How long do OEM shocks last? I have about 66,000miles on the clock and the shocks have not, to my knowledge, been replaced. I started feeling more of a bumpy ride lately and figure maybe my shocks may need replacing, I also just installed some steel wheels which most likely have added to the bumpy ride. What shocks do you recommend without breaking the bank? Also, can I replace them myself with one hydraulic jack and hand tools? (I'm in college.)

 

I would bet they are ready to be replaced. I did mine in the garage with a floor jack and hand tools, you should have no problem...

As far as what shocks on a budget, I don't know. I went with the bilsteins on my ranger, but they weren't all that cheap...

 

Yep! Very easy to do! You dont even need to jack up the side to get the shock in or out.. but it does make it easier if you can jack up one side or the oher to match the unsprung (strapped) shock, that way you dont mess up and have to push the shock up with your hands if you accidently miss the eyehole :-)

 

So any suggestion on shocks, I want something that will smooth out the ride nicely.

 

City driver = bilstein, offroad driver = KYB monotube


As far as prices, I know the KYB Monotube are sort of spendy, and the bilsteins have a bit of a range for the monotube designs... oh, and go monotube if you can.

 

I would definately put bilstein as offroad shocks...


also, I have about 55k, Ive blown four sets (F+R), one of which I am too lazy to replace...

 

Dude bilstein cant even compare to KYB's. Maybe you like bilsteins b/c thats all you know.
Take 2 same trucks offroad, one with bilsteins and one with KYB's see who has better articulation.
Been there done that.

 

if you dont offroad alot.. Monroe sensitracs will do just fine..

 

I don't off road a lot, but I would rather have something that was capable. A good balance between the two I guess you could say. Keep the suggestions/debate coming.

 

If you still want a good, capable shock, Id go with KYB Gas-A-Justs, still a monotube design intended for use on vehicles with a high center of gravity. Since you hardly tow, haul, or offroad, no need in the MonoMax's. The differences between the MonoMax and the Gas-A-Just is the bore cylinder (MonoMax=2.016" or 51.22mm, Gas-A-Just=1.715" or 43.56mm) and dampening rates (how "hard" it is to compress the shock).

 

Yeah, With those compress rates above ^^^^, I think anyone whos done the KYB Monomax screwed up on the first one and has had to compress it by hand.. holy **** I tell you.. holy ****. lol

 

I sure do wish I knew that strap was there for a reason! Lol

 

Shocks were easy to do. I bought Monroe Reflex shocks and installed the rears myself. Next went to my friends house for the fronts.