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Mon May 12, 2008 10:32 am

Which monroe shock is being used on the ball joint front ends and how much cut and turn to use these shocks? Can the ford shocks be run without cutting and turning? I understand that these shocks are valved like a Fox.

Is there something similar for the rear?

Mon May 12, 2008 1:03 pm

not entirely sure on your set up,
but i've been running Ford Mustang (~88) REAR shocks on thwe front of my baja with a adjustered thing beam.

my rear shocks are from a ~88 chrysler caravan (longer extension same compression).

this isn't as much performance orientated as costs benefit.
they do adequate for on road driving, although wear out earlier with the bulk of the 30" tires.

Tue May 13, 2008 5:45 am

Ok, so caravan shocks work on the rear, I looked at monroe's web site and the lenghts of the shocks for an aerostar arnt the same as a bug, but have seen where they are being used. Anyone else have any input?

Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:56 pm

I'm wondering the same thing...
I've seen a couple people mention that the Aerostar shocks fit on the stock ball joint front end. Anybody know anything more specific about this? part number?

Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:48 am

IF you have lowered BJ front end, shocks off 94 Honda Passport ( Isuzu Rodeo) will work.... I use Monroe brand gas shocks on front of my dune buggy....

Dale

Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:16 pm

Bilstein HD shocks on rear, KYB's on front (Fuel tank moved to rear)

all with stock BJ/IRS suspension. Works great. The Bilstein HD's are about $70ea and worth every penny.

Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:23 pm

Have KYB gas adjusts on the rear now, seriously thinking about putting them on the front. But not sure everything else on the front will be new if you have been following my front rebuild thread.

Thu May 21, 2009 1:44 pm

birddog1148 wrote: Ok, so caravan shocks work on the rear, I looked at monroe's web site and the lenghts of the shocks for an aerostar arnt the same as a bug, but have seen where they are being used. Anyone else have any input?

I just got off the phone with KYB Tech Service. The FRONT Aerostar shocks will fit on the REAR of an extended IRS rear end. Use GR-2 part# 344290. The GR-2 valving for this shock is almost identical to the Gas-A-Just shock for standard IRS, though a little stiffer at low speeds. It is 18" center-to-center, as opposed to 16" for the standard shock. It has 6-1/2" of travel, and if all goes well, this should give me about 10" overall suspension travel with this set-up. This should be a good option for a turned stock rear IRS set-up with the travel stops removed or with the spring plates notched, and Type 4 or 930 CV's. I will have a report soon as to how they ride, so PM me if you need details.

Thu May 21, 2009 10:01 pm

UPDATE: The shocks fit, but you should be aware of a couple of things if you go this route: You will need to grind a notch in the lower stock mount, as when the arm extends further, it causes the shock to bind against it. The shock has the correct diameter holes (12mm), but it has steel sleeves that stick out the sides of the upper mounting bushing. These will need to be sawed off flush with the bushings, and it will BARELY fit inside the upper stock mount. Other than that, they work. I just drove around the block and I'm not sure about the ride. It feels really soft, and drives like a Caddy now. I'll have to give the dirt report when I get it out there.

Fri May 22, 2009 1:10 am

For my raised Ball joint front end. I think I bought rear tracker shocks! almost 8 inces of travel but man they are stiff when new! (They were cheap!) I know they never saw bottom with my raised beam. but they feel better on my new stock beam! they have some miles on them now.