tchase said:
I bought the shocks over a year ago so I can't take them back or anything.
Try it. I'm sure the place won't give you your $$$ back, but they might issue a store credit or exchange the shocks you have for something else.
Here another write up on shocks I copied from this site. I'm pretty sure it was done by Eagle but I can't remember.
Front: Monroe 59xxx vs Rancho 5128. This one gets confusing because Monroe lists one number for '84-'90, and a different number for '91-'01. Rancho lists only one number for '84-'01.
The Monroe 59322 is the number for the XJ/MJ '84-'90.
Compressed length = 12.625"
Extended length = 20.125"
Travel = 7.500"
The Rancho 5128 is the number for all year XJ and MJ front. It is listed for 0" thru 3" of lift.
Compressed length = 12.750"
Extended length = 20.625"
Travel = 7.875"
Okay, here the Rancho is marginally longer and provides marginally more travel -- but so little that you'd hardly notice the difference. But wait, there's more
The Monroe 59331 is the number for XJ/MJ '91 and newer.
Compressed length = 14.375
Extended length = 22.50
Travel = 8.125
The Monroe stock replacement for the '91 and newer is actually longer than the Rancho by about 1.5" and provides more travel. Looks to me like the perfect shock for a budget boost.
Now let's look at the rear. Most of you have XJs, so to keep it simple I'll only address the XJ. Results are similar for the MJ.
The Monroe 59323 is the number for all years XJ.
Compressed length = 12.500"
Extended length = 20.375"
Travel = 7.875"
The Rancho 5129 is the number for all years XJ.
Compressed length = 12.750"
Extended length = 20.000
Travel = 7.250"
Here, the Rancho is longer when compressed, shorter when extended, and provides 5/8" less travel than the Monroe OEM replacement. The Rancho is listed in the catalog as for 0" thru 3" of lift.
Based on all this, it seems the Monroe "street" replacements are actually better suited for use with budget boosts than the Ranchos, and undoubtedly ride better as well since the Rancho 5000 series has a reputation for being much too stiff.
Again, that research isn't mine, so I'm not taking any credit for it.