Monroe Gas Magnum Severe Service 550012 no longer fits???

I can find this part listed in several online threads (here included), as a replacement front shock on the 1996 Roadmaster wagon, but it seems to come up as "not proper part, does not fit" when I try to order it from online vendors. Am I missing something here, or are the online vendors considering these as unacceptable shocks for non-commercial applications?

I've used Monroe severe service shocks on previous Roadmasters and Caprice Wagons, and I like them. I did not hang onto the records to confirm the part number, but I could swear the fronts were 550012.

Same problem pops up when you try to buy the 550013 for the rear shocks.

Those are not recommended because they are so much firmer than the stocks, but will bolt on.

I personally like the KYB Gas-A-Justs a LOT more.   I ran the Monroe shocks on my RMW for two years and got tired of hearing change rattle in my coin box on every pavement strip and asphalt crack.   I also think they created rattles in my car that were not there before.

Switched to the KYBs and the car still has great control but the ride totally smoothed out.   SO MUCH better riding!

Rock Auto had the best pricing I found by the way.  

-Mike

Second,the KYB's.

I love the Monroe's as they firm up the ride a bit. Had them on all my wagons.
Look under Caprice police . That is the correct number for it.

http://buickforums.com/forums/threads/15228-Monroe-Severe-Service-shocks

It fits. Catalogs are retarded. Have them on my car.

550012/550013. If you want your car to ride like a pillow, these aren't for you.

I'm familiar with the ride quality. I've had them on 2 previous Caprice wagons and a 1996 Roadmaster. As I said, I like them. But then, I also think chocolate milk and Fritos is a balanced meal.

I'm not sure about that... but I'm all about a firmer ride on my boat.

Order 'em. 550012 front 550013 rear.

Amazon is typically the cheapest. Ordered several sets for people's cars.

It is the only shock I will ever use on my Roadmasters! (and Fleetwoods).

Those are the correct part numbers David...as stated above they are not recommended for that application. (They are for the Police package suspension)...if you like the ride order away and bolt them on. I have used both the Monroe SS and KYB Gas Adjust...the KYBs are a better option IMHO

Not recommended? I see several in this thread recommending them and the OP even likes them, hence the reason he posted about them. Had them on my 94 and loved them. They worked well with the stiff springs I had.

This is a relatively old post, and my question was answered back in April or last year. For my present 1996 Caprice wagon, I opted for the Monroe Severe Service up front, and Monroe coilover shocks in the rear. The ride seems great: firm and not the least bit harsh.

Odd that impressions of these shocks are so diverse. I've used them up front on every Caprice and Roadmaster I've owned (I do prefer the coilovers for the rear). Fred L. (Ruphrax) swore by them, and turned me on to them by adding them to my first wagon, which I bought from him back in the day.

NY taxes the bejeezus out of you, but we tend to have well-maintained roads. If I lived in pothole-land, maybe I've have a different experience. However, I do drive my wagon over some of the nastiest stretches of frost-heaved roads in northern NH without complaint (ask Silverfox 103 what NH 116 is like during March near Wildwood).

My grad students say I'm a hardass. Perhaps that explains it.

Curious - got a part number for those rear coilovers?

58574 is the current Monroe part number for the rear coilover shocks I used on my 1996 Caprice wagon. There are other coilovers you can adjust for slightly increased ride height if you want to raise the rear a bit.

I put the Munroe coil-overs on my 95 (front and rear) when I bought it. I hated them -- far too light on the damping even when new. I recently switched to the Munroe SS shocks (front and rear) together with the Air Lift 1000 inserts. I found it to be a great combination so far -- not harsh, but nicely damped and a good ride height.

I have not tried the KYB shocks.

I wish Monroe made the severe service line in a coilover, but they don't. The 58574 coilover for the rear of the B body wagon is from a less-stout product line, but it works for me. I've never thought of putting the coilovers up front.

I think they did a SS rear in cargo coil, if I remember correctly, I have a set in my garage. I'll check today. Too many parts...

Quote :

I think they did a SS rear in cargo coil, if I remember correctly, I have a set in my garage.

Hmmmm... for sale, perhaps???

Hang on, going out to cut the grass. Back in a bit. A couple of weeks ago, I thought they were Bilsteins. Don't want to make any promises!