shockies

foxxy,

Why not try Rancho RS9000 adjustables? I have had them for 12 years (2 sets) and just soften them for the rough stuff and stiffen for the black top. It takes about 2 min to change them all.
Works for me
Ian

shockies are a little bit like tyres in that everyone has a differing opinion.

For example, I've had the Rancho 9000's on my 80 series and I can't think of a worse shockie for a coil spring vehicle yet the fellow before me swears by them. The reason I think they are terrible is because they only an oil-filled shock and when on corrugated roads they get too hot and become ineffective and are prone to breakage. Gabriel, Koni's and a whole swag of others are the same. However I respect everyone's opinion and am only offering mine. Plenty of others will say different I am sure.

I have found a suspension guy whose opinion I value and trust and have just fitted some of the Raw Nitro Max shocks on his advice (he sells them all). These are a 41mm bore and have gas and oil cartridges to avoid the overheating issue. I can't believe how much of a difference there is in it's handling. In fact my wife, who had no idea the job had been done and is essentially ignorant of such things, actually remarked on how much better the cruiser felt after the first time she drove it with new shocks.

Foxy remember your handling comes from the front and your ride from the back, so maybe a softer shock like maxtracks on the back only will give a better ride. I put monroe magums on the front of the Jack, but as they are firm decided to put maxtracks on the back and its a good combination but still a bit firm on the back, but as I tow thats good.
Cheers Pete

Sadly, the gabriel shocks are not very good anymore.
Maybe back in the 70s they had a good name, but not today.
I would not hesitate in suggesting monroe made shocks to suit your vehicle.
They would be light years ahead than the gabriels.

I had monroe shocks on my hilux, and other 4x4's and thought them to give a good ride, and dampening. Sure there may be better shocks out there, but value for money, I think there good.

Others have good things to say about efs, blistein, arb etc.

Trains

Have a look at the Pajero Club of Vic Forum. There is a lot of discussion on what works for what models, but Dobinsons in Qld will supply a set of shocks and springs for under $1000, and basically almost any ride (soft/hard/raised/etc) required. I have spoken with heaps of people that have them, as well as the proven Lovell springs/Bilstein Shocks treatment. They are both very good for the Paj, just comes down to what YOU want to do and how much YOU are willing to spend. Tough Dog also make some "foam filled" shocks, but have had mixed reports on them.
Craig

I have EFS gas shocks on my troopy and they work quite well, certainly better than the originals.

I have Bilstein on the LC100 and they are excellent though expensive.

In each case they were matched to the springs to try and get the best ride balance in on/off road situtations. I would go with Bilstein again but may try something else in the troopy.