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I am currently on Medium Duty OME's with Rancho RSX shocks. I have around 50k miles on them. The KJ has become a complete mall crawler. I don't think I have ever actually had it offroad since I installed the "real" lift - last time it was offroad I was on a spacer lift with stock shocks/springs!
I live in MI, so needless to say, the roads are shit. Especially when it cools down in the winter (or maybe it's just the suspension stiffening up). 22 Mile road almost feels like a washboard road at times.
I'm trying to be frugal - the KJ mostly suits my needs, and it's paid off. I am just shy of 94k miles on it, and (knock on wood), all seems to be going well with it. That being said, the thing is downright harsh (IMO anyway) in the winter. I've read a couple of comments on other Jeep forums for other models (ZJ's, etc) that the RSX's really stiffen up in the cold. I am thinking that's a possible reason for this ride quality...in the summer, the ride is firmer than I'd like, but not ridiculous. Now, it's just irritating. I feel like the vehicle is almost bucking forward/backward at times due to the stiff suspension, rough roads, and short wheelbase.
I really like the ride of the newer trucks/crossovers. My wife's Acadia rides really nicely. The new Rams, Tahoes, Silverados...they don't feel like a mushy boatish ride (like my parent's '99 Tahoe), but they aren't harsh at all - firm, not harsh. Ride real smooth.
Is there a better shock setup that'll get me much closer to this "modern" feel? Would Bilsteins or OME's fare better? I remember reading that OME's were softer than the RSX and some preferred the RSX ride. Or, is the KJ designed such that it just ain't gonna happen with a spring/shock swap? If you have a recommendation, do you think it'll be a noticeable difference, or would I be spending cash with very little improvement?
At the end of the day...I work for GM now. I'd like a GM vehicle, but the extra expense isn't necessarily worth it to me. Also, I'd like something more rugged than a car/crossover. I like the KJ's ruggedness...I'd drive a pickup or full sized SUV. I don't really want a crossover, but I'd consider it for budget reasons. I'd also consider the Colorado that's coming out if it has enough interior room...point is that if I can get the KJ to ride more forgivingly and suit my wants a little better, it'll be easy to justify keeping it. $500 on a set of shocks is like 1 month of new car payments!