My rear shocks are starting to "bleed" and was wondering if you fine people could give me some suggestions on replacement shocks. I currently have the factory Bilstein, but they give a pretty harsh ride. I drive almost always on the highway and pretty aggressively I might add. I was thinking about the Ranchos. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks!

 

If you don't like the way the Bils ride, you really won't like the Ranchos. Unless you get the adjustable RS9000s which I don't think are available for the 3rd gens. I could be wrong.
I have the RS5000s in my and they ride pretty stiff on the highway. Off-road they're awesome.
If you want a smoother ride, you might look into some Tokicos or even Sears' brand...um...can't remember the name...Road Fondler, Road Finder...something like that.

 

Yep, what HaveBlue said. I have RS5000's on my '99 4runner, and they're really stiff. The front is good (probably equiv. to your bilsteins) but the rears are way too stiff. They are good for wheeling. I'm getting some RS9000's for the rear (they don't make them for the front) and that should make me happy.
If the Bilstiens are too much for you, don't get the Rancho's.
OME makes some 'comfort' shocks for toyotas, maybe check those out.

 

I'm very happy with my Edelbrocks. I've heard great things about OME. Bilstein is supposed to give a sporty ride which I interpreted as stiff - that explains why I didn't install Bils on mine when I could have saved some money over the Edelbrocks.

 

Are the Bils that stiff;I know my stock ones are shot and I'm looking to get rid of that awful rebound of the rear on even the smallest bumps in the road.

Bils will remedy this,right?

 

Bils too stiff? Not to me.

Are they firmer than a stock shock? Yep.

I've been very happy with my Bils. I've had them on for a good 5 years. If they ever get too tired, I will likely get another set or I may give OME a try though since I've heard great things about them - and I like the OME stabilizer I have...