what type of shocks should i run on my 85 pickup solid axle. i want something that will flex good but also be smooth on the road

 

Give the proper length shock, they all will flex the same. I list a few shocks I ran on my '85 with about that amount of lift below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspe...ml#SpringSpecs

I found the KYBs were better on the road and for things like washboard gravel roads (i.e good high speed damping). I like the Rancho shocks (especially whn I went to the adjustable 9000s) better off-road as they offered better control at very low speeds like rock crawling by changing the shock damping with the in-cab adjuster. I'm currently in the process of installing some of the new Rancho 9000XL shocks on my '85, they are a pressurized gas shock (rear will be remote reservoir shocks) yet they still have the remote adjustment feature. I hope they will give the best of both worlds.

 

I am running Doestch Tech Prerunners on one truck and OME Nitrochargers on the other. Both are comfortable on the road. The one shock I would absolutely not recommend are the Rancho RS5000s. Those had a very harsh ride.

 

I like my Bilstein shocks
If you want flex 4crawlers page is a great place to start reading http://www.4crawler.com/4Runner.shtml

 

yeah thats what i have right now, they dont like speed bumps or dips