To try and save some time going over the basics, I have quite a bit of past knowledge about shocks. My little 89 4x4 has Rancho RS4000 type shocks on now and they are beating the piss out of me. This is just a hunting rig and maybe sees 500 or so miles a year. I will be hunting for a month and on really bumpy roads. I want to drop back down to more of a stock type shock to get away from the high pressure gas. Just wondering what a decent bump up from OE might be without going to a garbage shock. I'm not apposed to gas, just not the super tough application. Saw Monroe Monroe-matic but am not familiar with them. Any thoughts? thanks!

 

KYB's are a good brand. They are standard replacements for my 90 4runner. Good priced, wont hurt your wallet.

 

bilstein or doetsch shocks. expensive, but well worth the money.

 

I got Gabriel Max Control 77479 (Compressed 9.04", Extended 14.14"):
Here's what lead me to choosing it: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post52142332

So did Nervo19: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post52371578

Cory85's got Gabriels, too: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199.../#post52351934

Since Nov 2013 truck's taken me from So Cal to Point Reyes twice, to Big Sur twice, To Utah, on Route 66 to Texas, and back... and all over So Cal, of course. No complaints.

 

I have a old old set of Rancho's on the front, they actually are broken........ Out back I have bilstiens and man are they stiff. I remember the factory shocks as being just as unpleasant.
Best I figure is a cheap set of ride adjustable Rancho's ; but do not expect them to be of better than bottom of the barrel performance or life. Pro-Comps are made in China, and deliver legendary Chinese performance & life. They are best for In-laws.

Truly; I want to go to those offroad racing type bypass shocks so I can get a smooth ride that's compliant with the terrain but doesn't require a kidney belt.

Good luck; I have not found a decent set in years. Just do the board a favor and let us know what you bought and if they actually work for you.

 

Bilstein's can be pretty rough compared to stock although it is a better shock. It's just too stiff for my liking. I have them on my Tacoma and if it weren't for the Chevy leafs in the back I wouldn't have as smooth and soft a ride as I do. I've heard Doetsch shocks are real soft but have not heard a lot about them. Want to try them out though. They always come up when you search old threads about shocks.

 

Avoid KYB Gas-a-just shocks. Very stiff.
KYB GR-2 are closer to stock but a little stiffer than stock.