Bilstein/Rancho comparason

[Sarge]

Results of Bilstein/Rancho comparason

Well, the comparason was done this weekend on my newly installed set of Bilstiens. The test was made on a strech of Interstate 5 between Orange County and San Diego. As reported in Trailer Life Magazine recently, the I/S 5 is rated by long haul truckers as one of the top 5 worst in the country. The test was about 350 miles, towing the same RV I towed with a set of Ranchos on a 97' 3500 for about 2 years. 26' long, about #9000 pounds loaded, and #500 to #600 pounds of tonge weight.



While the Ranchos were a BIG improvement over the stock shocks, and the adjustability was a factor, the Bilsteins on this trip were amazing. While a truck is still going to ride like a truck, the big difference was that the Bilsteins controlled the upward movement better than the Ranchos. On a washboard surface like a lot of I/S 5 is, the "porpoiseing" effect that occurs with the truck and the trailer going different directions can be a gut buster. My wife made the most notable observation. With the Ranchos, she would have to "support" her upper chest on some parts of the freeway, for her own comfort. This was not the case with the Bilsteins.



This is appearently due to the nitrogen gas cylinder inside the normal fluid filled cylinder that smooths out the upward travel, and controls the rebound of the next bump. All in all, they are both very good products, and much better than stock. But if your about to upgrade, give the Bilsteins a hard look.



Sorry about the long post, Be careful out there... ..... Sarge

 

[moparguy]

Good info Sarge

How do they compare when the truck is running empty with the Ranchos on 2.



Thanks for the report.



Ronnie

 

[Sarge]

Running empty

They are very smooth running empty around town as well. The same downward travel was like the Ranchos, but the upward control made all the difference Sarge

 

[cscott]

Sarge



Could you post the part numbers?



Thanks



Craig

 

[Sarge]

Bilstein part numbers........

No problem Craig. The front shocks ar B46-1907, and the rears are B46-1908. I paid $45. 99 each. With tax and such it came out to just over $200. 00. Marty

 

[cscott]

Outstanding Thanks



I guess I'll be ordering new shocks this weeked.



Again thanks



Craig

 

[TPCDrafting]

I just got mine on too! Haven't been on the road yet though. Keep in mind, Sarge has the 2wd and the part numbers for the 4wd are different.



part numbers for 4wd Bilsteins: BE5-2549 front AND BE5-2550 rear. I paid 58. 99 each + 8. 00 shipping at orw.



These are the heavy duty's. I can't wait, I'm pulling the 5 horse this weekend.

 

[cscott]

tcpdrafting



What is orw?



Is that a mail order or internet company?



Thanks



Craig

 

[TPCDrafting]

ORW

http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/



They also have a toll free number. Tell them you want the TDR Group discount. They ups'd them right to my house.

 

[Sarge]

Tighten em up.......

One word of caution when installing the new Bilsteins. After I put them on, I was hearing an occassional "clunk" from the front end. I crawled back underneath and found that the lower bolt on the right shock could use a few more turns. There was no touque specified in the litarature, but experience says snug em down tight. Sarge

 

[TPCDrafting]

Well, the first run with the Bilsteins was great. My wife noticed that the ride didn't require her to need to pee as often as before the new shocks. That's all the satisfaction I need, less stops along the road.