Bilstein blue yellow, Rancho 5000

[SShafranko]

I'm doing a lift and re-doing my entire suspension next winter but for now i need new shocks to hold me up until then. Existing are completely blown. I want something cheap and narrowed it down to two: Bils and Rancho 5000. I want a soft smooth ride, which one?

 

[AMcCormick]

I put a set of the adjustable ranchos on my old 1/2 ton 2nd gen. I really like the adjustment left them firm up front, had a heavy custom bumper, and soft in the back, most of the time unloaded. Made a huge difference from old worn out stockers after 200k miles.

 

[seafish]

I have heard only good things about the Yellow/Blue Bilsteins; They are tuned for our trucks, driving empty or loaded. Matt400 has a thread about them here on TDR.

 

[mtnram]

I can't say about the ranchos, the bilsteins I installed last summer have been great. The only place I did not like the ride was on highways made of slabbed concrete when I was running 65. They seemed to "work" at a rate that allowed the truck to start a sort of harmonic sway. a slight speed change collared it in. Otherwise, they are much more comfortable than stockers and provided plenty of control while towing our 27' trailer.

One suggestion though, if you're planning for only a year before the lift, why not just get some napa or other part house stockers. Cheap and fit the need.

 

[HOBrian]

I want something cheap and narrowed it down to two: Bils and Rancho 5000.

Both will get the job done I would go with the lower price tag since you are going to replace them soon anyway!

 

[SShafranko]

Thank you so much for your input. I'll go with the bilstiens and hand them over to my buddy when i take them out.