Dodge Durango Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Rear shocks: Monroe vs Bilstein vs KYB

2 reading
Jump to Latest
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
M

Mr Nick

· Registered
2022 R/T Tow n Go
Joined
·
25 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I recently replaced the factory LL rear shocks with Monroe. The Monroe's were terribly soft and bounced excessively. I replaced those with Bilstein, and while they are better... they are still too soft and bounce a bit too much for my liking.

The only other option (besides going back to factory LL shocks) appears to be KYB.

Does anybody have any experience going from factory LL shocks to KYB? Or better yet, real world experience with Bilstein and KYB in a Durango?

Thank you.
 
#3 ·
Mr. Nick:
I can only comment on the Bilsteins for Gen 1 and 2 Durangos. Both my '01 and '04 got them, and they were a great upgrade from the oem pieces. Should my '20 need them out of warranty, I'd go with the Bils in a hearbeat if they are available.

Don
 
#4 ·
I agree with Don, my new DD is stock but will eventually be replaced with Bilsteins. On my 05’ DD I had Bilstein shocks for over 200K and never had an issue. I also have Bilsteins on two of my Mustang GTs and they are awesome.

I have used KYB on a Miata several years ago and they were good too but I prefer the Bilstein over any replacement shock/strut.

It’s unfortunate Koni has reduced the quality and availability. I still have the original adjustable RED Konis on my little 5.0 coupe and at one time they were the best.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Update for anybody who may search for this info in the future.

As I mentioned in the original post, the Monroe's were way too soft and bouncy. I'd even call them unsafe on the highway. Maybe they are OK for a lighter Grand Cherokee with less rear overhang, but I would never consider them adequate for a Durango.

So I tried the Bilsteins 4600 shocks next. Noticeable improvement over the Monroe shocks, but still a bit soft for me. Over speed humps they rebound too much and larger dips on the highway the rear end bounced and moved around too much. Even spirited cornering the Durango didn't feel very planted.

I took a leap of faith and ordered the KYB Gas-a-Just 5550014 shocks. Exactly what I want. Nice and firm over bumps, not at all harsh but zero excessive rebound or movement. Feels better cornering as well. (My cornering expectations are mild, taking into consideration I'm running AT tires.)

Hope this may help somebody in the future looking to replace the factory LL shock with something on the firm side.
 
#6 ·
I always thought Bilstein was pretty much the benchmark in general and I guess I still feel that way. Replaced them in a MB we had years ago, and they were superb - triple digit highway travel could not have been more secure.

But also even further back in the day when I was younger and did the "tuna" thing with my Acura, I went KYB, and those things were total awesome sauce for a lowered tuned Integra.
 
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
About this Discussion
5 Replies
5 Participants
Last post:
Hamsquatch
Dodge Durango Forum
posts
509K
members
60K
Since
2004
Welcome to the best Dodge Durango Forum around, where you can find a great Dodge Durango Wiki and discuss the reliability of the different trim levels including the GT and SRT!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Durango Discussions 2014+ Durango Discussions 1998-03 Durango Discussions Dodge Durango 2018+ SRT and Hellcat Durango Purchasing