4X4 Shocks???

[knsmodels]

Do the type of shocks I run on my K10 really going to effect the ride?? Should I just get any old gas shock or is there something out there that actually makes a difference in the ride? The reason I ask is that before I restored my truck I was still running the originals from 72 and they worked fine....drove the truck a few times without the shocks and there is not much difference other than a little bouncy on the bumps.....Thanks for any input...Paul K

[special-K]

I think the benefit of the off-road brands is mostly found when running hard on rough terrain.Like a shock test in a lab.They`re designed not to heat up(gas/fluids)or cavitate.I don`t 4-wheel like that.Gas shocks can be too stiff.Adjustable is nice.I`m running Rancho RS9000X shocks on my`Burb(softest setting).I ran Hecko hydraulic(non-gas)shocks,contrary to the trend,on an`84 K/30(diesel)with a Superlift 4"lift(not soft)and it rode real nice.It was smooth with excellant control.It didn`t jar and would give one recoil then back to smooth over bumps.My Highlander has shock that are way shot.It`s not too bad of a ride,but it mostly effects the cotrol.

[special-K]

Just had a thought.It seems a good general rule woulld be,Soft springs,stiffer shocks/harder springs,softer shocks.At least that`s been my observation for a 4wd that is mostly driven on the road.My`Burb has soft springs(EZ-Rides)and I run on the soft setting.It gives some roll,but still better than stock.All leaf springs are pretty stiff on the road,even the flexier ones.