I need new shocks. I read about monotube. Some say they are just better shocks than the conventional twin tube ones. Others say they are actually harsh on the ride. My 97 RWD will not see dirt road, no hauling, no heavy cargo, just rough pavement of Dallas. Ride comfort on a road with potholes is my primary goal. Thank you.

 

i'm running the fox 2.0 shocks on the front and back of my 4x4 2001 crew cab. i would recommend them to anyone. it rides so incredibly nice. the only issue is the tiny stock size tires; so the small bumps aren't absorbed by the tires/sidewall flex.

i will never buy another set of twin tube shocks. its old technology that IMO is worthless as soon as the oil heats up

 

Thank you for sharing your experience. I will buy monotubes and find out myself. Just not as expensive as Fox.

 

if youre looking at Bilstein they'll be a stiffer ride. bilstein valving is normally a bit on the stiff side for most people.

 

Be sure to check Rockauto as there are several brands including Motorcraft to choose from. For the daily driver section, they seem to average around $35 for what I assume are a pair.

 

Gabriel monotube (front) has the right price point for me, $45 each at Rockauto. They don't have rear. My shocks are so worn out that any replacement shock will ride better. It will be my first monotube. Thank you for suggestions.

 

Do the Bilstein 5100, the Monroe are a terrible shock and are worse than OE.

 

Update. Removed old gas charged front shocks. 10+ years old but only 30k miles; definitely got softer (pushed in easier, one side more than the other), but still functional. Put new Gabriel monotube shocks in. Ride got noticeably improved but not drastically. What if I had bought the twin tube type? I cannot answer the question.

 

twin tubes fade from heat almost immediately. monotubes do not. its a superior shock. I'm not sure those Gabriel's are up to what a Bilstein provides but if youre happy thats all that matters.

 

Good to know I made the right choice with the type, monotube vs twin tube. Bilstein would be over $100 whereas Gabriels were under $100. If someone finds a significant difference, I will not be surprised.