I have come to the conclusion that the rear shock on my '98 Fisher Joshua needs to be replaced. There is zero dampening, I am just riding the spring. Is replacing this something that I can handle or should it go to the LBS (I am fairly handy with most bike repairs)? Also, what are the specifics of the replacement shock that I will need to know when ordering a replacement?
Thx

Stroke length / shock size + bushings; easier to get a LBS / suspension specialist to deal with.

Would look at how much a new shock will cost vs a replacement bike, unless you can get one very cheap, rear shocks are normmal a major cost factor in a bike, and full suspension bikes have moved on massively since 1998.

Unless the shock has some sort of weird set up that requires a specific, hard to find, and really expensive shock, I got the feeling that replacing the shock will be less expensive than buying a bike that is XT/XTR equipped. And indeed, while dual suspensions, as well as everything else, has moved on since 1998, my MTB skill have not :-). I will take this down to the LBS and have them take a look.

I had the same set up on my Joshua Z1. Sent shock to Hippie tech to rebuild, came back good as new(not cheap), but cheaper than a new one..other option is to contact Cloud 9 air shocks and they can help w/a replacement that works out OK(still not cheap), but cheaper than a new bike. I love my GF Joshua!