I plan on replacing my tired and worn out original shocks and I have read all about the Bilsteins and Edelbrocks and I would love to try them but I dont want to spend $70 a piece. I was wondering if anyone had experience with some of the less expensive brands like Rancos, Gaberials, Sensi Shocks, OME, or the Explorer Pro Comp Shocks? I dont off road like some of you guys I drive mainly on the highway some times with a load in the back. Any opinions or info would be great. I plan on doing this myself and was wondering how do you keep the top part of the shock from spinning when you remove the nut?

 

I just installed Explorer Pro Comp ES3000s in the front of my rig and Rancho RS5000s in the rear. The Pro Comps ride really nice in the front. The Ranchos are a little stiffer in the city, but REALLY nice on the highway.

Word of advice, if you have a 3rd gen, have someone else install the rears. IMO, they are more difficult than the fronts because of the lack of space, especially the driver side.
Sears installed my rears. I bought the shocks from 4Wheel Parts Wholesale for $32 each. Then told Sears I bought the shocks from them and they installed them for $14. Pretty dishonest, I know. But I figured they owed me after perviously breaking 3 studs of my truck. (They replaced them with no charge to me after a fight with the manager. Manager said "it was like that when it got here")
Well, I sort of strayed off-topic there for a bit.

As far as keeping the shock from spinning, DON'T use vise grips. Use an adjustable wrench, like a crescent wrench, on the stud and a box wrench to remove the nut.

Hope that helps!