Bilsteins vs Rancho 9000's

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I think read this question not long ago but did not catch an answer. Anyone comment on the difference in performance or ride characteristics between these two shocks?

I have 32k on my Bilsteins. No apparent loss in performance as far as pitching, rolling etc. but they do ride hard.

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97'3500 SLT CC,4x4,5 spd,4. 10,94k,EBY aluminum flatbed,Dee Zee running boards,Dee Zee Platinum drop boxes,Mag-Hytec,BD Brake,Pyscotty,Jardine 4",Geno's monster tip,TST plate,370's,AFC, ATS, Bilstein,Isspro,PIAA Superwhites,Tekonsha Sentinel

 

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I was thinking about the Bilsteins until I read a recent thread where some members were saying the Bilsteins had a rather rough ride. I'm going with the Rancho's now. The feedback on the Rancho's helping the ride quality has helped make my decision easier.

 

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The Rancho 5000's were too stiff for me. I've got the 9000's set on 3 in front & 1 in the rear & all is fine. #ad
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I never had the Bilsteins but do have the Rancho 900's. Set at 3 in front and 2 in rear. Like the ride. I really am not sure if you can tell the difference between 1 and 2 at the rear or not. Ride is all personal preferance anyway.

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96 2500 4x4 Driftwood auto Waren 4x boards pyro,boost,trans temp on a piller mag hytec trans

 

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Just add my nickel! I have never had the Bilsteins but I do have the Rancho 9000's with the in cab adjusting kit installed. I also have the Roadmaster Active Suspension. I set my front on 3 and the rear on 1 unless I am towing and then I set the rear on 5. I am exceptionally pleased with the ride. I believe the combination of the Roadmaster and a high quality shock makes a tremendous improvement in ride quality. Especially in the land of Highway expansion joints.
TR

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99, 2500 QC, Laramie SLT, 5 spd, 3:54 LSD, Sprayed Liner, Nerf Bars, K&N Stock, PacBrake, EGT (Pre & Post Turbo) & Boost Gauge, Power Edge, Bosch 275 injectors. Jardine 4" Exhaust, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Rancho 9000's, Tekonsha Sentinel. My Truck

 

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I run the Bilsteins on my 2wd and never thought they road rough. I installed them at around 50K and was amazed at the difference and how much better the ride was over the stock shocks.

Originally posted by QRTRHRS:
I think read this question not long ago but did not catch an answer. Anyone comment on the difference in performance or ride characteristics between these two shocks?

I have 32k on my Bilsteins. No apparent loss in performance as far as pitching, rolling etc. but they do ride hard.

 

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I wouldn't trade My Bilstiens for anything...
As far as rough ride... My preferance is for a firmer ride in a truck anyway.

But I am curious about the 9000's since they do seem to be the most popular.

Just My 2 cents.
Larry

 

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See my thread below--

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

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Where do you folks get your Bilstein's for the 1 ton? 1 man needs to know. Me.
Thanks.
Preston

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96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

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TowPro, I think on average, no car/truck manufacturer uses a good shock.

Larry, that is kind of my feeling too.

Preston, I got mine through Autozone. I can post the numbers tomorrow if you need them. You should be able to get them most anywhere.

TR7110, do you run with any weight on your truck? If so, how is the handling?

 

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Preston - Go to http://www.eshocks.com/

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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I've had both Bilsteins and the RS9000s, and if I had it to do again, I'd stay with the RS9000s. You just can't beat adjustability. I run #3 up front and #2 in back and the truck rides very nicely.

Now if my Velvet Ride Shackles will hurry up and arrive...

Rob

 

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As I have prviously posted, the Bilsteins are very good on large bumps, off-road and when loaded. Empty and on a semi-smooth concrete road like a secondary or residential street, they don't budge, I feel every little wave in the road. Larger dips and bumps feel smooth. I have run 45psi front and 40psi rear on the factory Michelins, but they still feel rough. I suspect that if you have a slide-in or fair amount of weight on the truck, or even tow a lot, the Bilsteins may be the way to go. But if you just load it up occasionally, the adjustability of the RS9000's sounds great.

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99 2500 QC, LWB, 5spd, 3. 54 limited slip, Intense Blue, 275HP Injectors
Tow Lite trailer
96 KTM 360 EXC
99 Durango 4x4 360cid

 

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A friend of mine got rid of his Ranchos and got the Bilsteins and is happier with the Bilsteins.

 

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My bet is on the Bilstien... we like them enough to put them on our ambulances with ipd swaybars and the handling is far better than OEM. Yes its a bit roughter ride than other shocks but we give the trucks a lot of abuse. The shocks hardly ever cause a problem unlike the all the other brands used over the years.

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2001 Dodge 2500 SLT Ext-cab
1985 Ford 250 6. 9L IDI