Yep. The rear shock swap is cheap, quick, easy, and makes a big difference. It takes less time and is easier than changing the oil. To change fronts would be more involved and difficult since they're struts.

 

I'm curious about the Monroe struts for the front. I have Tien S-Tech springs and Koni Sportline rear shocks. Like the Monroe's, it made a huge difference in ride.

But it's time to loose the OEM Goodyear tires and I would like to do the front struts at the same time. More cost, but only one alignment needed. The Koni struts are SOOOO expensive.

Has anyone tried the Monroe struts in front with Tien-S springs? How about a part number as well.

 

This was my experience with Monroe fronts and S-Techs on my Box back in March. I ended up selling the fronts to another SL member who loves them. But they just didn't work out for me....too low and too raked, along with some rubbing.

Here ---> https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...112540&start=0

 

Thanks for the thread. Great information.

I think I'll still go with the Monroe's up front. Sounds like a bit more drop, but a lot more comfort. It's pretty low with the S-Techs now.

I'm thinking I shouldn't experience rubbing problems as I am running 15" wheels.

Actually, when I buy the new tires, I'm going back to the original steelies. (Painted red!)

So I guess the only other question: Is there any other strut that offers the improved ride such as Monroe & Koni, but DOES NOT reduce ride height?

 

As far as improving ride quality and not lowering......I'm not aware of any. It would be great if Monroe produced an xA/xB specific Sensa-Trac damper, but they don't. So, the Echo application is as close as we can come for now.

 

I emailed Monroe to find out when the front struts for the xB will be available. They couldn't give me a date or if they ever will be. I'm surprised with so many on the road you'd think they would be available by now.

 

where is everyone getting the Monroe's from?
I called around, even Sears, and told them I wanted Monroe 5987 Shocks and they couldnt locate that part number and even gave them make/model and still nothing.

 

Did you tell them it was a 2002 Echo sedan, or did you tell them it was a Scion? The 5987 is listed for the Echo, but they have NO listings for a shock for the Scion xB at Sears. This was covered, oh, a couple dozen times, in various topics here on ScionLife and also at other sites.

So, where did I get my Monroe SensaTrac 5987's for my 2002 Echo 4 door sedan? Sears. Does that 2002 Echo I ordered shocks for look suspiciously like a 2005 Scion xB when it comes time to mount the shocks? Yup!

Tomas

 

Napa has them too.

 

I'll check my Kragen tonight after work for these.. , I'll pretend I have a 2002 Echo Sedan hehe... ;)

 

I got mine from http://www.rockauto.com Do a Google search and you should be able to find a discount code. I found a 5% off code so my total was $62 including shipping.

 

i installed the monroe 5987s and i barely notice any difference

maybe because i'm on h techs?

 

Yup. The H-Techs may have lowered you right out of the 'soft' range of the 5987s and into the stiff range of their motion.

Tomas

 

I'm not thinking so. My Hotchkisses drop even further than the h-techs and still soften the ride.

 

I'm with Jethro on this one. The 5987's smoothed out my xB and xA.....both on S-Techs. Even my wife noticed the difference.

I guess ride quality....or the improvement of....can be subjective though.

 

For me it was day and night.

 

thats weird cuz i've had people ride in it and they said they couldnt tell either.

could there be a possibility i installed it wrong? could it be on backwards?

 

That is weird. Don't think they could be mounted wrong it's pretty straight forward. With the monroes you can feel the rear absorb the bumps where before it would bounce up over them instead. Maybe your OEM shocks were softer than normal? That would explane not feeling a def. difference!

 

IMO, it was a great improvement from the stock shock!

 

I've got Monroe's and H-techs, ride maybe not be "better' but it is smoother. Ditch the OEM tires and it's night a day.