Hi all. I have a really daft question regarding suspension. I've recently fitted new shocks (Monroe Adventure) and springs to the rear of my FL1 (1.8), front suspension on order. The ride is a lot firmer than I would have thought. Does anyone know if the Monroe shocks are a stiff shock? The springs I got I think are Britpart ones, could it be these that cause the harsh ride? There is also what looks like a dust protector on the shocks (see attached photo), I've left this in place, was I wrong and it should have been removed? Sorry for all the questions but I'm in the process of over-hauling the suspension before I try a bit of a long drive in it.

Monroe shocks should be exactly the same specification as the original, unless you went for an uprated specification, or fitted the Sport specification shocks, which are 30% stiffer than standard.
The plastic part stays on the shock, as that is what keeps the gaiter in place.

I've just changed the rear shocks on my FL2, and apart from the lack of bounce on the leaking LH shock, it feels exactly the same overall. I went for standard specification OE shocks from Advanced Factors.

I don't like Monroe shocks myself, as I've not had good experience with them.

Hi @Nodge68
Yeah I was told they were equivalent to the factory ones. It could just be me, sometimes it feels alright and other times it feels a bit harsh.

Overlander Freelander said:

Hi @Nodge68
Yeah I was told they were equivalent to the factory ones. It could just be me, sometimes it feels alright and other times it feels a bit harsh.

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It depends on what you're comparing it too.
If your original shocks had done more than 60k, then they will have gone soft.
So by comparison the new ones will be stiffer, and would feel it.
My FL2 felt little different to be for the shock sprang a leak, but the FL1 shocks do soften up with age.

If your rear shocks are much stiffer than the worn fronts, then it'll make the vehicle feel odd and bouncy on the front. Ideally the balance of bounce should feel the same front and back.

I'm not 100% certain how many miles they have done. Been on the car since I've owned it and it has covered 108k. Chance they may be original? Front ones seem fine for now and the ride does feel consistent front to back.