Shock recommendations?

Currently have the KYB Gas-adjust, good grief I HATE them.

Put them on about 3 yrs ago per recommendation as the OEM shocks couldn't control slightly bigger tires.

Tires are definitely being held to the road, but this truck rides like a tank. I like a stiff suspension, but sometimes this feels too harsh.

Looking for a shock that provides good control, I do tow somewhat, and this truck does get it's share of mild off-roading.

Is there a middle-road shock between the too soft of OEM and the too tank-wannabe?

You've prolly heard it a million times around here, but monroe sensa-tracs work well. They are a good softer ride shock. Can usually be had for around $25/ea.
G/luck
Joel

Will they hold up with running bigger tires?

Have you tried them with repetative mild off-roading?

I am running the Bilsteins on my 97 rodeo and it was a huge improvement over stock.

I have been using Bilsteins as well for the last 145000 miles. Just changed all of them out. Probably didn't need to but I thought 145000 miles on one set of shocks was enough. I run Michelin LTX-M/S 265/70/R16's on my 95.5 Rodeo 4WD. These shocks handle real well on and off road.

Do you find the Bilstein's "harsh" or just stiff?

Do you find the Bilstein's "harsh" or just stiff?

I don't think they are harsh at all. I think they are great running down the highway or out in the woods.

Great, thank you!

I am running the Bilsteins on my 97 rodeo and it was a huge improvement over stock.

I have to agree that they were a HUGE improvement over any shock that I have had on my 94'. I replaced a set of Monroe-Matic's and am very happy. Ride is firm - but not harsh. Much more controlled. I also run them with the 265/70/16 size tire.

Jim

I have been through a total of 4 sets of shocks on my '99 HondaPassport.

1. OEM = floaty, hard on the potholes.
2. Bilstein = Excellent on sharps turns, handles potholes easily, a little too stiff for my taste esp on long drives.
3. Monroe-matic = Performs about 80% of Bilstein's capability, less stiff than bilstein but not rugged enough to handle the rough stuff (continues potholes). Ended with weak shocks and one busted.
4. Tokico Trekmaster = Not your ordinary shocks, it is also expensive (same price as bilstein), the best in ride smoothness, excellent rebound control, feels very stable at high speed without the stiff ride. I love Tokico trekmaster, the best investment for my SUV.

Good to see new members aboard, welcome!

Wish I also had a Trooper keeping my Rodeo company - good to see someone with 2 Isuzu's!

Ok, I'm a newbie so please give me a break :D

I have a 97 Rodeo and have seen the front shocks. Don't really remember what the rears look like, but are there shocks back there?

Also, where's the best place to buy new shocks?

Thanks and sorry for the stupid question.

Not a stupid question at all.

Yes, your truck does call for 4 shocks. I'm guessing you should have 2 in the back already, unless you're getting one heck of a flimsy, out of control ride.

They are somewhat hard to see just from a glance. I know on my 97, I have to get down low, almost getting my head in under the back of the truck to see, especially if you have a low hanging hitch and/or mud flaps.

If it were me, and the front shocks have been on a while, and/or have been the only 2 on the truck for quite some time, you're better off just getting all 4 new shocks.

I paid $188 for all 4 shocks of the Tokico Trekmaster series, delivery included.

I mostly took DRMP's advise, as he has had 3 or 4 sets of different shocks and had the response of all the shocks I had been contemplating.

What ever you do, do NOT get the KYB's - they have been the worst things ever.

Thank for the reply. I bought it used at 65k miles and now have about 110k miles. I've never replaced the shocks and don't know if the previous owner had done so. The truck feels very floaty and unstable when hitting bumps in the road. I'm still researching which shocks I want to go with, but not sure where the best place to buy online is.

Just from a quick search, it seems like a lot of people like Monroe Sensatracs. If I could find a good online source, I would be able to compare prices...

Thanks again!

I would only go with Monroe Sensa-tracks if you're mainly an on-road, no towing vehicle.

If you tow at all, or hit dirt/mild trials "constantly", you're better off with a slightly heavier duty shock.

Another thing to remember, the original styled Rodeo's, pre-98's, weigh more then the 98+ years. So what may work and be best for the 98+ posters, may not be what works for the 97 & earlier years.

Does anyone have any experience w/ those Rancho 9000s? If so, what model number did you use and which year rodeo, and also, how much suspension lift?

From my research, they (the Rancho's) don't make the front shocks for the 96-97 model years. They only make the rears, or I would've gotten the 5000's to try.

The Sensa-Tracs are looking pretty good to me at about $40ea. :)

I wonder how they compare to the Rancho 5000's at about $50 ea, but I'll rule them out if they don't make fronts...


I don't know if this is the best place, but it's one of the first links to come up when I searched.

http://www.car-stuff.com/monroe/parts.php?make=isuzu&year=1997&model=rodeo&submodel=&enginetype=v6&enginesize=3-dot-2&part_name=shock_absorber

A set of front and rear Sensa-Tracs for got $156.14 shipped.

I also wonder if the Monroe Reflexes are any better or worth the extra money. They can be had at the same place for $183.98 shipped.

I got my Monroe Sensatracs from Pepboys for $25 or 35 a piece. I just asked the guy if there was a cheaper price, and he said he'd give me the shop price that they sell to mechanics.

I bought some Pro Comp ES 9000 for $100 for all 4 of them. They are great on road, but I bought them for the off-road scene. They are a massive improvment over the stock 92 shocks. I highly recomend them if you want to go off-road

megavolt, Do you know how much they sell the sensatracs for at regular price? I'm not too great of a haggler, doubt they'll give the "shop" price.

92rodeoksu, Where did you buy them from? I will only be doing ON road driving :) So maybe the sensatracs are a better fit for me. ???

I would not get Pro-comp's, Bilsteins, Rancho's, or KYB's if you're just using your truck for the road. These are designed for stiffness, and may give you a harder ride then you'd like.

I don't recommend KYB's for "anything"! :disappoin They'll give you a ride you won't forget.

If you tow, I'd recommend the Bilsteins, or Tokico trek-master's.

For your every day driving, no towing or carrying loads, then I'd recommend what the majority is using - the sensa-tracks!

Check out Firestone stores, they may have good deals.

Thank Ramblin.

I just saw in the weekly ad that Sears is running a special. I called and they said that the Sensa-tracs for a Rodeo is $45ea w/ free installation. So for a total of $180 plus tax, I can get these installed and save myself hours since I've never done this before.

You think that's a good deal? Instead of ordering them for $156, just pay about $30 more for them installed?

megavolt, Do you know how much they sell the sensatracs for at regular price? I'm not too great of a haggler, doubt they'll give the "shop" price.

92rodeoksu, Where did you buy them from? I will only be doing ON road driving :) So maybe the sensatracs are a better fit for me. ???

I think it was around $40 a piece.

tygger, i wish i had gone with that deal sears has. i paid $39.99 per and spent 4 hours installing them today.