Over 10 years old and dad thinks its time to get new ones. Fronts are a must, but I want to do all four. I want to retain stock height, but don't want OEM shocks. I want something aftermarket with a smooth ride that dosent jostle around. What should I be looking at and about how much for all four?

 

Just about any aftermarket shock will be an improvement over the oem shocks. Also, shocks do not support any weight so your ride height will not be affected. Bilstiens seem to have the best reputation. I have Pro COmp ES3000's and they are an improvement over stock.

 

Bought these Gabriels at AutoZone for 29 ea. and felt the difference rolling out the garage.

 

Rancho makes very reliable and economical shocks.

 

I have a set of these that I got off Ebay and love them:

This is the seller I got them from:

http://stores.ebay.com/AA-AA-AUTOMOT...QQsofpZ0QQtZkm

I got mine from him for 150 and 30 for shipping
He doesn't have any right now but there are at ton of other sellers I saw selling the same thing in the 230-250 range for set of 4
good luck

 

I'm in the same boat here, with my 97... I think everything in the suspension is the original factory components from when it rolled off the assembly line. I'm looking for shocks, (as well as any other suspension component), where it might be beneficial to spend a little more money over a basic aftermarket replacement. Any suggestions? In the thread there was mention of Gabriels for $29, but is there a significantly better to be found in lets say a $40 - $50 shock?

 

Bilstein.

I did the fronts in June 07 and the rears last month. Not very hard, however if you do the rears, it will be very helpful to have a ratcheting open ended wrench and a helper.

 

I find the Bilsteins a bit stiff going down a road with small bumps, normal everywhere else. They are a great shock, but you can get good ones for alot cheaper, Monroe for instance.

 

Which Bilsteins are you referring to, the Yellow HD's or the 5100

HYPO

 

I went with Rancho RS3000s on my 97 4x4. Have only done the fronts so far, but the improvement over 11-year-old stockers was great. They were about $50 per corner but I got in on the buy 3 get one free rebate so I paid about $150.

Good luck getting the front lower bolts out! Mine were rusted in to the point that I had to torch em out and get repacements. Was only $20 or so for new bolts from the dealer.

 

IMO, any monotube shock will be better than the factory twin tube.

 

i have monroes that i put on during spring break back in march. got them at a local shop, but and where has them. they work Excellent!

 

Since you are in the market for a new pair, consider also what the truck is being used for! Make sure that you get the right set for the type of driving style used. When I worked for a Horse Transport company we had different sets of shocks for different trailers. Depending on if they were bumper-pull or Goose-neck/5th Wheel. I know that my boss swore by Bilstiens, and I have to say after 200k miles they were changed out once. I would wonder if they are truly worth the money, but then again i rode in comfort for those miles, and will stand by their reputation. I myself have Tough Country, and Fabtech on my POV, and will more than likely be changing them out for a set of piggy-backed Bilstien 5100's just because I think mine are filled with mud. There are a bunch of good brands out there, I will forever stand by Bilstien!
~Phil
"Semper Fi"