Ok, before I get flamed I have already searched. It appears Koni Yellows are the most popular shock recommended. I have no clue about suspension stuff so I am needing all you knowledgeable people to help an SL brother out.

What I am looking for is the best, smoothest "stock" ride. By stock I am wanting to keep the original height of the ride, I do not want to lower it. Is Koni yellow the best option I have for a soft, smooth ride around town and the highway or would Monroe or something else work. What would I need for front and back and cost? 2 or 3 options and their benefits would be great to help me make my decision. Thanks.

 

Judging by what you are asking for, I would go with the Monroe. The Koni option is more performance oriented.

If all you are wanting is a better ride at stock height, it seems that the Monroes are your answer.

 

How much do they typically run for front and back each? and how easy are they to install?

 

How much do they typically run for front and back each? And how easy are they to install? So basically from stock height for a smooth ride the Koni's are not worth the extra money?

 

I've never used either myself. But if I was looking to stay at the stock height and only improve the ride, I wouldn't even consider the Koni option.

Do a search and you can find a ton of posts about both Koni and Monroe. Including part numbers, retailers, and prices.

 

You should not get the impression that the Koni shocks for the XB are for performance only. In the "soft" position, they are definately a comfort oriented ride with really good ride control. They are nice shocks for comfort and performance. Highly recommended for either.

 

But can you honestly justify paying the huge price difference if all you are looking for is a smoother ride?

If he was looking for adjustability and/or performance I would have told him to go Koni all the way. But for those only seeking a smoother ride, Monroe is a much better, cost effective solution.

 

perhaps I will go with the Monroe's then, just didn't know how good they really were since most of the reviews seem mixed

 

For me, yes. I was looking for the best shocks and IMHO the Koni's are pretty darn good and are very likely the best shocks/struts available for the XB (nobody has compared them all in an unbaised forum). Their prices are high, but are inline with other high performance shocks such as Bilstein. If costs drive your selection, by all means Monroe as they are sound like a good deal for the $$$. You should also factor the costs of the install if you are not doing it yourself.

One thing on the adjustability of the Koni's, it is not just for performance. All shocks deteriorate little by little over time. The adjustability allows you to dial up the stiffness as the shock ages. Lifetime warranties for Monroe or Koni do not cover this slow reduction in dampening. The warranties cover total loss of damping ability (blown) and defects. Most people do not allow the shocks to get this bad before they need replacement. In this regard, the adjustability is a big advantage which may save money over time if you pay for your install. This is in addition to having a great shock all the while.

 

i run on a full set of monroes and stock xA (softer than xB) springs. ride height is practically the same as stock and comfort is incredibly improved. cost me less than $200 altogether and a day to install. i had never worked on a car before and i had to make an emergency trip in the middle to oreillys to rent the strut compressor. it has been the best upgrade to the car so far.
if you are willing to spend the money, spring for the konis. they are pure quality and you get your moneys worth. personally, i couldnt justify spending $500 for the set to the wife, not including the springs you would still need to get. since this is our daily driver and she sometimes has lumbar issues, it was much easier to justify the $200.

 

i hear you there took me 8 hours for my install of my lowering springs and trd struts and shock dampeners

the fronts was a real pita the first time around the second time around that time is gonna get cut in half or quicker now i know what i'm doing

 

agreed there. and you wont need a compressor for the install it's super easy.

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buy my koni's! in the classifieds...

 

If you are going to lower your xB. Would you pick the Koni or Monroe?

I am thinking about doing 2 inch drop

 

depends, how much $ do you have to drop? if ur willing to shell out 5 bills then go for koni, if not then go for monroes.

i didnt want to spend that much. i got both springs and shocks for 330, less than a set of konis.

 

I check with nada. For some reason Monroe shocks are not listed for a scion xb. Would anybody know what are the part numbers and what should I expect for price.

 

^ try using search. and price comes out to $163.xx for all 4

 

the TRD shocks aren't bad either...but the Monoroe's will soften up the ride and from what I have heard make the rear feel looser....

 

thanks everybody for the info. I somtimes put customers in my car and I hear that the back is very bouncy ride