There are many different types of shocks and struts that you can choose from when installing your vehicle.
Monroe vs Gabriel Shocks and Struts are two popular choices, but which one is better?
This blog post will compare the key features of both shocks and struts to help you decide which ones work best for you!
Quick Summary: Gabriel shocks and struts typically provide a firmer, more durable ride, making them better suited for off-road driving. In comparison, Monroe’s are smoother, which is often preferred for daily driving (highway driving/work commutes).
Choose Gabriel Shocks and Struts If You:
- You want a more durable ride with higher levels of off-road performance
- Your car has a lift kit and needs an upgrade to handle the increased height or weight
Choose Monroe Shocks & Struts If You:
- You want a more comfortable ride with higher levels of comfort for daily driving (highway/work commutes)
- It’s important that your struts last as long as possible before needing replacement
- You want to reduce squeaking and extend the life of your struts
- You want to install yourseld and you’re not very experienced
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission.
Table of Contents
Monroe vs Gabriel Shocks
Both Monroe vs Gabriel shocks are high-quality parts that can be used in your car.
The main difference between the two is how they function, giving you different options for performance and comfort levels.
Monroe suspension shocks feature an IFP design which stands for Internal Floating Piston.
This allows the piston to move up and down inside the shock, allowing for a more comfortable ride that absorbs bumps and potholes in the road.
Gabriel uses a chromed piston rod on all of their products. They also use a coil-over assembly and Teflon guides, which help reduce friction for a more leisurely ride.
Monroe Reflex shocks and struts feature ASD valving technology, which automatically adjusts to absorb road impacts, helping to reduce vehicle roll and dive. That level your car after you hit a bump or pothole in the road.
Gabriel shocks give you more options for customization, allowing you to change air and hydraulic settings for a customized ride.
Which Shock is better?
Both Monroe vs Gabriel shocks are high-quality and durable parts that can be used to replace your old worn-out shocks.
If you’re looking for a firmer ride, then the Gabriel’s would be better suited as they have more options for customization, which allows you to change hydraulic settings and the air pressure inside the shock.
These types of struts are often preferred for off-road driving and aggressive driving.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother ride, the Monroe’s would be better suited as they have ASD technology (Acceleration Sensitive Damping) that automatically adjusts to absorb road impacts, giving you a more comfortable feeling on bumpy roads or potholes in the street.
- Class 6-8 trucks, buses and trailers
- 360 degree arc welded end mounts protect against end mount breakage
- Hydraulic rebound stop prevents impact damage to the shock and vehicle mounting components
- Welded closure for maximum tensile strength
- Multi-lip piston rod seal provides backup seal protection
Last update on 2023-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- REDUCES SAG UNDER LOAD -- Ideal for occasionally hauling or towing varying loads; heavy gauge, calibrated coil spring reduces sag when loaded up to 1,200 lbs. (capacity limited by suspension, tires and transmission; see owner's manual)
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING -- Tuned specifically for each application, full-displaced valving automatically adjusts to road extremes to provide ride consistency
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- OE all-weather fluid contains special modifiers to handle extreme temperatures and PTFE-banded piston helps reduce friction between the piston and pressure tube to enhance responsiveness to changing road surfaces
- LONGER SERVICE LIFE -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces excessive friction against the piston rod to help reduce premature wear while heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod delivers long life
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains tire-to-road contact for improved ride and handling by reducing aeration and shock fade
Last update on 2023-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Monroe vs Gabriel Struts
Both Monroe vs Gabriel struts are high-quality options that can be used in your car, but they have some key differences that may give one the edge over the other when choosing which to use.
Gabriel manufactures struts that cover more than 96% of North American vehicles.
This means you have a better chance of finding the right ones for your car, even an older model.
Monroe struts can be greased, which helps extend their life and reduce squeaking noise over time.
They also feature rugged construction with chrome-moly elements that give them more durability on road trips or off-road adventures.
Gabriel struts use a two-piece design and feature zinc alloy construction for better durability.
This means they can handle more off-road driving than Monroe’s struts, especially if you’re taking your vehicle to rougher terrain like mud or sand.
When it comes down to deciding between Gabriel vs Monroe shocks and struts, it comes down to what you need your vehicle for.
Both are high-quality options that will help level off your suspension so that you can drive in comfort, but they also have features that make them better suited for specific uses than the other one.
Price Difference
Monroe vs Gabriel shocks and struts are both high-quality options, so they tend to have a similar price range, but there are some of Gabriels products that can be in the higher price bracket.
For Monroe, prices start at around $100 for two front or rear shocks/struts, going up from there depending on the type of vehicle you’re working with.
Gabriel’s shocks and struts prices usually start around $80 and go over $200 for two shocks/struts.
Pricing isn’t a significant factor in choosing between Gabriel or Monroe shocks and struts, as they are very closely priced in many cases.
However, this was not the case when comparing Monroe to Blistein, where the latter is much more expensive.
- America's best-known air-adjustable shock absorber
- Ideal for temporarily towing boats and trailers or heavy loads
- Can help improve handling and can reduce the risk of bottoming out
- Up to 1,100 lbs per pair of levelling capacity not to exceed vehicle Gross vehicle Weight Rating, product does not increase payload
Last update on 2023-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- REDUCES SAG UNDER LOAD -- Ideal for occasionally hauling or towing varying loads; heavy gauge, calibrated coil spring reduces sag when loaded up to 1,200 lbs. (capacity limited by suspension, tires and transmission; see owner's manual)
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING -- Tuned specifically for each application, full-displaced valving automatically adjusts to road extremes to provide ride consistency
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- OE all-weather fluid contains special modifiers to handle extreme temperatures and PTFE-banded piston helps reduce friction between the piston and pressure tube to enhance responsiveness to changing road surfaces
- LONGER SERVICE LIFE -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces excessive friction against the piston rod to help reduce premature wear while heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod delivers long life
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains tire-to-road contact for improved ride and handling by reducing aeration and shock fade
Last update on 2023-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Installation
Both Monroe’s and Grabriels shocks are easy to install. You can perform the installation yourself, or take it to your local mechanic.
By performing the installation yourself, you can save time and money on labor costs.
Both of these brands offer easy to install shocks and struts; however, some reviews and forums have commented that Monroe’s are easier to install.
However, we do recommend getting these fitted by professionals if you have no previous experience doing so.
Here are some videos below that give you a better idea of what’s involved.
Monroe Struts vs Gabriel Shocks & Struts: Which One Is the Better Choice?
For a firmer ride, the Gabriel’s would be better suited as they have more options for customization, which allows you to change hydraulic settings and the air pressure inside the shock.
These types of shocks are also more popular for off-road vehicles.
Monroe’s would be better suited for daily driving as they have ASD technology that automatically adjusts to absorb road impacts, giving you a more comfortable feeling on bumpy roads or potholes while daily driving
Disclaimer
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission. The decision to purchase these links is completely yours and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
