Monroe vs Gabriel Shocks: A Detailed Comparison

Monroe vs Gabriel shocks are top names you must have heard for shocks and struts. These are vital car components for enhanced power and handling, especially if you are considering upgrading your vehicle’s functionality.

However, there are different manufacturers of struts and shocks today, which gives you multiple options to choose from. We have narrowed these options to two leading manufacturers, and we’ll go through their differences in this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Features	Monroe	Gabriel
Pros	Ideal for highway driving, smoother driving and lifetime warranty for most products	Ideal for off-roading, sturdier and firmer, more affordable, and lifetime warranty on most products.
Cons	Expensive	Designed for larger vehicles
Products	Monroe OESpectrum, Van-Magnum, Monroe Adventure, Monroe Original, and Monroe Intelligent Suspension Ridesense.	Readymount, LTV, Ultrashocks and struts, MaxControl, Load carrier, and Proguard shocks.

 

What Are the Main Differences Between Monroe and Gabriel Shocks?

The main difference between Monroe and Gabriel shocks is that Monroe shocks are manufactured in the United States, while Gabriel shocks are not manufactured in the United States. Also, Monroe offers shocks for highway driving, while that of Gabriel is designed for off-road driving.

There are many other differences between the shocks offered by Monroe and Gabriel, and to help you understand these differences, we’ll look at some major factors. These factors include rear lift, quality of ride, lifespan, manufacturing plant, warranty, installation, and cost.

• Rear Lift

When driving through difficult terrain, the main line of defence for your vehicle is the shock absorbers. This is designed to take every bump the road throws at your vehicle. The general recommendation for choosing shocks is to choose air shock absorbers.

Interestingly, Gabriel takes the lead under this category. Shocks offered by Gabriel deliver a shock range between 20 to 150 psi, which surpasses what’s obtainable with other shocks. Monroe air shocks are also a great alternative to consider because they also offer better odds when driving through inclement conditions.

• Quality of Ride

The ride quality depends on your personal needs and preferences. This includes the attributes you get from the shocks and also influences the quality of ride you get from the shock absorbers. Shocks and struts offered by both Monroe and Gabriel will allow you to enjoy a firm and comfortable ride.

Gabriel products are designed to make users feel more secure, while Monroe parts offer more luxurious and quality rides. Therefore, if you’re driving mostly through rough roads and difficult terrain, shocks from Gabriel are your best bet.

This is because they are versatile and are great at reducing damage caused to your vehicle when driving through rough roads. On the other hand, if you’re after enjoying a more relaxed ride, the best option for you is to get shocks from Monroe.

• Lifespan

The lifespan of the shock is also an important aspect to look at when buying shock absorbers for your vehicle. You need to be sure the shocks will last for many years before you’ll need to get a replacement. It’s important not to overlook this factor, and you need to be precise with your decision.

There are claims among most users stating that Monroe lasts longer than Gabriel. However, this claim is not fully substantiated, but you can be sure that both brands will last long. With either of the two brands, you can drive for up to 50,000 miles, which gives you value for money.

• Manufacturing Plant

In addition to the factors above, it’s important to note that the development of both shocks are not always from their country of origin. Therefore, you get different qualities of service, and it depends on the individuals of the country. There are also cases where the manufacturer is outsourced. It’s generally best to opt for domestic options.

Comparing the two shocks, most of Monroe products in the United States are manufactured by Monroe. Tenneco is the parent company, which earns revenue from the Mexico factory and factories in different parts of the world. On the other hand, the operation of Gabriel is on a broader scope. They manufacture in Canada, Mexico, and in other locations.

• Installation

This is also a key factor to consider when purchasing shocks and struts, and this is an aspect where Gabriel and Monroe stand out. With the two brands, you get shocks that are easy to install. The installation generally depends on the vehicle you drive, but you can be sure they are easy to install.

Most auto mechanics and professionals will tell you that shocks offered by Monroe are very easy to install and maintain compared to the Gabriel counterparts. In addition, there are also professionals with claim that there’s no difference in the installation and maintenance ease for both shocks. Whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that they are easy to install.

• Warranty

The service life of the shocks is a key thing to consider when choosing between the two brands. You wouldn’t want to buy shocks that only last a few months. Interestingly, products from both Monroe and Gabriel come with a limited lifetime warranty.

The warranty offered by Monroe provides covering for the following items:

• Monroe QuickStrut
• Monroe GasMagnun
• Monroe OESpectrum
• Monroe Reflex

On the other hand, the lifetime warranty offered by Gabriel covers the ReadyMount struts and Ultra shocks and struts. Despite this amazing warranty, it’s worth noting that the warranty provided for air shocks on both brands might disappoint you as they only offer a 2-year warranty.

