FAQ: Shocks & Struts Options

This thread discusses the differences and availability of specific strut and struck models & combinations. For write-up installing front struts/mounts, see: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t54-write-up-installing-kyb-gr-2-struts

For installation of rear shocks, see: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t1223-write-up-rear-self-leveling-air-shocks

Does anyone here have ideas or suggestions regarding these monroe sensa trac struts ?
Thinking of getting them for replacements to the originals.
Thanks !!

I believe they are supposed to be OEM equivalents. Most guys here will tell you the KYB GR2 struts are a bit better strut as far as handling performance goes. I have them, but not installed yet.

I have the KYB GR2s. They are a good strut, but the Monroes are probably very close.

AA wrote:

I have the KYB GR2s. They are a good strut, but the Monroes are probably very close.

Yeah, the GR2's aren't really performance struts. If your old struts are pretty bad, both the Monroes and KYB's will be a big improvement.

I have experience of installation Monroes Sensa-Trac on a different cars – without claims.
Quite decent quality.

To the Riviera I've replaced my old struts with AcDelco and not satisfied …
It would be better to get Monroe or genuine GM (it’s a pity, that the KYB does not exist for 97 )

I put the Monroes on all 4 corners. I love them. Make sure that you replace the strut bearings as well. Saves the trouble of replacing them later.

gabriel ultra struts ??
any thoughts or experiences with these ?

jhodges wrote:

gabriel ultra struts ??
any thoughts or experiences with these ?

about to replace mine....for a 2nd time.

hows that for quality.

how long did they last ? and what went wrong with them leaking ??? or what?
I just found an outstanding deal on some and was wondering . like $40.00 for 2 brand new in box.
thanks

dreww wrote:

jhodges wrote:

gabriel ultra struts ??
any thoughts or experiences with these ?

about to replace mine....for a 2nd time.

hows that for quality.

Maybe thats why you found them for $40 for 2.

That's what I'm thinking.

jhodges wrote:

.............I just found an outstanding deal on some and was wondering . like $40.00 for 2 brand new in box.
thanks

I'd say you will probably get what you pay for.

1998 Riv wrote:

I'd say you will probably get what you pay for.

jhodges wrote:

how long did they last ? and what went wrong with them leaking ??? or what?
I just found an outstanding deal on some and was wondering . like $40.00 for 2 brand new in box.
thanks

I dont know when they broke, but they were installed about 3 years ago...probably broken for 1/2 that time. They do have a lifetime warranty, I just couldn't find any proof that I bought them. Receipt tossed after the ink faded and nothing in the autostore system where I bought them....how convenient.

the left rear one doesnt hold air, the seal is broken. Im sure the right one is too...once they lose air and sit with 0psi in them...the seals will go. At least thats my theory. They always recommend air pressure is maintained between a minimum and a max. 0 is below the minimum.

SpaceBar wrote:

dreww wrote:

jhodges wrote:

gabriel ultra struts ??
any thoughts or experiences with these ?

about to replace mine....for a 2nd time.

hows that for quality.

Maybe thats why you found them for $40 for 2.

i didnt even get a "deal" and they still sucked.

are you talking about front struts or rear air assist shocks???

jhodges wrote:

are you talking about front struts or rear air assist shocks???

lmao! rear shocks.

someone cant read . but brand quality is brand quality

Got the struts installed, LARGE job and hot as hell ( 105 degrees and 95% humidity) here but I got it done in about 5 hours. got a 4 wheel alignment done, the old struts were completely shot. They would compress under their own weight with no pressure and you had to pull the shaft back out manually, I think me and the previous owner got all the good out of those well 149,000 miles worth anyway. So far the Gabriel struts feel and drive great but I guess anything would after driving on the ones that were worn out.

Why was it so difficult? Are the '95s different than later year? I took my time on mine and finished in 2 hours, could do it in half that time though. Glad you got them on. My Monroes seemed like a minor improvement, but once I got out on the highway, I started noticing the smoother ride.

Because you did shocks and he did struts?

edit---------

O.K., re-reading the thread, it's not clear whether these "struts" are struts or shocks.
----------

By comparison with your MaxAirs, I noticed the difference with the Ranchos within the first 200 feet. When I started going through some backroad curves, what I was noticing was "Damn this car won't lean or squat any more!" Then I got on the highway and noticed how much stiffer the back was - I've gone down to #3 setting since then

these were the front struts, I replaced the strut mounts, and strut bearings as well. could have gotten the job done in about 4 hours but the first one was a learning experience, and the second one went much faster.

I went with the Gabriel front struts / too good of a deal to pass on even if I may regret it later. I have also installed monroe ma822 air shocks on the rear.

Ok, so you got both front struts for $40? Let us know how these last. That's a great deal, even if you had to replace them every 20-30k miles.

I've had new OEMs, Monroes, Gabriels and KYBs.

OEMs are OK but on undulating secondary roads the car will 'bob' - kind of reminds me of a small bass fishing boat on the ocean.

Monroes are somewhat better - not really any stiffer than OEMs but don't let the car 'bob.' I have a good set to sell (cheap)- contact me via email.

Gabriels are stiffer - basically on a '98 what you do is take the Riv and make it handle like that year's Bonneville. Car feels smaller because the handling tightens up nicely. And the "VST" gizmo they use seems to work great.

I like the KYBs best for the driving I do - almost all interstate highway and good secondary roads.

As far as the rears go, try buying a set of OEM shocks from RockAuto.com, they come with new top mounts which at regular retail are about $45 each themselves.

Albertj

eWolfe put KYB's on his 97 using a spacer at the top.

I have the Monroes on all 4 corners and am very happy with them.