Hey thanks for the link... great photos on all those maintenance tasks. Too bad he did not have to replace his shocks.

 

Get the Reflexes! Stability is an understatement! I just got all shocks replaced on my 00 Durango R/T and the you can really feel the difference. Especially when you are changing lanes or going around curves! The durango remains smooth and stable! With the factory shocks, you feel you are riding in a boat and the durango sways alot when you lane change or drive around curves. Not so with the Reflexes!!! I bought these from NAPA for about $48-$50 ea and it has a lifetime warranty. The reflexes have a large bore diameter than the sensatraks. I got the sensatrack on my Maxima and are happy with it. But when I saw the reflexes, and installed those on my Durango, the ride is awesome, especially when you do alot of highway driving.

Here is the specs for the Reflexes;

http://www.monroe.com/products/mp_de...ck%20Absorbers

Here is the specs for the Sensatracs;

http://www.monroe.com/products/mp_de...ck%20Absorbers

If your wife drives it alot and move the kids around, I would feel more confident on using reflexes for stability.

 

I would advise not to put Monroe shocks on, they have been crap for me.

However putting shocks on the durangos are easy (I own a 98). Pick up a Haynes repair manual for 20 bucks from an Advanced Auto Parts place. It shouldn't take you more than two hours for all 4 shocks.

 

I never had any problems with monroe shocks. Just depends on what model you buy. I guess this can apply to any brands of shocks. If you are on a budget and buy the cheapest brand line of shocks, you'll get a cheap ride and a short lived shock. Buy the higher end brand line of shocks and you'll get a much better ride and the shocks will last much longer. Some high end shocks will have lifetime warranties on them so you can have them replaced with no further out of pocket costs. Just pay for labor to replace them unless you can do it yourself.

When I buy monroe, I only stick with the sensatracks, their top of the line model. Now they have the reflexes, I will be staying with those as the reflexes have proven themselves on my Durango R/T.

 

it's all about
choice (too many brands to list)
use (off road / street or some of both)
budget (how much your willing to part with)

 

I have gone the gabriel/monroe/pepboys/autozone route before and they last about a year with a little offroading and towing. I bought some explorer pro comps from summit racing and they lasted over a year and were going strong until I traded in my wifes Honda Passport that they were on. I liked them, they were a little stiff which I like, plus they can compensate for worn springs. Buy the Pro Comps if you are looking for durablilty, buy the passenger car crap if you are looking for a car like ride and yearly replacement.

 

have you changed them yet? I did mine today. you'll need a 15mm and 17mm open end or deep socket. remove your spare and go at it. No tips for the front. just plain go at it. Love the ride quality now. I went with the reflexx's, but I'd say anything would be an improvement over the stock crap

 

Actually heading out to the craft shop today to replace all 4 with some REFLEXES !!!

Since I am going to have it up also I plan on replacing the tranny fluid with some Mobil 1 ATF but I have a few friends who say YES its good but others say I better wait until Monday to get the MOPAR ATF. WTF! Anyone else with recommendations. If not Ill just do the shocks today.

 

what's wrong with mobil 1???? it's synthetic? as long as it meets atf for your truck it should. I'm putting royal purple in mine. gathering the material this week. let me know if you end up doing yours.

rock

good luck with the shocks. it's easy, but you'll need some extra man power mine where a bitch to get off.

 

I had help. I directed my son to my Dango and we went on our way to the craft shop. We tackled the rear ones first. Removal of the spare was easy to get more head room. I proceeded to the left rear which was somewhat easy after breaking it loose with a hammer. The right side was a "PAIN IN THE REAR" for some reason the exhaust was somewhat in the way and was still warm from being driven I had to bang it up a little more with the hammer and had my son hold the other open wrench while I removed the bolt. I guess dirt/grime and the exhaust being there tightened it up really well.

The dilemma that came next was the front. Damn this time I had to open up the Clymer for this job. I was not sure on how to hold the shock rod from spinning. There is not too much space on it like the 4WD models. I remembered my Auto Shop class in High School had a tool socket that held the rod in place as you loosened it up. But the VISE GRIP PREVAILED and it was actually easier to remove the front.

So far it rides great. I tested it out at the creek, its much a more stiffer ride, not much sway. I plan on testing it out on the freeway and do some emergency stops at one of the empty malls. BFG'S AT TA's seem hard large bumps/ruts on the road, they are still felt. Also maybe lessening the amount of air in my tires would probably help out.

Hopefully some good performance sways bars will give it a boost in ride and cornering. Any recommendations brand, location, website?

2 more weeks and SE Asia will be my temporary home for a one year. [&:] I plan on working the breaks on Tuesday with ATF and DIFF fluids since I did not have time today and my Dango will be good to go for the wifey. Maybe a Borla or Magna exhaust.

Can I just change the exhaust or do I have to get a full system?



Thanks for your input Rock and of course everyone in the forum.