Has anyone replaced the "Factory Installed" Monroe (555001) Shocks with another brand/model.

[SNY SD UP]

To the Forum,

Has anyone changed to different shock than the factory installed Monroe 555001. 

If so, Brand, Model/part number.

Did you go to a firmer or softer shock.  Have you changed back or tried another shock?

• 2-inch (50.8 mm) or 2-3/8-inch (60.3 mm) reserve tube: The 2" (555xx Series) or 2-3/8' (557xx Series) reserve tube holds more fluid or more consistent performance - when required.
• 1-3/8-inch (35 mm) or 1-3/4-inch (44.6 mm) bore: The 1-3/8' (555xx Series) or 1-3/4" (557xx Series) bore is larger than most shocks to provide more efficient and consistent control - when required.

 

B~Out

[Cort]

I would love to know if different shocks would make the Olvier a bit more offroad worthy. 

[routlaw]

Have wondered and considered the same myself just too busy with other things to dive in. However it might be worth checking with Shock Surplus a mail order company that specializes in after market high performance shocks. There are most likely other mail order companies doing this but these guys seem to be informed. 

[Cort]

Thanks!

[MAX Burner]

We replaced (what is believed to be the original factory yellow Monroe 555001's) our shocks with new "black" 555001's last April - if originals; that would make them 6+ years old (we bought ours from the original owner - who didn't keep track of the mileage).

As it turned out, 3 of the 4 shocks were bad...  It's easy to test them - pick a side, and jack it up.  Place a safety jack stand in place.  Remove the lower nut, compress the shock and remove from the keeper.  Release compression, a healthy shock will fully extend after releasing.  3 of ours would not extend after compressing.  My sense is these shocks are good for only 3 or 4 years, obviously depending on mileage.

It would be nice to learn if another manufacturer (Bilstein, perhaps?) has an upgrade replacement....

Cheers and "Ravel-On!"