Would like to have some folks who really know what's up with shock absorbers chime in as to what brand and type they would recommend for mild to moderate off road use. The weight of these trucks on the front end really makes things tough on a shock. I really get tired of the side to side bouncing on rough dirt roads. Thanks in advance.

 

if you have the money to spend CARLI is the way to go!, truck will handle and feel better than a 1500 2wd truck, the belsteins certainly allow for wheel travel, my Carli starter kit allows for 10inches of wheel travel, and I get virtually no side to side rocking.yet you can lay it into a corner and the truck does NOT lean. (variable rate springs)
I think you need to address more than just the shocks, the coils allow the wheel to follow the uneven ground, and with the stock stiff suspension it just tosses the truck all over the place.
My advice is to find someone local that has a carli equiped truck and go for a ride. I called 2 different dealers here in Alberta, both offered to allow me to test drive a truck, so I'd guess any of the dealers would do the same.

 

www.the carlisuspension.com 714-532-2798 Their the Best

 

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it. I looked at the Carli website and was shell shocked!! I don't want the truck to run Baja!! I just want to solve some of the front end issues that this truck is known for and to make the truck a good off road performer while solving the side to side bounce that makes me crazy. I don't abuse this truck in any way. I crawl over bad roads and don't intend to jump over them. That being said.I guess I need to establish which components will do what I want without overkill. I know, the obvious is to call the company and talk to them but you guys have actual experience with this stuff so I I'd be interested in knowing what components you went with. Thanks again.

 

Bilstien makes an excellent shock at a reasonable price. Edelbrock also makes a nice shock but is a little more expensive. I personally went with the Edelbrocks because they offered a unique valving for rebounding.

 

you can buy just the pieces you need from carli, I made my own swaybar links from a 96 carivan (cut in 1/2 and weld the carivan and truck ends together) cost me 50$ for 4 swaybar links vice the 240 for new ones.

I just ordered the coils and rear leafs (1100$) thought I could get away with using my orginal shocks, but they were too short, so I bought the bilstiens

there maybe cheaper options out there that will work for you, but likely not as well. Lorenze (spelling) has a starter kit that is susposed to be equal to Carli and Kore, and its much cheaper, I'll see If I can still find a link for ya

 

http://lorenzindustries.com/kits_bilstein_5100.html

heres the link

 

Free lifetime replacement Monroes from the local tire shop work for me.

 

Infidel,
Which monroes are you using? my truck needs shocks badly, I tow 8k almost every time the truck moves, or have shavings or lumber in the back. I am using a very stiff sidewall E rated tire, main concern is load handling ability, and I do work for an auto parts store so I can get monroes at my employee discount! Although would be nice to have it not jar your fillings loose if you do want to drive it to church... ( can't keep my husband out of my truck!)