Suggestions for new shockers please

Hi all,
My TD5 90 with about 45,000 on it has front suspension that oscilates when it hits those Berkshire potholes. I figure the shockers are knackered, especially as all four of them have the early signs of oil stains on the lower tubes.

It's under dealer warranty as I bought it back in February but neither the shockers or thermostat is covered. (another job). So I'm going to get some replacements. I'm working on a budget and was hoping to pay around say £50-60 quid a pair, max £150 a set inc. vat.

usage:
Well at least 80-90% of the time I'm on the road, but they are pretty shocking (sorry for the pun) in Berkshire, potholes and bodged repairs all over the place. I'm also planning some expeditions, but not across the Saraha just more bad roads around Europe really. I also wanted to get them with gaitors to keep the crud out. And on the rear shockers would like external resevoirs as I'm likely to be doing some serious towing. I'm thinking big caravan and possibly depending on how work goes a portable workshop type trailer which would be heavy also. I also do some trials but only milder / part course RTV and hoping for some green lanes and Tyro later in the year.


So over to the experts, which ones do you recommend?

Many thanks for any advice offered.

Graham

So you want a shock to do EVERYTHING? Its just not going to happen. Remote reservoir shocks are pretty expensive so you can rule them out.

I run terrafirma shocks which are pretty good. old man emu are meant to be good, but i think they are overpriced. toughdog are good, not sure on price though.

Hi Griff,
I've spent half the night on the Internet searching but not to much effect. The Terrafirmas seem a sound bet at the money at about £60 an axle, but there seems little choice beyond that. The ToughDogs come in at about £100 an axle with shipping off eBay, not that I can find any for a Defender. Monroe have some interesting ones but they won't fit a TD5. Emu are over £160 an axle. Bilstein B6 Sport are recommended and they range from €136 to €150 plus VAT each.

More research needed, magazine based I think. I couldn't find anything in the threads here either, fitting yes but part selection no.

Thanks for the help.
Graham

Well, I have had little experience apart from Decarbons which were great on road and okish offroad. The old shcool way was to fit Procomp ES9000's all round but somone said they have gone bust but that could just be a roumour. I am assuming your 90 has a standard suspension setup and no lift. Terrafirma seem good for the price.

Griffdowg, How long does your shocks last for your overland trips? Interested cos when we used to do 8 hour trips over rough terrain the shocks would only last a few hours or mabe 2 trips if you were really careful.

Jzcktv, If you plan on towing alot would suggest HD rear springs with decarbons but this will not help you much when trialing but it will be quite nice on the road and for towing.

Jai