Don't know about the Monomax, but on the Gas-a-justs I was able to compress the fronts under my body weight (195 lbs.) Had to hold them compressed with a piece of rope to install them. I had to use a long piece of wood as a lever to compress them up while they were still on the rig to replace a sheared bolt. They're pretty stiff, but give a great ride off-road!

85 Pickup, Desert tan spray job, 3" Rough Country lift, Marlin shackles+bumper, Chebby igniter, 33x10.5" BFG's