Monroe front shock

[VWeGoBeachNow]

[wesitarz]

[VWeGoBeachNow]

[r39o]

Fun to read one of my old threads.

While I can not comment on the new replacement version, the thread starter shocks are still in use on my old 85 Westy with Moog springs. Work fine, just as I suspect the replacements will for many years.

It is note worthy that the Monroes typically seem to be stiff for a lot of people in the lighter vans.

I, for reasons I do not recall, have Konis in my Multivan and I love the firm and very well controlled, but not harsh, ride they provide with stock (Carat) springs.

They have been in about 7 years now.

After replacing many front end parts, it seems even better.

Sorry for the slight OT, but ride characteristics always seem to bring lots of responses.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[VWeGoBeachNow]

Going to be soon installing the Monroe 37348 in the front and 37349 in the rear along with all new bushings in the front and rear. They are replacing my 10+ year old KYB gas a just. Anyone else on these low budget gas shocks with an updated review? The reason I chose them is because I only drive under 1k miles a year and on city streets with very little cargo.

Much Thanks!
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88 Wolfsburg Limited Edition Vanagon GL Tin Top
Vesuve Grey underneath cheapo Vesuve Grey paint job
2.1 L
4spd

[Vanagon Nut]

[T91Carat]

I just replaced all my shocks yesterday with Monroe 37348 in the front and 37349 in the rear. They are on my 91 Carat 2.1. Awesome prices on RockAuto.

Job was one of the easiest and cheapest jobs tackled on the van so far, with the most return on investment, meaning, so little money, time and HUGE results felt right away.

I am comparing these to my old shocks which were completely worn out and leaking. So can not say how good they are compared to others.

Am quite happy with them. They are firm ride, but feel great, van actually absorbs the shock of bumps and rides level. Feels better over bumps, through turns and way less lunging with firm braking.

The only problem now is I can actually tell how bad I need to do my all my rubber/bushings.

[Wildthings]

Doesn't sound like the 34970 are going to be available for much longer. Oreilly's could only find one when I called. The replacement is the 37348, anyone have experience with these yet or should I search for another 34970?

[dbuzzell]

Hm..

Thanks.

And yes, certainly an apples to oranges comparison between the two brands and products..

My question is if this is normal for this shock (Monroe 37348s). Do they normally take that much time (about 50 seconds) to recoil and then perform fine or does this seem strange to anyone else?

Dan

[Christopher Schimke]

The comparison that you are trying to make between two different brand shocks really doesn't mean anything useful. The amount of gas pressure and the rebound valving will determine how quickly the shock shaft rebounds after you compress the shaft by hand. This kind of test/comparison doesn't really give you any useful information since each brand/style shock will be different in regards to the gas pressure and valving and each will perform differently.

When the shocks are installed on the van, the energy from the springs, weight of the van, weight of the wheels/tires, etc. will determine how well the shocks perform.
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[dbuzzell]

Hi,

I've got a quick question here.

I ordered Monroe 37348s for the front of my 82 westy.

They just came in the mail and I can't help but notice that it takes almost a full minute for the shocks to recoil after being fully depressed.

In comparison, I also received a pair of sachs 555 273s for my jetta wagon today. After being fully compressed these rebound in roughly 7 seconds (more or less as I expected).

A full minute for a brand new shock to rebound is ridiculous right? I should send these back?

Thanks,
Dan

[greebly]

I replaced what appeared to be the original Boge struts and shocks 2 years ago. I installed a set of Gabriel 69861 front struts, and ACDELCO 53050 shocks on the rear, which is another name for the Gabriel 69858 ordered from Rock Auto on closeout. $70 for the entire order. On a tintop with stock springs it was a great improvement. No more nose dive. Smooth over speed bumps. Still happy with the ride but I will be replacing the front springs with Moog 5658 coils to gain a little height. It is currently at 16 from hub to fender well.

[t3 kopf]

If I may, Id like to report that I finally got around to replacing all 4 of my KYB gas a just shocks with these Monroe gas magnums from rock auto for 100 bucks for a full set. It is a huge improvement. I'm running a fairly light tintop 2WD. I'm happy with these shocks and they are much cheaper than a lot of whats on the market.
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'90 Carat w/ '95 phase 1 EJ22 OBD2 conversion

[Jake de Villiers]

[vanagonjr]

My Monroes (Gas Magnums) came with flat steel washer and rubber bushings, but with a cone shape top and bottom as seen below.

I'm going to reuse the VW steel shaped washers, but I'm thinking of just installing the old flat top/bottom rubber bushings as they seem firmer, look fine, no idea how old, but say West Germany on them, along with VW P/N, so probably original. Any thoughts suggestions?
See below (not mine)

_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798

[peasant]

Just a note on rock auto. They always have valid 5% off coupon codes. Just search google. They are only for online orders and basically cover shipping. Worth it though since it is offered.
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89 wolfsberg weekender carat
89 Westfalia

[a1fa]

How will it work with westy being heavier on one side?
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Learn to ride. Ride to learn.

[luVWagn]

Will this combo (gw lift springs plus Monroe coil-overs) work, or better off with bils (also from gw)?
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'91 Double Door Transporter

[rcook52459]

just don't buy themfrom monroeoutlet.com which is just suspensipn.com took four months to get the fronts and another 2 months for the rear shocks.to save 20 bucks.should have read the reviews about them before iordered them.
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85 westy tiico conversion.auto trans triumph TR250 1980 Suzuki GS1000l

[[email protected]]

we bought a set of Monroe's for our 90 Carat in Spring, and like them.

I just bought another set, and thought TS should know Monroe has their "Shocktober" event, buy 4 shocks and get a rebate for 1 of them. Buy 3 get 1 free. Til' the end of the month.

Ours cost like $80 delivered for 4 shocks after the rebate.

http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloads/promotions/Monroe_Shocktober_Rebate_US_WEB.pdf
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