New shocks. What to get?

[Niklas1]

I need to change the shocks on my Sport Trac XLT 4wd 2003, and I don’t know what to get. I would prefer a little firmer ride so it feels nicer att speed. Although I can’t say that I know how they feel when new since it was 10 years old when I got it and it might be the original shocks still on it.

Since I live in the cold socialist utopia of Sweden I don’t have much to choose from in the country and I have a hard time finding stuff in the EU when I google. So what I have looked at so far is:

Gabriel Load Carrier Shocks 43171 Because I hope they will help a bit if my leafs are tired, and maybe when I have a bit of a load in the bed. Or should I choose something else?
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/gab-43171/overview/

Front:
KYB Excel G or Bilstein 24-021333 if they are so much better that the price can be justified. KYB Gas-a-just are more expensive than Bilstein around here it seems.

I could go Bilstein both front and rear if it makes a big difference or will last longer.

Edit: Bilsteins are out of stock

 

[ptf18]

Welcome to the forum. I'll give you my .02 what I do. I purchase "quality" shocks (name brand) with a lifetime warranty. I then change them out for the "free" replacement.

My suggestion is to purchase a "quality" shock. I doubt that the average S/T owner/driver is going to "use" ALL the attributes featured in the high dollar/high performance shock. SO... purchase a "quality" shock and change them when you feel its time to do so.

 

[snowhunter]

I've been looking for a better shock for mine, currently running Ranchos for the past year, but want something with a leveling/lifting component to help take pressure off torsion twist and to improve off-road capability.

There are some great coilover shocks out there, I just don't know which ones to get.