Another Monroe Shock Question and Need Opinion

[Big Blzn]

OK Fellas. I need to replace my crap Rancho 5000's and have heard som decent things about the Monroes. Now here is the delima. They have about 3 different types available to choose from. Let me know what your experience or opinions are of which one should work the best. Street driven and some mild to moderate offroading will be done. As for the bilsteins 5100's they are running about $79 each and would rather not spend THAT much at this time. Oh, and through this attached website I can get a $20 rebate off purchase of 4 shocks.

These seem to be the high end Reflex shock and real nice.
http://www.shocksandstruts.com/item...S & STRUTS Consumer Rebate Avaliable&weight=8

These are a bit less expensive Gas-Magnum.
http://www.shocksandstruts.com/item...S & STRUTS Consumer Rebate Avaliable&weight=8

These are the Gas-Matic and are the lower priced.
http://www.shocksandstruts.com/item...S & STRUTS Consumer Rebate Avaliable&weight=8

I currently have about 4" of lift. With my somewhat accurate measurments these shocks (for a 2002 Ford F350 4x4 diesel) will give me about 3" of compression travel and approx 8"-10" of droop. For those that know me I don't get crazy in the rocks or whoops, so do you think the 3"s will be enough compression? I plan on going to 6" of lift in the next year which will give me more travel down the line.

If you will, please read the discription of each shock and give me your educated opinion on which would work the best. Obviously, cheaper is good for the wallet but I will spend the $47 / shock if it is justified. Let me know fellas and thanks.

 

[big dan]

Ive never used any of those shocks but I sell them where I work.

The gas matic is basically a stock replacement. Maybe a little better than stock but it was designed as a factory replacement.

The gas magnums were designed for load carrying capacity which is apparently a good quality on these older trucks. I know of two customers that drive an 84 and 87 half ton 4x4 chevy trucks that use these shocks and reported back to me that they ride great and they plan on using them in the future.

The reflex shocks are equivalent to an aftermarket nitrogen gas charged shock. Ive been told that they are monotube but I am not certain. I am running a twin tube nitrogen gas shock that is comparable to these and if I had the money these are the ones I would buy, however, if you are looking to save some money the other shocks are good quality gas shocks.

 

[K5dreamer]

no opinion, but quite a bit of interest on feedback. im planning on getting a set of these myself.

not to hijack, but any suggestions for the most smooth ride as far as these three options go? my truck bounces all over the place at speed, humping the road as one girl put it.

 

[Thunder]

Well if you think Rancho shocks are crap. I dont see how Monroes will be any better.
Rancho shocks are made by Monroe. Rancho is Monroe's offroad/ lifted truck division.
Monroe brand is for stock applications so will most likely be even less HD than Rancho.
They do ride better tho.. I have used Gas Magnums on stock trucks. They had a good ride.

 

[dhcomp]

I had reflex's on a stock 94, and it rode well on the road, but faded almost IMMEDIATELY off road. Like, less than 2 min in a washboard situation, would go to hit the brakes and feel like i had blown the front shocks.

Upgraded to Gas magnums, and never looked back. Firm on road ride (perfect to stiffen up my 1/2 ton), lifetime warranty from kragen. Run them for 15k, take them in, get a new set. Price is right.