Installed Monroe Load Leveling Shocks on Rear

[Matt]

So after a few days of driving around i'm EXTREMELY happy with these shocks.

I was expecting a stiff/harsh ride in the rear. That's not the case at all... granted having the 2" spacer kit on there is definitely helping with the ride quality because the leveling coils aren't compresses as much as they would be.

Ride is great. No more floaty/mushy suspension in the rear. When i hit the gas it doesn't "sink" down anymore so it feels more peppy off the line.

I may do some research to see if they make these in 1" or 2" longer version....

[Sal-XK]

Let me know what you find out on the length. My shocks should be toast by the end of this summer I'm guessing.

[Matt]

Ok man here's what I found.

Part number 58646
Compressed Length = 15.16
Extended Length = 24.87
Travel = 9.15
Upper Mount = LS30
Lower Mount = LS38


Part number 58643
Compressed Length = 16.59
Extended Length = 27.55
Travel = 10.66
Upper Mount = LS38
Lower Mount = LS38

Mounts:
LS30:
Sleeve ID = 12MM
Sleeve Length = 1-7/8 (1.875)

LS38:
Sleeve ID = 1/2" (12.7MM)
Sleeve Length = 1-1/2 (1.50)

So it looks like that part number would work... but we'd have to use some washers to make up for the extra 3/8" width missing from the bushing sleeve between the LS30 and LS 38 mounts. I don't think the difference of the 12MM to 12.7MM ID will be an issue. That's only ~.3mm radial clearance... so a turn or two of duct tape would make up for that clearance difference.

[Matt]

The other option would be shock extenders for the lower mount... not sure if any are made for the Commander though; i've never actually run shock extenders before... always just got the shocks that fit

[Matt]

Hey sal. Wondering if you're thinking of giving that longer version a try. I've been thinking about trying them and selling mine.....

[Sal-XK]

Hey sal. Wondering if you're thinking of giving that longer version a try. I've been thinking about trying them and selling mine.....

I will need to replace the springs and shocks this fall in the XK. So I am looking for a new heavy duty setup. I don't tow right now but I will be getting a boat but its pretty light. My rear sags bad when fully loaded for camping or the beach. Add some mods I'm thinking of and I will diffidently need help back there. Not sure what to go with yet but longer then stock is a must for me and it has to be the heavy duty stuff for all the weight.

[Matt]

I hear ya man. I wish I checked for that longer version before ordering the stock replacement. Wonder if one of the local guys would be interested in buying these off me and ill try the longer ones....

[Sal-XK]

I just said this on the other site but man I'm impressed how little sag you had with that boat bro. Do you know what the tongue weight on that was? These are diffidently on my list for sure now.

[Matt]

Exactly.

The lower mount is the same as stock... no issues there.

The metal sleeve for the upper mount is about 3/8" shorter than the stock sleeve... so a few washers to make up the difference should be all it takes. The bolt size is basically the same... stock ID is 12mm and longer shocks have a 12.7mm ID. So that's only .7mm, which is .027" (1/32" is .031). So yeah... that shouldn't matter at all.

[Matt]

OR, maybe you can take the bushing/sleeve off the stock shock and put that in the Monroe... id have to see it first hand to determine if that would work though. Some washers might just be easier.