Shocks Purchased 1.5" shorter than OEM

[xaeniac]

Bought some Monroe shocks for replacement on a 2009 Mazda 5. The shock is clearly 1.5" shorter than the OEM. I have contacted the Monroe and they state...

"Monroe uses an improved rebound extension prevention method than the OE and other aftermarket manufactures. We use a spring instead of a bumper. The spring provided better handling and smoother operation. "

Not exactly sure what this means, but I call and the Monroe rep tells me to jack up the control arm so it fits, then bolt every thing up and then let the tension off the jack. Not sure of this advice and don't want to shear off a bolt that the shock connects to. I did not have to jack up control arms, for the OEM shock, so hesitant to do it for the Monroe. Any insights?

Pics here --->

 

[boomerang]

The shaft is extended less because there is a spring keeping it in that position. They are trying to tell you that after the install, with the suspension at full extension, the spring inside the shock will be compressed netting you the same travel as you had before. You will have to jack up the lower control arm for the install in order to affix the shaft at the top. No bigee.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

If you don't already have on, get a gear-wrench for the bolt on the end (that connects inside the car.)

I shed a manly tear the first time I used one of those for this.

 

[xaeniac]

Seems like they should be the same size. No? Could it be a cause for concern for overextension?

 

[boomerang]

Seems like they should be the same size. No? Could it be a cause for concern for overextension?

You should return them and get another brand.

 

[jlee]

Bought some Monroe shocks for replacement on a 2009 Mazda 5. The shock is clearly 1.5" shorter than the OEM. I have contacted the Monroe and they state...

"Monroe uses an improved rebound extension prevention method than the OE and other aftermarket manufactures. We use a spring instead of a bumper. The spring provided better handling and smoother operation. "

Not exactly sure what this means, but I call and the Monroe rep tells me to jack up the control arm so it fits, then bolt every thing up and then let the tension off the jack. Not sure of this advice and don't want to shear off a bolt that the shock connects to. I did not have to jack up control arms, for the OEM shock, so hesitant to do it for the Monroe. Any insights?

Pics here --->

You're not going to shear any bolts off. Think about how the shock operates -- if the shock's resistance was strong enough to break bolts, it wouldn't be a shock.

 

[xaeniac]

You should return them and get another brand.

boomerang you conflict your posts. I'm not a master mechanic or super gear head. Just trying to save a buck and do it myself. just trying to get insights from people that know more than i.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

boomerang you conflict your posts. I'm not a master mechanic or super gear head. Just trying to save a buck and do it myself. just trying to get insights from people that know more than i.

He's telling you it's fine, you're not believing him and worrying about it instead. So, what's he supposed to say?

If you don't want to believe they're fine, then buy a part you have faith in. You have to feel safe driving the car.

 

[Bartman39]

Take note that the overall body of both shocks are the same length... Note that this would mean the "spring" that they are telling you about is there and is in position to do its job so install them and do as others have said about checking them after installation...

PS... Its ok they are just fine...

 

[boomerang]

boomerang you conflict your posts. I'm not a master mechanic or super gear head. Just trying to save a buck and do it myself. just trying to get insights from people that know more than i.

See Post #8.

 

[xaeniac]

my comfort level is much better now. appreciate to all who posted. much thanks...