This past week I installed a set of Monroe Max Air shocks on the rear of my '93 945T.

Background: A few years ago I replaced front & rear springs and shocks/struts. Rear springs were the overload version from FCP Groton. Bilstein Touring Class shocks/struts. With the wagon fully loaded (2 adults, 2 kids, one dog, associated luggage and accessories) the rear would sag quite a bit. Add the weight of a trailer and the sag was significant.

Friday was my first family trip with the new shocks, and the difference is remarkable. I have 80 lbs/sq. inch of air pressure in them, and the ride height is perfect when fully loaded. (The shock's operating range is 20 - 150 lbs/sq. inch.) In a couple of weekends, I'll take another trip with a similar load, plus pulling a pop-up camper with a tongue weight of about 150 lbs, so that will be a definative test. I have the utmost confidence that it will perform perfectly.

THE GOOD: These shocks make a HUGE difference in the road manners while carrying a load. Even when not loaded, they add a pleasant firmness to the rear suspension on smooth roads. Most noticable in a situation like accelerating on an on/off ramp of a highway -- very nice.

THE BAD: The dampening capablility of them is not as good as the Bilsteins under normal load. Most noticable while cornering on non-smooth roads. However, I would say that the dampening is better than the Bilsteins when fully loaded. The Bilsteins would be kind of "floaty" because they were at or beyond their capacity.

OVERALL: I highly recommend them. The ability to adjust the height/firmness to the load is invaluable. If you only use your car as a commuter -- with one or two passengers -- then these shocks will offer little benefit. But if you regularly haul a family, cargo, or a combination of the two -- these shocks will improve the ride, safety, and flexibility of your vehicle.

I installed the schader valves on the rear bumper for a discreet, professional-looking install which provides easy access while loaded.