Monroe Sensatrac 5870
#81
Originally Posted by Lizard1
Originally Posted by vintage42
... The stock rear shocks are KYB. I don't know if they are GR2. But they are so hard that everybody and myself change those KYBs to SensaTracs. The SensaTracs are not a bad deal, because they are only $75 a pair and ride so smoothly.
GR-2® Premium Shocks and Struts are specially designed to provide a smooth, secure ride with excellent control for drivers who are looking for ride comfort and improved handling. With its patented check valve, the GR-2® Premium Shocks and Struts always maintain excellent performance under even the roughest conditions. It also provides comfort and control that is often better than original equipment.
http://www.kyb.com/products/detail.php?ID=1
http://www.kyb.com/products/detail.php?ID=1
#83
The Monroe's have variable valving (hence the "SensaTrac" name) that in the center of their range is fairly soft for small movements, but gets progressively harder as the size of the movement increases, and the shock moves away from "center."
For many application and many people, this variable valving gives an excellent compromise between decent ride on the highway and decent handling when pushed.
This is also why the ride height of the vehicle MUST be matched to the design height of a SensaTrac shock. Otherwise, the "soft" portion of it's travel will not be in the "at rest" position, and both ride and handling will suffer compared to a proper, in-spec installation.
Bolting a shock on is super easy and most anyone can do it. Selecting the right shock for the job is much more difficult. Staying withing the design parameters of the product is a necessity for it to perform properly
The choice is not just "stiff or soft."
Tomas
For many application and many people, this variable valving gives an excellent compromise between decent ride on the highway and decent handling when pushed.
This is also why the ride height of the vehicle MUST be matched to the design height of a SensaTrac shock. Otherwise, the "soft" portion of it's travel will not be in the "at rest" position, and both ride and handling will suffer compared to a proper, in-spec installation.
Bolting a shock on is super easy and most anyone can do it. Selecting the right shock for the job is much more difficult. Staying withing the design parameters of the product is a necessity for it to perform properly
The choice is not just "stiff or soft."
Tomas
#84
Ok, so I'm going through this thread. I now I know what I need for the rears on a new setup. What about the fronts? Is everyone just using their stocks until they blow and get the same ones again? Am I missing something?
#88
Originally Posted by doctorcue
.. What about the fronts? Is everyone just using their stocks until they blow and get the same ones again? ...
1. OEM Tokico struts from Scion dealer or a Tokico vendor.
2. KYB GR-2 struts #333385.
3. Tenneco SensaTrac struts #71575 (either Monroe or NAPA), are for Echo, will lower xB 1/2".
4. Tenneco SensaTrac struts (either Monroe or NAPA), made for xB and available soon.
5. Koni struts 8710-1403, adjustable soft to hard without removing.
The SensaTracs are about $60 each and the Konis are about $160 each, with Tokicos and KYBs in between and closer to the SensaTracs.
#89
I bought the 5987 shocks by mistake, I have tein s-techs and should have bought the 5870 shocks, Does anyone want to trade a brand new set of 5987 for a brand new set of 5870 shocks? pm me. thanks
#97
OK I picked up a set of 5870's to go with my S-techs. Using Thomas' chart on the first page, the shock wouldn't fit. The threaded shaft wasn't long enough. Should I just use one of the 5870 supplied washer and bushing for the bottom and the stock top bushing, or should I use both of the 5870 supplied bushings for top and bottom? I'm stumped. I've got an 06.5, if that matters.
#98
I hope someone who's used the 5870's on an xB will chime in on what they did. I'm surprised that they won't fit with the factory bushings in place. Some sort of bushing is needed or the noise level will be really fierce, and there would likely be damage to the vehicle mountpoint as the suspension and shock move about.
Rygar, maybe you should drop a PM to one of the folks who used the 5870s to see what they did?
Tom
Rygar, maybe you should drop a PM to one of the folks who used the 5870s to see what they did?
Tom
#99
Yeah, I'm afraid of damaging the body because the OEM bushings and washers are much larger than the ones that come with the 5870's. The 5870 bushings look like skateboard truck bushings!
#100
Rygar - I have the 5870's on the rear.
I ditched the OEM bushings and washers. I used the 5870's washers and bolts but not the bushings.
I put in Energy Suspension Polyurethane Shock eye bushings that fit the 5870's.
See my previous old post on this
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=133092
Washer-Bushing-Body of xB-Bushing-Washer-Nut .... tighten and your done.
I ditched the OEM bushings and washers. I used the 5870's washers and bolts but not the bushings.
I put in Energy Suspension Polyurethane Shock eye bushings that fit the 5870's.
See my previous old post on this
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=133092
Washer-Bushing-Body of xB-Bushing-Washer-Nut .... tighten and your done.