shock absorbers

[Yarek]

My truck has 129k miles on it, made in 2000, although the model year is 2001. It appears that all 4 shocks are original. The truck is bouncy, and so I think I gotta get those replaced. Seems like easy-enough job for one afternoon, with one bourbon, one scotch and one beer...

I found several brands, namely Monroe ($160 for a set), Bilstein (~$285!), Detroit axle ($90), OCPTY? ($93), TRQ, Maxorber (~$100), KYB ($142).

Often times you get what you pay for, but just because you blow extra money on something, isn't a guarantee that the stuff is actually good.

Did you all have a particularly good or bad luck with your replacement shocks? What brand did you go with? I replaced shocks in my car with KYB, and my wife's car has Monroes. So far so good. I will be taking this truck off-road a bit, and I wonder if spending double the money on Bilstein is actually worth it.

The job seems to be easy, anything particular I need/need to know to get it done, other than a cold beer, WD-40 and a torque wrench?

 

[Spike95]

Bilsteins are excellent shocks. That’s what I have. When you consider that you’re going to live with those shocks for over 50,000 miles, the added price doesn’t seem as large... But any shock will feel better than your old shot ones. If you’re on a tight budget, the Monroes would probably be fine.

 

[Yarek]

Thanks! I totally agree that in long term it really pays to get quality stuff. I just never heard of that brand and wasn't sure if it's really that good. Like I said: you get what you pay for, except sometimes people artificially inflate the price of their product to make people feel better about buying it, and you still get junk. Cheap stuff on the other hand, is usually junk. No miracles on that end of the spectrum.

Again: appreciate the reply.

Just ordered the Bilstein set. With CA sales tax it's $311. I hope my wife will appreciate the cushier ride