• Cost

After considering all the points above, the final factor to consider is the cost of the shocks and struts you get. These are vital car parts, and they play crucial roles for your vehicle, but you don’t have to break the bank to get them. With both brands, you get entry models, which are ideal for new consumers and affordable.

Comparing the prices of QuickStrut and ReadyMount, you’ll see that Monroe tends to be slightly more expensive than Garbiel. In most cases, the difference in cost depends on installation components and labor.

• Overall Comparison

The best option to choose depends on individual preferences. However, there are a few things to consider, especially since they both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for the best airshocks, you might want to consider getting Gabriel Hijackers, which can go from 25 to 200 psi, unlike Monroe Max airshocks which can only go from 20 to 150 psi.

For gas shocks, Monroe OESpectrum shocks take the lead over Gabriel Ultra gas shocks, thanks to its self-lubricating ability, which helps to prevent dents. Therefore, go for Gabriel if you want air shocks and Monroe if you want gas shocks. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference.

• Monroe Shocks Qualities and Characteristics

Monroe is a globally recognized and leading name in the field of durable, high-performance, and high-quality automotive OEM shocks. These shocks were first manufactured in the United States, and today, they have different manufacturing plants in different parts of the world.

The first shocks and struts manufactured by Monroe were in 1915, and today, they have a range of products. These products include suspension and steering components for commercial vehicles, vans, SUVs, cars, and light trucks. The brand currently has a name for itself, and this is because they offer top-notch level ride control, which is manufactured and engineered to enhance the handling of your vehicle.

Monroe has a wide range of innovative technology, and an example is the Monroe Shock Eliminator. They are also known for making the first shocks designed for use on railroad passenger vehicles and military vehicles.

For many years now, the company has stayed devoted to creating different products. Some of their remarkable products include axle shocks for buses, bus and truck seat dampers, and gas springs.

They also provide shocks for light vehicles, and the common ones include:

• Roadmatic by Monroe
• Monroe Van-Magnum
• Monroe Adventure
• Monroe Original
• Monroe OESpectrum
• Monroe Intelligent Suspension Ridesense.

 

• Top Monroe Shocks

While there are many Monroe products on the market today, the Monroe MA836 Max Air Absorber is one of the top products you might want to consider. The shock is designed mostly for vehicles used to tow trailers or carry heavy loads. It is also an ideal option for use in different weather conditions and is designed to provide a smooth ride by absorbing bumps and shocks.

Another benefit of the shock is that it is easy to install, and installation doesn’t take up to an hour. In addition, it’s also one of the most durable shocks on the market today. The only limitation of the shock is that it doesn’t come with an air line kit, implying that you’ll need to spend more on this kit.

• Gabriel Shocks Qualities and Characteristics

Gabriel is a leading name in the automotive industry, and they are widely recognized for the constant development and provision of innovative technologies for vehicles. The shocks they offer are designed primarily for off-road driving, unlike Monroe, which performs better on highway driving.

One of the interesting things about Gabriel is how they have grown and adapted to industrialization and transportation changes, especially during the 20th century. The goal of the brand is to stay relevant in the automotive industry, and they have achieved this through the provision of high-performance shocks.

Gabriel has a range of products on the market today, and this includes air-adjustable shocks and hydraulic shocks. The company was established in 1907 and has since taken pride in constantly innovating impressive shocks. Today, they are one of the most reliable and trusted brands on the market.

Another interesting thing about the company is that they offer products for both heavy-duty and light vehicles. Some of the most popular products from the brand include LTV shocks, Proguard shocks, Load carriers, Ultra Shocks and Struts, MaxControl Shocks, and Readymount shocks.

• Top Gabriel Shocks

Like Monroe, Gabriel also has tons of products on the market. If you’re looking for a top product from the company, the Gabriel 81490 Gas Shock is an option to consider. This shock is ideal for most trucks and cars, and it features nitrogen gas which enhances its responsiveness and control. It also makes it easier for the shocks to withstand the effects of uneven terrains and bumps.

The Gabriel 81490 Gas Shock is great for vehicles used for towing and carrying heavy loads. There are many benefits of using this shock, among which include the fact that it’s easy to install and the installation process doesn’t take more than 60 minutes. Another interesting thing to note is that the shock is made from durable materials, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Despite these amazing benefits, there are a few downsides to note. This includes the fact that it’s not the most recent model available, and there are better options when it comes to the amount of load the shocks can carry.

Conclusion

After using your car for some time, you’ll need to consider getting new shocks and struts, but this can be confusing because you have so many options to choose from. That is why we have narrowed things down to just two leading names in the automotive industry so you can make an informed decision. Both brands have a high reputation, but they are not completely the same.

Consider Monroe if you’re after shocks that will increase ride comfort, especially when driving on the highway. For off-roading or driving through difficult terrains, shocks offered by Gabriel are the best options for you. Ultimately, the option you choose depends on your preference, but you can rest assured that they are both trusted aftermarket brands.