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Monroe Sensatrac 5870

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Old 04-15-2007, 11:19 PM
  #81  
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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.
What I was asking wasn't about the stockers. I was asking if the GR 2s were a better choice than the Sensatrac Monroes... The KYB GR 2s are cheaper and I figured that since I heard more guys buying Monroes, they must work well. I have yet to really hear anyone say big things about the KYB aftermarket GR 2s. Even though they are cheaper....
The rear xB shocks must not be KYB GR-2s:
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
And the KYB PDF catalog lists Front and Rear GR-2s specifically for the Scion xB. They are obviously higher quality products than either the KYBs that Scion put on the rear, or the SensaTracs. I wonder if they ride better.
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Old 04-16-2007, 06:17 PM
  #82  
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it sounds like the monroe's valved to be comforable, so would these be recommended for stiffer springs and a more aggressive dampening then?
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Old 04-16-2007, 06:38 PM
  #83  
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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."

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Old 04-16-2007, 09:01 PM
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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?
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Old 04-16-2007, 11:12 PM
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nevermind...
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Old 04-16-2007, 11:27 PM
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The front struts that come with the vehicle are not over-stiff like the rear shocks, and are actually a good match to the remainder of the suspension.

Tom
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Old 04-17-2007, 01:40 AM
  #87  
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Cool, thanks Tomas! You da man!
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Old 04-17-2007, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by doctorcue
.. What about the fronts? Is everyone just using their stocks until they blow and get the same ones again? ...
The choices for the front are:
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.
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Old 04-29-2007, 04:14 PM
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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
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Old 05-02-2007, 12:16 AM
  #90  
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Just ordered my 5987's...i missed by 1 day on the mail in rebate! I am so mad! But still very excited to try these things out, been hounding the wife about it :D
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Old 05-31-2007, 03:22 AM
  #91  
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Just put on my 5987's the other day..wow..its so nice to not feel EVERY bump in the road! Well worth the money!! :D
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Old 05-31-2007, 03:50 AM
  #92  
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Best mod for the bucks, eh? :D

Tom
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Old 06-01-2007, 08:47 PM
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Do these work with the eibach pro kit lowering springs. I believe I am only lowered an inch and a half.
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Old 06-01-2007, 09:13 PM
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An inch and a half lowering should still be in the "sweet spot" range for these, but as my box is not lowered a like amount, I can't say for certain, Jake.

Tom
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Old 06-01-2007, 09:27 PM
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Thanks! I wonder if it is still possible to get them for that initial price of 44!

BTW Have you seen pictures of my box with all the new mods Tom?
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Old 06-01-2007, 09:33 PM
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Yes I have - looks pretty doggone nice. :D

(I got my Sensatracs at Sears for $39 each, installed... They have shock sales fairly often.)

Tom
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Old 06-14-2007, 06:07 PM
  #97  
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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.
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Old 06-14-2007, 06:59 PM
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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
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Old 06-14-2007, 07:34 PM
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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!
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Old 06-15-2007, 04:56 AM
  #100  
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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.
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