First, how do you know if you need new ones? Mine do not leak but it seems that the ride is more harsh. I feel bumps a lot more. The vehicle is about to turn 80,000 miles. Tires are Michelin M/S
Second, if ya can't afford Bilsteins , what is the next best choice? This vehicle does very llittle off roading. Gets me where I hunt and fish so there is usually at least a trail of sorts. Most miles are on paved road.Appreciate your advice.

 

If you are still running the stock shocks after 80k I would say it's probably time for new ones. I am running Pro Comp es3000's, they are fairly cheap and work well enough in my opinion. While you are at it you might want to upgrade your steering stablilizer as well. Pro comp makes a direct bolt on replacement.

 

If those are your orginal shocks it wouldn't be to unreasonable to suggest new ones. I have been told a good way to test your shocks, this is serious even though you may look silly to onlookers, is to jump on the bumpers. Stand on the bumper at each of the four corners and start bouncing up and down to simulate a very bumpy road. Get it so it is bouncing pretty good and then jump off when the shock is at its lowest point. If the truck stops moving almost immediatly after then your shocks are Ok. Hope this helps.

 

Tthanks guys. just curious, but why wouldn't you use OEM shocks? If the originals were good enough to last so long,why not?

 

OEM's are likely more expensive than Bils.

How much do you think Bils cost? They aren't all that bad (around $65 each)

 

Another test:

When you hit a bump (railroad tracks, speedbump, whatever) the shocks should go down, come back up and then settle. If they keep bouncing up and down, the shocks need to be replaced. HTH