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Monroe front shock
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r39o
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 7:59 pm    Post subject: Monroe front shock Reply with quote

Anybody use the Monroe 34970 shock on a Vanagon?

It is listed as the shock for stock applications.

The part number is mentioned in 3 threads, although nobody states using them.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=361395&highlight=34970
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=351169&highlight=34970
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=352053&highlight=34970

Compressed Length 10.375"
Extended Length 14.500"
Travel 4.125"
Parts Pack P694

Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber
The MonroeŽ Gas-MagnumŽ truck shock absorber is designed for mid to full size, hard working pick-up trucks and vans. These units provide firm control without a harsh ride. With up to twice the fluid capacity of standard 1"" bore shocks, Monroe Gas-Magnum truck shocks work more efficiently with less effort.

All Weather Fluid: Contains special modifiers to reduce friction and ensure smooth rod reaction.
Full Displaced Valving: Better valving range on both the compression and extension cycles of the unit for a smooth comfortable ride.
Sintered Iron Piston: Stronger than traditional metals, enhances durability for longer service life.
Nitrogen Gas Charged: For improved ride and handling, helps maintain tire to road contact by reducing aeration.
"2" Reserve Tube: More fluid for more consistent performance.
"1-3/8" Bore: Lower operating pressure than standard 1" bore units.
"5/8" Piston Rod: Heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod* for long service life.
Special Seal: "Self-lubricating" fluid seal designed to retain gas without excessive wear or friction.



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srmpf
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 8:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just installed the 34970's in my 82 diesel westy. Installation is easy - 30 minutes each side if you don't have to fight with rusted bolts.

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much better than the 30 year old ones I had in there before - just seconds after I shot this picture the old one started leaking oil.

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AtlasShrugged
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Got a pair on the back of my WBX..no complaints. Surprisingly good deal too..Monroe Gas-Magnum Shock Absorbers were very inexpensive at the FLAPS. Wish I had not just installed Bilsteins on the front at 2x the money. I would have used Monroe G-M up front too.
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purplepeopleeater
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good to know, mine are shot on the westy.
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tarandusVDub
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Any thoughts from you shock techies on the pros v. cons for the Billys versus these? Do they give the same performance and life as the billys? would they work with the GW 1.5 lifter springs?
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 9:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

FYI: A quick Google reveals these as low as $28 to $35 each. There is a $25 rebate, I think, via Rockauto.com if you buy 4 you get a $25 rebate. Lasts until the end of the month. I am inclined to buy front and rear because over $100 there was free shipping too. So you can get a deal going on these.

PLUS, PLUS, PLUS, if you REALLY do not like them, you did not spend much and I am sure some one would like them if they are on a budget.

Anything is better than worn out shocks and I hate the cheapie KYB. Stock Boge / Sacks are twice the cost, if you can find them. GoWestyautoparts has the stock shock at like $58, I think.

So go look around.

I do want to know how the ride is on these shocks and let the shock gurus tell us about the plus and minus of these Monroes.

THANKS!
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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....

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srmpf
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I only can compare my old ones with the monroes and it's a different world. much smoother ride now. I have the monroe sensa trac coil over shocks in the back. I'm happy with the combo.
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seanjenn
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have these on my van front and rear.
I have an Adventure Wagen interior(roll out bed and some cabinets) no pop top. So I'm not as heavy as a full. I run Hancook RAO8 195R14 tires.
My opinion on these shocks is that they kickass. When I'm road tripping and the van is loaded for the good times, they perform great. When I move(seasonal worker/change locations 2x a yr)the van is loaded quite a bit heavier than for road trips cuz all my shite is packed into it, they perform great. On those inbetween times when the van is more or less emty, they give a firm ride ride. Not harsh, but not soft. I always feel very connected to the road you might say. These shocks accel on crappy dirt roads, washboards, gravel, forest service roads etc but still have great pavement characteristcs.
I got turned onto them by my friend who's owned his westy for about 13yrs, and these are about the only shocks he's ever used. His van had Bilsteins when he inherited it. After he switched he never went back. I got another westy owner friend to put these on his van this past summer. He loves them as well. In fact, I drove his westy a bit, to check them out on a heavier van, they seem better suited to the weight of a full westy.
I don't have any techie info for you however, just what I've experienced for myself. Mounting is a breeze and they fit perfectly. Put some blue lock-tite on the threads of the lower mounting bolt(front), mine loosened up after about a thousand miles or so of dirt/gravel roads. The big plus with these shocks is the price coupled with the fact that if one goes bad, Monroe will replace it for free! Also, Napa sells the same shock and my Napa guys said they could take in a Monroe on exchange. The only difference is the box they come in. In fact my rears are from Napa and the fronts are Monroe. The Napa variety are called Gas Grand Fleet or Gas Series 60(one of those is the old name)
Napa pt #s
front NS76970
rear NS76971
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AtlasShrugged
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep..they are a good value and a great guarantee. I got mine at Advance Auto..they had to order them..with the monthly online % off coupon, you can get a deal. No complaints..they work great.
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tarandusVDub
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

