Need Advice on Choosing Shocks

Hey guys. I got my truck running pretty great. Now I need to upgrade my shocks. I was going to do the front end first than the rear. I'm hoping to order from RockAuto and pick up my parts at the border. I like their prices and speed.
I don't know a lot about shocks, but I do know that I drive a bike so I'm used to weaving around slow cars pretty often. I will likely use this truck to do a long road trip here and there. I also work at a woodworking sales place so I plan to haul a heavy machine here or there. I don't plan to do much off roading, but if there is an obstical in the way I want to be able to deal with it.
I guess what I'm saying is, I want an all purpose truck with capabilities of hauling as much as this little truck can.
I will probably replace the leaf springs in the future as well.
I was looking at the Rancho RS5000 series shocks for this truck. But, are these shocks more for off road than a heavy load. RockAuto has them under the "Heavy Load" catagory.

I've been reading a bunch online, but I feel I need advice from more familiar B2200 drivers.

If you only haul occasionally, there is no need for a shock like that. The factory shocks will suit you fine.
The shock is not carrying the load, it just dampens bounce.

I prefer a stiffer shock, and have KYB on all four corners. If I find stiffer than that, I'll be replacing them again, but most people want a smoother ride.

I got the monroe max air shocks on the rear of my truck. They are air assisted, i hook up an air compressor to the air chuck i put in the rear bumper and it lifts the truck up about 2". Rock auto does not show it fitting my 93 B2200, but i used the part number for an 88. They were only $20 or so more than regular monroes for the set.

I have Gabriel Ultra on the back and KYB on the front - I couldn't get Gabriel Ultra for the front. I would definitely go with KYB all-around, I like them much better and definitely better than most "cheaper" brands/shocks.

Order from Rock Auto, they have the best price and they will come fairly quickly.

Dan

So if I were to go with KYB, the Gas A Just seem to be the better purchase, right?

If the shocks just dampen the bounce, how do the heavy duty shocks benefit? Do they just keep the rear of the truck higher during heavy hauls?

If I were to buy the KYB's what would be my max load I could carry. If I started hauling heavier loads more frequently would I be wearing out these shocks sooner?

If I were to buy new leaf springs for my application where would I look to purchase?

Shocks have nothing to do with ride height and weight hauling capacity - unless you get Air-adjustable shocks. These trucks aren't rated very high. My stock truck will start to sag at 4-500lbs.

How much are you planning to haul?

Yes, Gas-Adjust is the one you want.

The truck is rated as a Heavy-Half Ton. With that said, I have overloaded mine several times.

Great! Thanks guys for the tips. I ordered the kyb. I'd say the max I will be hauling is about 600 lbs. probably not as often as I think.

Did someone say overloaded? Lol



Went about 10KM across the city like this, tried to avoid stops as it was hard on the clutch to slip to get moving, and it was icy so brakes only really stopped the speedo from registering. I did out drag a minivan though, but I don't think they were racing. Yes, I was pulling the boat and the 4X4 quad.

Who said rotary's don't have torque?

Oh, forgot to add, the quad in the back is about 550lbs - 600lbs as it sits there, the boat is about 2500lbs, and about 10% (250lbs) weight on the hitch. My rear airbags are at about 110PSI.

If you're thinking about rear shocks, might also be a good time to check/replace the leaf spring bushings. Mine were worn through ('88 B2200, 204K), replaced them in 2014.