My 2006 Ford Focus has 127,000 miles. It has been in need of struts/shock absorbers for a while. I am looking for something a little firmer than the original equipment but not so much firmer. The most common brands on the market are Monroe and Gabriel. I have had experience with gas-charged Monroes…

I’ve had experience with all brands of struts/shocks over the years. And what I find is, that the replacement aftermarket struts/shock out-perform the original components. So, just installing aftermarket components can improve the overall handling of the vehicle. Tester

Looking at what’s listed on Rockauto, I might go with the KYB shocks/struts. They list a kit which also has the springs pre mounted, a big plus.

Of the aftermarket shocks and struts, I’ve personally had cars with Monroe, Gabriel and Tokico Monroe and Gabriel seemed about equal, nothing to brag about Tokico seemed very stiff, and they didn’t last long. Less than 10K miles. I threw them in the metal bin and went with Monroe, until I got ri…

Which brand offers the better warranty? Every time some shyster mechanic tells me my car needs new struts, I say, “Cool, my Monroe struts have a lifetime warranty on the parts. How much are you going to charge for labor?” What I usually get in response is something like, “Oh, they’re not malfunct…

Gabriel and Monroe parts WILL be stiffer than factory simply because they design them so you can feel that you actually changed something. KYB’s, too. All aftermarket shocks and struts are built that way. I have used KYB’s and they ride well and are a quality product. Many are built in the US. I cu…

I’ve heard a lot of dissatisfaction with Monroes. I use KYBs because they’re OEM to Toyota. By the way, I think you’ll find your ride a lot firmer with new dampers no matter what reputable brand you use. New dampers make a big difference.

Out here in pickup country, I’ve always liked the fat white Gabriels best. Each brand makes different grades of shocks so it’d be likely to be comparing apples to oranges if you get the light duty of one brand and the heavy of the other. So it’s be Gabriel Ultra vs Monroe Sensa-Trac for your car. …

Thank you very much, guys. I am leaning toward KYBs. My Focus is the SES trim, which has the 16-inch wheels, rather than 14 or 15. So, I think I want something a little firmer.

If your current dampers are shot, new dampers will definitely firm your ride up. They can make a surprising difference. And I’m alluding to OEM replacements. Make sure you replace the rubbery bits too, the seat springs, bumper stops, strut mounts, and boots if your struts have them. They’re dirt ch…

Quality of Monroe vs. Gabriel vs. other shock absorbers?

Maintenance/Repairs

MikeInNH August 8, 2016, 1:31pm 7

I’ve never had good luck with Monroe truck shocks. They never failed, but after a couple years they became real still.

Blistien and KYB are my choice. Never had an issue with them - even after a couple hundred thousand miles.

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Quality of Monroe vs. Gabriel vs. other shock absorbers?

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