What kind of shocks are you using? What brands do you prefer, and why?

Talk about it all here in this thread.

 

Ok, I know I have a 3rd Gen, but I HAD a 2nd Gen. Rancho 5000's were the shocks I put on it, not long after buying it new off the lot in '98.

Hated the stockers after I lifted it and put big 'honkin tires on it and went to R5000's. Big difference!!!

 

I went with monroes for mine since they are cheap and have a lifetime warranty.

 

I have Rough Country gas shocks on the front, and Fabtech hydros on the rear.

Eventually I'll put R/C hydros on the back, I like the extra stability of the gas shocks on the heavier front. Gas shocks on the rear would be too stiff.

 

I have Rough Country gas shocks on the front and rear.

 

Mine are Gabriels. Forgot the model. I don't know if they're original, but they have some rust spots on the casing.

They aren't worn out (my truck doesn't bounce excessively- hell, it doesn't bounce at all). But, what do ya'll recommend as replacement/upgrade? I'm thinking about doing a 3" lift (I heard that's the highest you can go without needing all new suspension parts {also, is that 3" over the stock 4x4 height, or 3" total..}) in the somewhat distant future.

 

my fronts are Monroe Sensatrax's, and my rear are the cheap Monroes.

I have actually a great ride. im very impressed speaking of i paid 150 for all four.

Ive heard many good things on the Ranchos, and i believe that this would be the shock i move to next.

 

monroe gas-matics

i should have magnums in the rear at least (the 8 spring rear packs really like to bounce)

 

monroe sensa trac all around.
my sister works at advance and she told me that the everyone at her work says that the gas matic shocks are better for heavy trucks. so the next time i need shocks i'm going to the gas matics because they're cheaper and supposedly better.

 

I've had Gabriel Ultra's all the way around, and Monroe Sensetrac's all the way around. The Gabriel's were extremely stiff, and liked to rattle on occasion, the Monroe's were definitely a step up but they were very spongey when braking and turning. I recently switched to Bilstein HD's, and will honestly say they are by far the best. The valving is spot on. Nice soft ride, but as soon as you enter a turn or brake, they stiffen up immediately to subside body roll. I got all 4 for 225 dollars from shockwarehouse.com.

This is for a 2wd mind you, for a 4wd I would probably go with Rancho's, Edelbrock IAS performers, or Bilstein 5100's.