They sound like a great deal. Any idea if they would work with the GoWesty 2WD lift springs that are about 1.5 inches higher than stock?
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 3:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tarandusVDub wrote:
Any thoughts from you shock techies on the pros v. cons for the Billys versus these? Do they give the same performance and life as the billys? would they work with the GW 1.5 lifter springs?

tarandusVDub wrote:
They sound like a great deal. Any idea if they would work with the GoWesty 2WD lift springs that are about 1.5 inches higher than stock?

Compare specs:

r39o wrote:
Compressed Length 10.375"
Extended Length 14.500"
Travel 4.125"
Parts Pack P694

_________________
"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)
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tarandusVDub
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 3:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oops, missed that the first time. thanks!
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tarandusVDub
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I guess I'm a shock dummy, but I can't find that same info for the Bilstien shocks, either on GoWesty or B's website...anyone point me in that direction? The Monroe's seem like a great lower cost option, and I plan to purchase the 1.5 springs next year so would like to know if they are a match...thanks
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

seanjenn wrote:
Napa sells the same shock and my Napa guys said they could take in a Monroe on exchange. The only difference is the box they come in. In fact my rears are from Napa and the fronts are Monroe. The Napa variety are called Gas Grand Fleet or Gas Series 60(one of those is the old name)
Napa pt #s
front NS76970
rear NS76971

The local huge Napa central ware house is down the street from our business. I went there and found the following:

Monroe 34970 = Napa 76970 Gas Series 60 = $54 + $7 freight and 3+ days to get.

http://www.napaautoparts.com/Catalog/Result.aspx?N...=3&N=0

Shows two shocks with the same part numbers:
1. Gas Series 60
2. Gas Grande Fleet

Go figure....same yellow shock picture as above, too.

I think I will be shopping elsewhere for mine. I need shocks for my Multivan with stock springs. I will pull the trigger on front and rear. If I do not like them I will sell or use on another project. (My son complains the front of our van bounces too much. I hardly notice it.....)
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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)
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MURRAYMW1
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:28 pm    Post subject: Monroe Front Shock Reply with quote

I just ordered front and rear for my '85 from Rockauto.com.

r39o, I didn't see any offer for free shipping, still relatively inexpensive.
I thank all of you for your input.
Mark
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Past - 85 weekender; 72 camper, 65 van; many bugs 54 - 72
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tarandusVDub wrote:
I guess I'm a shock dummy, but I can't find that same info for the Bilstien shocks, either on GoWesty or B's website...anyone point me in that direction?
From:
r39o wrote:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=361395
jrobewesty wrote:
I have Bilstein HD that have 14.98 and the Koni's are around 14.5.
and
r39o wrote:
Compressed Length 10.375"
Extended Length 14.500"
Travel 4.125"
Parts Pack P694

tarandusVDub,

Keep reading around.....the answers ARE out there.....
_________________
"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)
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tarandusVDub
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

On it!
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:57 pm    Post subject: Re: Monroe Front Shock Reply with quote

MURRAYMW1 wrote:
r39o, I didn't see any offer for free shipping, still relatively inexpensive.

A quick Google netted:

$38.83
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-34970-Gas-Magnum-Shock-Absorber/dp/B000C53QJK
this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

$28.00
http://justsuspension.com/monroe-34970.html
Free shipping is available to all orders over $100 within the 48 United States.

$35.99
http://www.rockauto.com
MONROE Part # 34970 More Information About this Part Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber (Rebate/Promotion Available! See Promotions & Rebates Page for Details.)
I do not think they have a shipping deal, sorry.....but I can be wrong too...

Rebate form valid to Oct 31st 2011 from Monroe:
http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloads/promotions/Monroe_WhatShocksYouRebate_US_WEB.pdf

One more thing, Monroe makes rear lift gate struts too, if you need a minimum order and they offer the part.
At RockAuto: MONROE Part # 901295 Max-Lift Gas Lift Support $10.94
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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)
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r39o
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 6:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tarandusVDub wrote:
On it!

You may even get a shock extender to help.......
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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)
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 6:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You guys are going to make some of those "gotta spend mega bucks types" do back flips into manure piles if you keep praising low priced parts. Wink
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