there are soo many different brands and styles to choose from. I have a 88 K1500, the shocks are probably 10 years old, time for new ones. I want some decent shocks that will take a little off roading, but wont make me go broke buyin them. any suggestions from experiance?

 

I have used rancho many times, good price and hold up well.

 

Monroe Reflex shocks that fit your application, (mono tube). Monroe and Rancho's are exactly the same, execpt for the $$$.

 

I also like the Monroe Reflex

 

The best shocks are from Bilstein (http://http://www.bilstein.com/)!
Over here in Germany we only sell Bilstein to our customers, cause the quality is the best! - I just bought a new air ride system for my '01 Suburban. Got a new compressor, sensors and even Bilstein shocks for the front and rear. COuldn't believe it when I found 'em!
Monroe is good too, and Rancho got a great price-quality value - but if it isn't that much more I would prefer Bilstein for sure!
If you are searching for a whole air ride system, or the homemade shocks (in which i belive they have to be as goog as Bilstein's - otherwise they won'T cooperate...) just pm me and I will help you finding 'em

 

What i have found reading into shocks is that Bilstein is the way to go they are reasonabley priced and ride smooth with a good life span

 

ranchos are a little bumpy at slow speeds on the road.
off road they are great
and just as smooth/smoother as a chevy stock suspension when above 50 on the highway.
though i dont know anything about bilsteins

 

I just put the reflex's on my 01 1500 I also have them on my 08 Dodge mega and my 05 Durango they ride great. I got them off of amazon.

 

I just put on Bilstein 5100's on my 2003 Silverado 1500 work truck.
Immediately noticed a 100% improvement in ride..Would highly recommend.
The 5100's are not painted but are plated a silver and blue color. They will allow for lift should you decide to go that way.
The Bilstein HD's are colored yellow and blue (painted not plated), and I don't believe they can be used on any lift..only stock height....So I went for the 5100's..happy as can be.
Good luck

 

I had Bilsteins on the wife's Trailblazer from the factory . The front struts went bad at around 50,000 miles. I replaced them with Monroe. I also have Monroe's on my Silverado and they have lasted for over 90,000 miles and are still good. I have heard many people rave about Bilstein, but you get more for your money with Monroe!.