Moose,

It didn't take me much longer than Dave to order some new shocks for my `97 Rodeo (bought used at 60K-miles). --- The shocks on mine were likely pretty weak when it was new, but by the time I got it, they were just plain wimpy.

I opted for the Rancho 9000s, front and rear, and have loved them! --- As Dave said, it's the adjustability of the 9000s that make them so popular with the off-road crowd... And with the new 9000X model, you can choose from among NINE different stiffness settings, from Cadillac Deville/limousine-soft, to Conestoga Wagon/bone-jarringly harsh. --- On-road or off-road, a set of adjustable Ranchos will allow you pick the setting that's right for your own personal driving style, the load you're carrying, and/or the conditions and obstacles that you're facing.

If you're planning on wheeling it, even if only occasionally, you may want to have yourself a good look at these things. --- They were the very first modification that I did on mine, and I still believe them to be the best mod for the money, so far. (Well, either that, or my new Cooper STTs... but the shocks were a whole lot cheaper! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> )

BTW, I generally run mine quite a bit more toward the Conestoga Wagon settings, irrespective of whether I'm on or off-road. --- The way I see it, whether I'm crawling over rocks, or apex hunting on Interstate off ramps... in a lifted SUV, that's fitted with over-sized mud tires... Hey, I need all of the added suspension stiffness I can get! <img border="0" alt="[Pirate]" title="" src="graemlins/bppirate.gif" />

[/Unsolicited & Uncompensated Product Testimonial]

HTH
Cheers!
Smiley <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

<small>[ April 29, 2003, 10:11 AM: Message edited by: early_cave_drawings ]</small>