I am looking at replacing my shocks in the near future and am researching what to replace my OEM shocks with. My '93 pickup is a 2WD with stock suspension (no lift). I do not off-road with this truck - it always stays on pavement. I would like a smooth ride but still feel like I have control. I am not necessarily disappointed with the OEM shocks, but, if I can get a better ride from something else, why not...

I've heard many rave about Bilsteins (Heavy-Duty OEM replacements), but is that overkill for just highway travel? Are they really worth the $60 per shock price or is it just great marketing?

I've heard others recommend Tokico and KYB, though, to a lesser extent. I know Toyota usually valves their shocks a little softer than aftermarket performance shocks so maybe sticking with OEM is the way to go.

Any thoughts?

Are OEM replacements going to cost you less than $60 a piece? That might be the way to go since you know what to expect in terms of ride quality and they will bolt right in place. I have heard nothing but praise for Bilstiens from the 4WD crowd, however I do not have them on my own truck.

I do have Bilstiens on my car and have used KYBs on a couple of different cars in the past and have always been impressed. I've been less impressed with Tokico but that is just my personal experience.

I am in agreement with you. I can get the OEM shocks for about $25 a piece from the dealer. The more I think about it, I think the OEM shocks might be the way to go. What's the point of having performance shocks if your application will never realize their benefit? Thanks for your feedback, Harry.

I really like the new KYB Monomax shocks I just got.
too bad it's not 4wd -- I have a brand new set of the KYB Gas-a-just shocks in the garage that were a lifetime replacement for my old set before I got the monomax.

Anyway, KYBs are nice. they're firm but not rough and very nicely priced -- around $38 for the Gas-a-just, and about $50 for the Monomax. for your application, I'd say Gas-a-just. it's all I've run on any of my vehicles over the past 8 years once I discovered them after looking for a set for my old '86 2wd Toyota.