Thanks, At this point I'm inclined to stick with the adjustable shocks, as it seems this is the real deal. I will say it's tempting to go the KYB route as I can replace all 4 shocks really cheap, especially with the $40 for 4 rebate going on right now. However, I feel like that little indicator on my dash will always be there reminding me I could go "plush" at the touch of a button, every time I drive down washboard I'll be kicking myself.
Stock adjustable shock replacement on gen 2.5 on the cheap!
- Thread starter jugganaut
- Start date
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
The modern mono-tube shocks do a pretty good job of adjusting for the conditions, I know that when I put the kyb's on my Chevy diesel I could go 40-50 on the same bumpy dirt road that I used to only go 25-30 on because of better valving.
Depends on your definition of "huge difference". Monetarily it would be about $150-200 based on prices I'm seeing. The deciding factor comes down to what else that money could be used for. In my case it would likely be a couple dinners out with my lady...which I know she'd appreciate OR replacing all the front end steering components at the same time as the shocks.
As for driving experience, the adjustability is nice/enjoyable. It's impossible to really "quantify" that.
There is a tremendous difference between the Soft, Medium and Hard settings. Somewhere else I saw it described as going from Cadillac to dump truck, I thought that was a farily accurate description. All are perfectly drive-able in any condition BUT hard is nice and secure handling for smooth roads but will jar your fillings on rough roads. Medium is good for most things, probably similar to how the non-adjustable shocks are valved. Soft is amazingly smooth on potholed/nasty roads but a soft, wallowy pig and a little disconnected/disconcerted feeling on a freeway with poor pavement or many curves.
Like I've said, it is "nice/enjoyable" to be able to have what feels like a completely different car at the flick of a switch.
I know this is an old post but......I have a 1996 Montero SR and I just purchased the front shocks w/ECS that fit the 1998-99 Montero for $61.89 each. If your actuators are still operational than you can buy these shocks a whole lot cheaper. I think it was around the $150 mark for the two shocks and shipping.
Here is the link to the right side
https://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/oem-parts/mitsubishi-shock-absorber-mr353808
And here is the link to the left side
https://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/oem-parts/mitsubishi-shock-absorber-mr353807
The part #'s are
MR353807
MR353808
Here is the link to the right side
https://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/oem-parts/mitsubishi-shock-absorber-mr353808
And here is the link to the left side
https://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/oem-parts/mitsubishi-shock-absorber-mr353807
The part #'s are
MR353807
MR353808
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
Nice find, when they arrive let us know if they are indeed the correct part.
They are already on the Mighty Montero. All tested and working fine. I replaced the rear ones earlier this year for about $200 all in. So with the fronts and the rears I've got about $350-ish invested. I wouldn't trade the ability to change the suspension on the fly it is a deal breaker for me. I use my Montero to haul my Kawasaki KLR650 on a rack that goes into the receiver hitch. The bike weighs about 460 lbs. I also use some air lifting bags that go inside the springs in the rear. I air those up and put the suspension in "Hard" mode and it doesn't feel like I have anything back there. I also use the same rack for my WR250F that weighs in at 250lbs. I think the Monty likes me better when we take that bike instead of the KLR.
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This is fantastic, thank you for the information. I just picked up a 96 SR myself and while everything is currently working, I was hoping some replacements were still available just in case. I paid no regard to the option before purchase, frankly I didn't even know it was there, but I was blown away once I tried it how much of a difference it makes in the driving dynamics while on the road. Pretty cool tech for the 90's.
It must have been a long day when I posted last. I said that I had $450-ish invested in all 4 shocks. Well my math was terrible. I have since edited the previous post to the correct amount of $350-ish invested. This is the cost of just 1 front shock normally! Hopefully that will encourage others to stick to the adjustable shocks and enjoy yet another feature that makes the Montero so Kick-A**.
MrGalantguy
Mitsubishi Loyalist
Currently on the fence myself...right now my adjustable shocks are still good. Yes..the difference between the settings are noticeable....Hard is yes, Hard...feels like my car on race coilovers.