Shock recommendations?

[Ramblin Fever]

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?

[rodeo02]

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

[Ramblin Fever]

Will they hold up with running bigger tires?

Have you tried them with repetative mild off-roading?

[todds21]

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

[Super 95.5 Rodeo]

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

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

[todds21]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

Great, thank you!

[jimstl99]

Originally Posted by todds21

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

[drmp]

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

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!

[tygger]

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

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.

[Ramblin Fever]

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.

[tygger]

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!

[Ramblin Fever]

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.