When my 2013 GTI hit about 90,000 miles I had the shocks/struts changed out to Bilstein B6, great ride quality and I had no intention of ever lowering the car as I commute to a city with terrible roads.
My Truck feels almost as cushy as my dad's 22 TRD Pro. I can hit speed bumps at easily 10mph faster without discomfort, it rides great on forest service roads and has less body roll than stock.
Rancho RS5000X shocks are a great affordable replacement that ride well, just paint the shock bodies to make them last longer and remove the sleeve they put over the shaft.
This may not be super helpful, as Idk if there is a significant difference in how these shocks play due to the V8 suspension geometry and weight, but b8's on intrax springs on my m5 are just about perfect for a daily driver in my experience. My understanding is that the b6 is valved exactly the same as the b8 but has a different shaft length meant for use with standard/non-lowering springs.
Don’t get the cheapest- Brands like KYB and Monroe are ones to consider. Bilstein if you’re feeling fancy and want to spend the extra.
Do not go OEM. At a minimum, put on Bilstein 5100 shocks at stock height and improve ride and lessen nose dive on braking. I got a set of 4 last year for my son's 1999 3rd gen and paid $300 for install $400 for parts. We used the stock 99 tall springs. I put 5100 shocks on my 2011 and lifted the front 2" and put trd springs on the back to level. Way better off road and firmer on road.
5100s all 4 corners, top lift setting in front with 1" taller rear block on my 2008. No, not jarring. Firm in the sense that the weight of the truck is well controlled, but still comfortable. In no way is it harsh.
I just pulled my stock ranchos from my 15 all terrain. They had some life left , surprisingly after 169k miles. I put the 5100’s on, and it’s a world of difference. Ride is way smoother, less bounce.
I did find the b6 to be on the stiffer side. Not full on race car stuff, but definitely "sporty stiff."
They absorb impacts really well, but you're still gonna feel everything.
I tried the 034's as well, had Bilstein B8's with MSS kit adjustable springs. Broke the top stud off the B8's and when I sent them to Bilstein for warranty they blamed the stiffer upper strut bushing.
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