I'm getting to the point I'll need to replace shocks pretty soon, just turned 70k miles. I think I'll be spending my stimulus check on shocks and tires. Anyway, I did a search for 'front shock absorbers' and 'shocks absorbers' and didn't come up with any clues as to what to get. I've found KYB, Monroe, Bilstien, Rancho, Fabtech and a couple of others. The truck isn't lifted or lowered, pretty much stock ride position. Any recommendation on what to get and is this a do-it-yourself project? I found the above mentioned on www.car-stuff.com, any place else to look? Thanks for any input.

 

I just put bilsteins on mine. They're okay...

They didn't "change my religion" or anything, but they're fine. I think they'll run you around $60 each...

 

I installed a set of Monroe Reflex on the front of mine. They're pretty good. They ride plenty firm, but they do get noticeably (and instantaneously) compliant over sharp road chucks. Overall, they ride firmer than the stock shocks (but mine had 168,000 miles at replacement, too), but don't beat you up over the real sharp bumps, like railroad tracks.

I got mine at Napa, for $47 each as I recall. Haven't replaced the rears yet. If/when I do, it'll be a pair of the Reflex, to match the front.