How would brand new OEM shocks compare to the Boge shocks that seem unanimously accepted as great?

In terms of:

Ride quality
Handling
Longevity
Any other quantifiable qualities that shocks absorbers posses


My car has the OEM shocks and nearing 200,000km. I feel they've held up exceptionally well but the ride quality could be better over sharp bumps/cracks. Would new shocks absorbers help in this department?

The OEM's are Monroe, they are fine for potting around town at pajero height, but the second you lower the car their performance quickly diminishes. The others have proven to handle lowered springs much better.

How would brand new OEM shocks compare to the Boge shocks that seem unanimously accepted as great?

In terms of:

Ride quality
Handling
Longevity
Any other quantifiable qualities that shocks absorbers posses


My car has the OEM shocks and nearing 200,000km. I feel they've held up exceptionally well but the ride quality could be better over sharp bumps/cracks. Would new shocks absorbers help in this department?

my car has boges.you said the ride was not that bad with the springs...

Life, how about with stock springs?

John, it wasn't bad all things considering, but I am curious as to which ones would offer a more plush ride

Life, how about with stock springs?

John, it wasn't bad all things considering, but I am curious as to which ones would offer a more plush ride

it will be better saturday coming!
boge is considered one of the best(with koni being at the top) for these cars.

I know Koni and Boge are considered very good but this is with lowered suspension and performance handling in mind whereas I am more interested in a soft and quiet ride

Boges and even Konis are sports-orientated shocks, and while they are good products, they may not be best in this situation eg Konis have a reputation for great handling but with a firm (yet comfortable) ride. If you after something that's straight-out soft and you are not too interested in handling, I have my doubts as to whether the Boges or Konis are the way to go. My gut says that the Monroes would best but I don't have any real life experience with brand new Monroe shocks to accurately comment.

Alternatively, if you have some money to spare, you could get a set of Konis re-gassed to for a plush ride. My dad did that on his old F6X but it was not cheap.

Definitely do not want to re-valve shocks. As it is the Koni's are more than I am willing to spend. Cost wise Boge are as far as I am happy going.

Are the OEM Monroe shocks still available to buy new, either from Mitsubishi or Monroe?

Definitely do not want to re-valve shocks. As it is the Koni's are more than I am willing to spend. Cost wise Boge are as far as I am happy going.

Are the OEM Monroe shocks still available to buy new, either from Mitsubishi or Monroe?

you can still get them but you will be looking at the price of koni's for all round set.you can still get the same OEM ones aftermarket

Either go standard Monroe to make the car ride like it did out of the factory or go Boge (now called Sachs) for a slightly firmer ride (on stock springs not a huge difference).

Hi Spetz. Good to meet you the other night.
I might be looking at getting new shocks in the next few months or so. My 2004 has done 122XXX km though my shocks have seen a harder life than yours I think.
Like you I am still using the standard height original springs, and will be keeping them for the foreseeable future.
My local Mitsu dealer told me recently that the Mits supplied 'OEM' front struts were close to becoming unavailable for my TL AWD, in fact they had run out of the left side and only had the right side left. I'm not sure how hard he tried to find more though it didn't bother me too much as there are several good alternatives as everyone is aware. (I'm also not sure if the Mits supplied shock for my AWD was the same for your KJ2, someone else may be on top of this.)
I was offered KYB shocks as a replacement and I am also considering Monroe. For the bumpy roads that I sometimes drive on I am a bit wary of firmer shocks even though I like a car that handles well. I had Monroe GT-Gas (and standard height Kings springs) installed on a previous car (VL 3.0) and I thought they were fine for that application. That doesn't mean much here of course.
Perhaps we have similar needs in shocks from a slightly different perspective. Let me know what you end up doing.

Ho Geoff, it was good to meet you as well.

Why do you feel you need replace your shocks?
In my car they seem more or less fine, except that small/sharp bumps really jar the car. The best way I can explain it is that over small bumps the car feels like the tires are over-inflated but over larger bumps the car seems fine, if a tiny bit floaty (though this isn't my primary concern)

From what I've read the AWD has the same springs as the FWD and at the least same front shocks, unsure if the rears are the same a stock FWD or the same as a Sports derivative FWD

Here are some reasons why I know my shocks are worn and I would benefit from replacing them:

- I drive on some bumpy and very bumpy unsealed roads several times a year (and I've had my TL for 8 years)
- I had a check by Pedders 2 years and about 13 000 km ago saying that my front and rear shocks are 'leaking, require replacement'
- I replaced my tires last year to slightly better and wider ones and I became more aware that suspension was limiting my cars cornering ability & handling
- When I push down on my car when parked I am getting a bit too much movement/rock
- I had Mitsu look at my front sway bar bushes (which I will soon replace) recently and they commented that the struts were sagging a bit and need to be replaced soon
- I also have some similar characteristics to what you describe Spetz

On the Monroe website the recommended struts for all 2004 and 2003 Magnas and Veradas, including Sports and VRX models, are the same model of GT-Gas. Going by what others (including Mal) have said about Monroe being a softer shock (perhaps equivalent to the originals that you and I have Spetz) that seems like a reasonable option for me. Not such a good choice for VRX owners I would have thought, though many here are lowering further of course and buying shocks to match.

Cheers.

FYI I recently had my shocks/springs replaced (TL VRX). My front right had apparently blown (wasn't rebounding after depressing properly). Was making a horrible knocking sound when driving and I could at times feel the vibration through the footwell firewall. On top of that my wheel alignment was terrible due to this. Plus since owning the car, the rear shocks would squeak over certain bumps/humps/sydney roads. Setup was stock until changed (130,000kms).

New setup is Monroe GT shocks all round, new front bump stops/mount plates and Kings Lows (Finally installed after sitting new and boxed for a few years now).

The ride is somewhat firmer but after I don't notice it to be honest now but in no way uncomfortable or back breaking. I really cannot believe how much better the handling is with this setup. It feels like a totally new car. I can't compare Boge or others but am in no way regretting getting Monroe's.