Well I finally installed the OME shocks on Friday. I could definitely tell the difference but it wasn't as dramatic as I'd thought it'd be. The bottom line is that the front were still OEM & were both still functional (although one had a better return than the other). The rear were Rancho & both had NO return although still provided some dampening effect. Ranchos went in the trash can but the front OEM are put away (just in case).

Maybe the effect of the new shocks was less noticable because during my test drive I was more focused on the grinding sound coming from my rear brakes (stuck caliper ate up the inboard pad on drivers side). Pads were replaced on Saturday whilst waiting for paint to dry on garage door framing I was SUPPOSED to be working on.

I gotta say that the yellow/black OME shocks look great on a Proton. Lots better than silver/red Ranchos.

BTW: everyone was complaining about removal of the LR shock because of access to the top bolt. That one was easy for me (I'm wierd 'cause I like using box end wrenches better than a ratchet anyway). Both front shock lower bolts were a real PITA though. The nut came off easy enough but the bolt wanted to hit my half shaft before clearing the shock bushing. I finally hammered them past the shaft & replaced the bolt bass-ackwards & patted meself on the back for a job well done.