for an off-the-shelf pavement oriented item I'd say KONI's are top choice. but they tend to be quite spendy, so maybe look at Bilstein, Tokico or KYB Gas-A-Just. if budget is a real concern then ProComps can satisfy.

look at CoxImport for some price comparisons, but there are plenty other dealers out there.

Our 2003 Rodeo has had Rancho 9000X shocks almost since day 1 and no regrets whatsoever. The Number 5 setting seems to work well for very solid control on the highway. They all but eliminated the pronounced brake dive that the flaccid OEM shocks produced.

if you like a stiff, bonejarring ride, for sure go with the 5000's....




.....



....er... i mean..... bone jarring for the 1st 500 or so miles. Then they loosen up and are a darn good shock. I love em, but will go with something a little bit nicer later on, like the 9000.
Oh, and most all these shocks can be found on www.independent4x.com
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Can anuybody recomend some shocks for both on/off road use with a 3+ inch lift. Not something to expensive and not something to cheap either.

I have the EXPLORER PRO COMP ES-9000 NITROGEN GAS STABALIZED SHOCKS offered at independant4X.com and I think they are great. Stiff on the road and very responsive.

I run Pro-Comp ES3000's and have been very happy with them for the price.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

I was going to get the ProComp ES3000s until I heard compelling evidence that they are a rebadged Rancho 5000 which are too stiff for a Rodeo IMO; i.e. a shock that works well on a heavy vehicle or under a heavy payload to be smooth. Once again I'll give kudos to the Skyjacker Hydros. Matt at indy4x personally recommended these over the ProComp ES3000s for my situation, and my goals sound 99% like the original poster's. Can't see these shocks disappointing.... they reduced brake dive, cornering is much more stable, and I'm not dodging stupid little potholes anymore cause they just soak em right up.

I don't know if anyone has told you but an isuzu rodeo isn't exactly a light weight either.. Rancho 5000s probably won't be too stiff by any means.. But I was not pleased with mine because they weren't stiff enough.. Granted I have some huge lift and really flexy springs but still.. No one has yet mentioned the Doetch Techs ... if I could spell it. Anyhow, I love mine. The 8000s are nice and stiff. For an IFS rig you probably wouldn't need the 8000s... but there are many different varieties.

That's a new one on me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Andre

Interesting to me that you mentioned that name, I just read that on the back of my Calmini shocks the other day well I was working under there. I guess that's who makes the shocks for Calmini.

Now I'm not completely sure if it's my Calmini springs(not to likely cuz those are only in the rear with stock t-bars in the front) or my Calmini(Doetch Tech) shocks, but my 98 rides very rough. My guess is it's the shocks.