What is a good alternative to oem shocks? I've had 2 sets if oem shocks now and they feel stiff. I know these little trucks are going to ride very smooth, but I'm guessing there is a shock thst may could help. Maybe a softer shock of sorts. I have a 3" body lift too

 

I like bilstein 5100's don't have them on my yota but I do on my duramax. I think they perform well without breaking the bank

 

Ride "softness" is usually determined by springs not shocks. Shocks dampen vertical travel. Are your t-bars cranked up? That's going to affect ride "stiffness" much more.

Bilsteins are a great product. I'm running OME.

 

I'm also riding a set of Bilsteins. My 94 came with pretty new KYB gas shocks, but those were waaaaaay too stiff- every time I hit a bump it would bounce into the next lane. The Bilsteins have been great on-road and done well on logging roads and jeep trails.

 

Bilstein 4600s are also a nice upgrade.

Nice quality Shock and more affordable then the 5100s






Happy New Pickup owner

 

well, the rancho 5000's will make it soft till you hit something hard, but they don't hold up to durration runs. the 9000's do better. i still have 5000's on the rears, as they are economical and get the job done, especially when you have a river or deep mud to keep them cool, and that's the big factor in if you think you can get away with them. the next factor is the bushings, but that seems to be any shock that ˟˟˟˟s them out with my abuse. i personally like the feel of the softer shocks on my yota, but i also prefer no sway bar an believe it has saved it from the notorious roll-overs i've seen. my philosophy is the #1 job of the shocks are to let the suspension keep the tires on the ground and the truck in the air...

 

i have to disagree..... "ride firmness" is set by the shocks. the springs set the rate of resistance and height, and of course, if the springs are stiffer than allows for neutral compression height, it's going to overcome the nominal sprung weight effect, but if the springs are matched to the weight , as they should be, the shock rate-of travel resistance will set the feel. ever driven a car with blown shocks? it's the softest ride you will ever know, but can't absorb a steep bump at all.