I've got a 86 reg cab turbo 4x4 that I need to put new shocks on and my budget is $30 per shock I just want a little smoother ride so the back tires don't come off the ground when I go over a speed bump. I have read reviews and everybody talks about a stiff ride on the stiff shocks but is that compared to edelbrocks or the 25 year old shocks on it.

 

I have a '91 2WD truck, and just replaced my 20 year-old factory shocks a few months ago.

Trust me, anything is gonna ride better than the shocks you have in there now. I got a set of 4 cheap Monroes for around 30 bucks each. I'm not sure which model, but at my local O'Reilley's they had some $20 ones, some $30 ones, and some $60 ones. I got the $30 ones.

They are not what I'd call stiff, but my cornering in 1000% better, and if I hit a bump while going around a fast turn, my back end recovers quickly and does not fishtail out like it used to. Much safer, and high speed turns in heavy freeway traffic are no longer the harrowing white knuckle experience that they used to be.

One of my rear shocks was completely blown out, but I had gotten used it, and had no idea what a difference new shock would make. Sure, the ride is about the same, but cornering is where you'll notice the biggest difference.

 

how much and how hard to do actually wheel your rig? If not much then the Pro Comp ES 3000 shocks are a really good option. Around $38 a shock.

 

The truck is mainly used for hunting and fishing so it don't see much real wheeling just so rusted out logging roads every once in a while

 

Just ordered Pro Comp ES9000 shocks from 4wheelparts.com last night. 159.99 shipped for 4. Also includes shock boots which don't come with the shocks. Should be a decent shock for $40 a piece....realize this would put you $40 over budget but could be worth it....i've never used the shocks...but i did some research and read most people like them. Was going to buy OME shocks but they were going to cost me over $400 shipped. too many other things i want to buy for the truck right now....glad i ordered the Pro Comps

 

those ES9000's are probably gonna be too stiff on a pickup and maybe even a stock 4runner. I would stay away from nitro charged shocks if you don't want stiff. Unless your running a full cage, winch, bumper etc etc.

 

Rockauto has some cheaper KYB's that I had on my 81 pickup. I think they were 30 a piece.

 

How did you like them

 

They work good a little stiff but they ride better than the rancho 5000's (15 yrs old) that were on it.

 

People haven't nicknamed KYB Kill Your Butt for no reason.

 

I just put ES9000s on the front of my truck and with a couple drives on it since I love them. Ordered them from 4wheelparts also.

 

I am running Ranch 9012's up front that I scored off craigslist for $20 for the pair.

Out back i am running the cheap ones from O'reiliys but they are for a 2004 F250 4wd Diesel. ride is fine. They were $25 a piece and carry a lifetime warranty. They are a 13" travel dual eyelet style shock.

 

I just put monroe sensatrac shocks on mine and I am pleased with the ride quality especially considering how much I paid. Oreilly's and advance auto are having buy 3 get 1 free sales right now. Advance auto also has a 20% off code (P20)...not sure which saves you more. They were a breeze to go in and were a HUGE improvement over the tired stock ones.

 

I 'downgraded' from bilsteins to monroes when I lowered my rig - very happy with how these perform. Most autoparts stores have them, lifetime warranty, and CHEAP.

I put this together to make it easier to know what to order - just give them the part number and you're good to go.

 

One more vote for Monroes. I put them on my 86 when I lifted it (more like leveled it out) and loved them. For the price you get a damn good product.

 

+4 Monroe Sensatracs work great for me. I do not wheel my rig, I commute to work and use my 4Runner like a station wagon around town mostly, or we load it up for an occassional camping trip. The Sensatracs are plush but firm, they give me a comfortable yet tight ride.

 

you guys are making me wish i knew about the Sensatracs before i ordered i ordered my ES9000's last night. Right now my front shocks are blown and the rears about 2 years old. Hoping it will be an improvement compared to now. Truck rides rather harsh. My rear springs are all sagged out and ride on the over load springs. The Zuk mod should soften up my rear end

 

Can you combine the two deals Monroe website it can't be combined with other offers bit if its the stores offer does it count if its the stores discount

 

Ill definitely be needing shocks too; my current ones have rust holes on them!!

Now, are the monroes for extended travel? Lets say 1"-2" over stock. My shocks are limiting droop right now so i need something with more travel. Any thoughts?

 

I'm bring this thread back for an applicable video, especially concerning the Pro Comp ES3000 vs. ES9000 debate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USPxShwekTw