which shocks

[ChrisA]

We have a fresh from japan 1995 Bighorn that has some questionable handling traits.We mainly use it on twisty country roads & corrugated metal roads.The standard shocks seem only fit for city running,what aftermarket shocks do other members recommend.

[geeves]

A lot of people use KYB shocks which are cheap and as Supercheap are an agent easily obtained. There are also Tokico shocks which is the same brand as original but 10 year younger technoligy.
These would be the closest to std replacments but you will get a big improvement as shocks do have a limited life.
Then there is the Munro adventure and rancho 5000 or 9000 series if you want something a little better.
You can get Kone and Bilstene shocks but realy only for show. They are better but not enough to justify the price.
Thats the common ones there is probably 50 others just as good.
Before spending money on shocks it would be good to do a few checks on the rest of the truck first. What tyre presures do you have and what size tyres. Soft of hard tyres dont do much for handling From your description Im guessing soft If on 235 tyres try 35psi if they are 265 or 31x10.5x15 try 32.
Have a mechanic check the suspension for play in the bushes and ball joints Also chech the front right chassis for cracks around the lower A arm.
Also remember this is not a car but a 2 ton truck with a high center of gravity Its going to handle different.It may be just getting used to it

[Paaji]

I have recently installed a set of Ranco RS9000x in my 94. Running std wheels/tyres now, but am in the process of getting a set of 31" mudders for off-road work.

I am very impressed with these shocks, as they are 9 position adjustable, so I can set the level of damping required. Has made a huge difference to the handling and ride of the truck, compared to the TJM XGS set that was on previously.

J

[ChrisA]

Thanks for the imfo,I hope we don't have the cracks etc as it has only 46000k's on the clock ,though it isn't always a true indicator of use.We were replacing a very tired 88 Bighorn with tired Munro's.On corrugations it was like driving on ice with the axle tramp.It still handled quite well but it only had about 50kw's to unsettle any shocks.