Installed Monroe Load Leveling Shocks on Rear
Monroe Part Number 58646
Edit: CLICK HERE to jump to post #125 where i install the longer version of these shocks (58643)
Notes:
1) These are designed for stock height vehicles. I have a 2" spacer lift. This matters because spring force is a function of deflection, and at normal ride height for my "lifted" XK, these "load leveling" shocks are working at 2" less deflection than they're designed for. There are two important results of this: A) Unloaded, my increase in ride height is LESS THAN what it would be on a non-lifted Jeep and B) My deflection from new ride height under a load will be MORE THAN it would be on a non-lifted jeep.
2) My XK only has 31k miles. My stock shocks are in excellent condition and still strong.
3) I'm running a full tank of gas for these measurements.
Result:
I'm happy with them. For $90 they did what I wanted them to do... get rid of my rear sag and help under load.
Measurements:(From ground to bottom of fender, centered on the hub)
Stock:
Front = 35.9 Rear = 35.75
Stock + Load:
Front = 36.0 Rear = 35.25 (Full 1/2" drop)
New Shocks:
Front = 35.9 Rear = 36.25 (Full 1/2" higher than stock)
New Shocks + Load:
Front = 36.0 Rear = 35.90 (Less than 1/2" drop and still taller than stock)
So you'll see that I gained a 1/2" when unloaded. Expect closer to an inch if you're not running a 2" spacer lift. Also under load it only dropped 1/3" with these new shocks... If these were on a stock vehicle I doubt it would have dropped at all under that load.
The load:
171 Pounds including the cargo carrier.
92 Pounds of the load was added weight to the very back of the cargo carrier to maximize the effect.
I'm looking forward to see how these things handle my friends 6000lb boat when we put it in the water next week.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../04/Load-1.jpg
Before & After Shot:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...4/1Start-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../3Finish-1.jpg
Install:
You can replace shocks in under 10 minutes on these vehicles. All you need is a floor jack and a 15mm socket. It took me about 30 minutes total because I was taking pictures and measurements along the way AND took a tire off for the pics. You do not need to remove the tires to do this.
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...mparison-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...Install1-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...Install2-1.jpg