Opinion question - alternative for Bilstein 4600 shocks

[98v70dad]

My 23 year old 96 3.0L ranger 2wd xlt needs new shocks. It has the originals and its very "boaty" and slightly uncontrolled to the point of being a little dangerous feeling on the highway. I like bilsteins (wish they were black). I had them on my 20 year old volvo and they transformed the ride. The price kind of kills me though. My truck will do at least 90% highway and around town as a daily driver on the interstate and 5% (at most) forest service roads but no serious off roading. Once a year I might fill the bed up with 1/3 of a cord of firewood.

Any good suggestions for a shock that will do the job, give me a decent ride on the highway and maybe a little cheaper than the 300+ the bilsteins will cost me? I don't have much free time so I want to put them on and have them last a long time.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Take a look at the KYB line up. I can't believe the "gas a just" line wouldn't be everything you expect from a shock.

 

[Ranger850]

I like bilsteins (wish they were black).

You can paint them with a can of black spray paint

 

[Dirtman]

I use kyb's on my work truck and they ride good for half the price of bilstiens.

 

[98v70dad]

I like bilsteins (wish they were black).

You can paint them with a can of black spray paint

Yes, you could. One more project on my list of about 10 unfinished items though.