Hey All,
At 135,000 miles, I Replaced my failing XREAS system with a Monroe set that I bought from JC Whitney for $315.00 total. The part number is SET-TS171371R-C which has the Monroe Quick struts for the front.
If you are not looking for a lift, this is the way to go! As others have noted, the Monroe quick struts levels out the front by raising it about half an inch. I'm guessing this is due to the old springs were probably worn out and had sagged?
Anyway, the truck is much quieter and drives like a new truck. I wouldn't hesitate to go this route again. There is really no point in replacing with the XREAS when you can replace these several times and still pay less than new XREAS shocks. Plus, If I ever want to lift it I'm half way there.
Some notes about my swap:
1. Once I removed the wheels it was obvious that 3 of the shocks had been leaking slowly (discolored dirt). Enough fluid had leaked out allowing the rear to bounce off the stops when driving over speed bumps. Due to this fact, I disconnected the XREAS shocks at the their banjo bolts. It didn't make a big mess as I just put a catch pan underneath. Yes, there are check valves, the rear play hard to get.
2. I have a V8 and therefore the larger sized sway bar. I DID NOT have to remove it completely. I only had to take the holder off the side I was working on and slide the bar forward. This allowed enough space for the complete strut assembly to slide down and out once the LCA was separated from the hub assembly.
3. Make sure to torque the nut on top of the struts (the one that holds the shock inside) after you lower the truck back onto the ground. One of mine was loose and the instructions note that this is needed.
4. It took me 6 hours, but I have a crappy jack, stands that could be bigger, and a gravel driveway.
5. I was going to take pictures, but I got frustrated so I'll have to console you with pictures of the failed XREAS shocks.
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