Rear Shocks

[BZG Wagon]

Sorry to bring this up again.

I have rung around to get some shocks fitted in my AE101 Corolla Wagon (Sprung Rears).

Autolign and Pit Stop both recommend Munroe shocks, and reckon they outperform the KYB's by considerable margin due to:

On compression, the revolutionary disc valve set design partially opens at low piston speed to provide limited oil flow, yielding a firm and stable manoeuvre when taking corners at low speed, or changing highway lanes. When the piston speed increases due to bumps, potholes, sharp cornering, or emergency braking at high vehicle speed, an intermediate disc is activated, allowing an immediate increase in oil flow, resulting in increased vehicle stability and safer road handling with minimal impact on driver and passenger comfort. On rebound, the new twin disc rebound design features a unique scalloped intermediate backing plate, that allows the valve disc to flex as the piston speed increases, metering the oil flow as demanded by the driving conditions.

These are around $450 installed.

I have also had a quote for some KYB shocks at $350.

I have heard from a lot of people, however, that Munroe shocks are an absolute waste of time. I want something affordable, which will leave the rear of the car as firm as possible. Is there anyone out there (pref with a wagon) that can tell me their experience with their shocks and brand or someone who has had a bit of experience with shocks that can point me in the right direction.

Cheers.

[TrouserFxGt]

I can help.

I have a 101 bz-t wagon and have just fitted munroe gt gas shocks in the rear. I find them adequate but the new toyota shocks in the front put them to shame. The munroes are a little underdamped in the rebound so when you go over a speed bump or uneven road they let the back oscillate a few times. The fronts are pretty much spot on.

If you still want the munroes then I really recomend finding someone with a trade account at repco because mine were $89 each and around 1 hour to fit both. You can do it with out spring compressors too if you can't get access to some but its a bit more fiddly. There are two lengths, you will need the longer ones iirc.

Hope this helps.

[BZG Wagon]

Thanks.

Im not sure what I have in the front, but they are pretty solid. I have been a bit hesitant of toyota shocks in the rear, because when I test drove a few new BZ-T's, they were all pretty bad in the rear. I think I might give the Munroes's a miss and go for the KYB's then.

The cheapest I got quoted for KYB's was $125 ea so I figured $350 installed wasnt bad (assuming 2hr's labour).

Whats actually involved in replacing the rear shocks (I take it there cant be too much if it only took you an hour). The most technical thing I have done on my car would be replacing break-pads or the Thermostat (only a few minor issues . )

[Mr Revhead]

remember new shocks are a lot different from 10 year old import ones!

def KYB over monroe etc.

[Otomo]

If you have KYB Excel-G Gas shocks there...I recommend those - affordable but stiff OE replacement shocks.

Monroe...I don't recommend.

[RedMist]

On compression, the revolutionary disc valve set design partially opens at low piston speed to provide limited oil flow, yielding a firm and stable manoeuvre when taking corners at low speed, or changing highway lanes. When the piston speed increases due to bumps, potholes, sharp cornering, or emergency braking at high vehicle speed, an intermediate disc is activated, allowing an immediate increase in oil flow, resulting in increased vehicle stability and safer road handling with minimal impact on driver and passenger comfort. On rebound, the new twin disc rebound design features a unique scalloped intermediate backing plate, that allows the valve disc to flex as the piston speed increases, metering the oil flow as demanded by the driving conditions.

I thought this is how most shocks work. However only a set of 4 shims... my Fox have 13!! and external bypasses. I wouldnt put stock in a blurb that calls a dual shim stack revolutionary. I used to run KYB on one of my AE86 rally cars. Was very happy with the performance.