If you only make one mod, this is the one. The stiff stock shocks and short wheelbase make the xB's handling sketchy at times. With the Monroes, most of the annoying bouncy bumps are gone. Freeway expansion joints are much less noticeable. In fact, I started thinking I'd like a softer front suspension to match after about 20 minutes of driving.

I do think it's good to install a rear sway bar with the shock swap. Some have posted the softer shocks will make your box lean a little more in the corners. I put on a Progress bar at the same time I changed mine. The combination of less lean from the bar and less bounce from the shocks make it corner really well.

05CAMO

Thanks for the help.

bB2NER

That's why we are here. To help everyone get the most enjoyment from their toasters.

xA_Factor

Only Boxes? Where's the love for the Egg?

bB2NER

OOOOPS You know what I mean Eggs and Rollerskates too.

Tomas

Nope, xA/xB forum, Jeff.

Both the box and the egg like the SensaTracs, but the box needs 'em more because the box OEM rear shocks are just plain too stiff.

Tomas

bB2NER

So the xA shocks aren't as stiff Tomas? Wonder how they would work on the xB.

Tomas

I have no idea, but the OEM shocks on my xA seem no where near as stiff as the ones on my xB.

Thing is, the SensaTracs have this 'soft' range in the middle of their travel and then stiffen up right nicely. The OEM xA shocks are the same stiffness throughout their entire travel, so probably wouldn't control the heavier xB as well as the SensaTracs...

Tomas

spikeymike78

so from what everyone is saying... if you want a smoother ride... go with monroe shocks.. but only switch out the rear?

DOHCtorJT

For under $70 and a 10 minute (if you're slow) install, it's a great deal. Made a big improvement on my lowered xA. Didn't even need to jack up the car! I only did the rear

cinephile

The diff is night & day.

Dennis

05CAMO

Again,
Thanks to everyone who has responded. I'd really like to improve the quality of the ride. This has been my biggest roadblock to "Lowering" as I think it looks great but am not willing to sacrifice ride quality.
Your opinions have helped .

stew32

Whoa... If you're going to lower your xB, that's a different discussion. The Monroes improve the ride because they're "softer" in the middle range travel and "firmer" at the top and bottom of travel. They work well with the stock suspension. If you lower, then you're changing that position and could end up in the firmer range with no benefit for the swap. There's a different part number for the shocks you can try on a lowered box...