Best shocks for moog cc501

Just ordered moog cc501 rear springs for my 91 occ. Looking at getting shocks now. What are the best shocks to buy? Bilsteins are out of my budget. I'm debating between kyb and 9c1 monroe's

If you're not going to regularly be carrying heavy loads or towing, I found the KYB gave a nice ride on my 91 OCC. As you're probably aware, the cars came with self-leveling air suspension so you can get rid of the compressor and tubing and save a couple of pounds overall.

The KYBs are good shocks, I only took them off our RMW to put on Bilsteins. I was not unhappy with the KYB, but Bilsteins are very nice.

If yours is the same body in the rear as our 96, you may need to be careful about extended length. I got what they listed for the wagon back in 2013 when I got the car, and they stopped the wheel drop from going low enough to get the passenger side tire off without disconnecting the shocks. The next length up worked very well until I took them off this last summer.

I suppose I should add that when I speak of KYB, I am talking about the Gas-a-just series of monotubes, not the OEM replacements. I never OEM replacements in any shock brand as there are lots better choices. The monotubes are quite firm, but handle very well.

Never had a problem with my Monroe Severe Service, but some people here complain because they lose the boaty land yacht ride. It's firm, but nice.

RedandBlack wrote:

Never had a problem with my Monroe Severe Service, but some people here complain because they lose the boaty land yacht ride. It's firm, but nice.

Same here. like the way they firm up the ride, but not harsh

Monroe SS are nice... on nice roads. Note where both members are located: FL where the roads are like glass. I have used Monroe SS and Bilsteins, and there is no comparison on rougher northern roads. I know Bilsteins "aren't in the budget", but they're really a buy once purchase.

Roads like Glass in FL? LMAO. Where at? The roads where I am are pure trash. I have to drive in both lanes on the road that leads to work. Go to either side at more than a couple miles an hour and your losing a rim.

That said, be careful with the SS Shocks because Monroe did something to them and it isn't nice. I put a complete set on my wagon and the front shocks were the normal bright yellow. The rears were painted black. Correct part numbers on them , correct boxes, etc. The shocks however are no where near as stiff as they should be. Feels like a standard issue Monroe shock.

Where Sprocket and RedandBlack live, the roads are nice. I'll still be willing to bet that the roads around Belleview are better than around here. We go from 100F in July to -30F in the winter. That makes things a little bumpy, lol

I went all AC delco on my 94 rmw, but I was also keeping the rear self leveling suspension, and I'm still running the factory original springs, and the ride while not as soft as it was with the old shocks is still pretty good and better then my mothers 2001 Honda odyssey.

jayoldschool wrote:

Where Sprocket and RedandBlack live, the roads are nice.  I'll still be willing to bet that the roads around Belleview are better than around here.  We go from 100F in July to -30F in the winter.  That makes things a little bumpy, lol

I will say that they take pretty good care of the main highways/interstates. Lots of roads here in Belleview (redneck country) are nothing but packed sand.

You are right though, the temps make a huge difference. Most of the roads back in Kentucky would bust apart by the time Winter was over.

Thanks for all the info. I went ahead and ordered the kyb gas a just. Everything came in today so I'll hopefully depending on the weather install them