Best truck shocks?

[280Z Turbo]

My dad's Dakota needs new shocks. Gravel roads feel like ice. Small road imperfections upset the chasis and kick the tail out. It bounces and jounces over hilly roads. It dives hard under braking.

It's a '98 with 100,000 and it seems to be getting worse. Rather than put on some weak Monroes or KYBs, I'd rather put on something on that will effectively damp the springs and make it a little less wallowy and soft. Are Ranchoss good?

These are the shocks I'm looking at:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RAN%2DRS5609&N=700+4294907880+4294925130+4294839061+4294924677+4294907048+4294919396+4294881948+115&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RAN%2DRS5147&N=700+4294907880+4294925130+4294839061+4294924677+4294907048+4294919396+4294881948+115&autoview=sku

I see that there are also KYB GR-2s, KYB Gas a Justs, KYB Monomax, Bilstein, etc. What's the best bang for the buck?

1998 Dodge Dakota
Stock ride height
2WD

[Pancor]

Hmmmm, not much people put this much thought into new shocks on an unmolested truck.  I'd say anything from a good name should do the trick. 

[280Z Turbo]

The handling is so bad. My dad and I don't like that floaty bouncy feel, but we don't want a choppy ride either.

[280Z Turbo]

After a little research I'm thinking these:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=KYB-KG54321

These are only a little more, but aparently have a stiffer ride:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=KYB-565049

I'm not sure which are better.

[S204STi]

Hmm, not sure personally since I'm not into the truck scene but KYB seems to be pretty much OE replacement; similar or slightly improved performance over stock.  It should meet your goals without breaking the bank.

Naturally Bilstein and Rancho seem to be the high end stuff, but those may be overkill. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

You should probably get Rancheros, because everyone with a truck who is cool has Rancheros.

[S204STi]

You should probably get Rancheros, because everyone with a truck who is cool has Rancheros.

You mean Rancho?  I think the Ranchero was the Ford version of the El Camino...

[Eye of the Tiger]

You mean Rancho?  I think the Ranchero was the Ford version of the El Camino...

I meant Canyonero

[280Z Turbo]

Hmm, not sure personally since I'm not into the truck scene but KYB seems to be pretty much OE replacement; similar or slightly improved performance over stock.  It should meet your goals without breaking the bank.

Naturally Bilstein and Rancho seem to be the high end stuff, but those may be overkill. 

I've read that Ranchos are cheap shocks that fail to impress.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I've read that Ranchos are cheap shocks that fail to impress.

I have only heard good things of Bilsteins.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I have to say, when I put a set of $20 Monroes on my '79 Chevy, it turned it into a sports car.

[280Z Turbo]

I have only heard good things of Bilsteins.

Definately. Bilsteins are great from all I've heard.

[MaxPower]

I put Bilsteins in my Tacoma when I needed replacements.  I basically chose them because Bilstein sources the TRD shocks for Toyota.  I like 'em...can't say that I have any complaints!

I also heard anecdotal rumors from some friends that like to off-road about Ranchos sucking on Tacomas, so I really didn't consider them.

[280Z Turbo]

We went with KYB Gas-A-Justs. Not the stiffest shock KYB has, but not the softest either.

Hopefully they will get rid of the bouncey bounce without making it choppy and harsh.

[Eye of the Tiger]

We went with KYB Gas-A-Justs. Not the stiffest shock KYB has, but not the softest either.

Hopefully they will get rid of the bouncey bounce without making it choppy and harsh.

Gas-A-Justs rule! I have a pair brand new in the box for a k-car, and they still work like new!!!!

[280Z Turbo]

Gas-A-Justs rule! I have a pair brand new in the box for a k-car, and they still work like new!!!!

Use them on your Jetta. You need more damping and stiffer springs on the driver's side.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Use them on your Jetta. You need more damping and stiffer springs on the driver's side.

You're going to need some new shocks on your face when I get through with you. 

[Danish]

Use them on your Jetta. You need more damping and stiffer springs on the driver's side.

[Eye of the Tiger]

go away

[Danish]

go away

?

[Eye of the Tiger]

?

.

[Danish]

You're not making any sense!

[Eye of the Tiger]

You're not making any sense!

neither is this!

[Danish]

I hate you