I recently discovered that my VX (purchased in December) had its OE shocks replaces with wimpy KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (which are not adjustable, as one might think). The Isuzu dealer quoted me $427 plus tax for each OEM shock, and laughed when he told me, too. I have ordered the Bilsteins (B46-1738-H1 fronts and B46-1739-H1 rear), and will be putting them on sometime in the next couple of weeks. I don't have a stock ride to compare to, but I will be able to report what the ride feels like soon.

I decided against the Ranchos for two reasons: 1) because many posters said they needed to set them at the highest stiffness settings for an adequate ride, which means there ain't much headroom left on them, and 2) because the Ranchos only adjust the bump rate, not the rebound, which I think is the more important adjustment to get an "althletic" feel from the suspension.

Your VX may still be under warranty for the shocks, depending on year and mileage, so don't lose out on a free replacement of your leaker!