2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New Shocks Rancho or Bilstein

[AWallace]

I have a 95 2500 I am hauling a 2000 lb TC and also have a 5Th wheel and it is shock time. I am thinking about Rancho RS9000XL 9 Position adjustable Rear or Bilstein or Rancho rear and bilstein front. Any feed back on either shock. The RS9000XL replaces the RS9000X. I read somewhere that they (sometime) would lock up after they got wet any one having any problem with this. Also where is a place to order the Rancho's I can get the Bilstein locally.

 

[tony597fitter]

Ive had both. The Bilstein HDs are far superior shock, they use a much better valving system.

Also, the Ranchos were rusted in 1 winter.

 

[ShortB]

Go with the Bilsteins all the way around.

 

[Regcabguy]

Ive had both. The Bilstein HDs are far superior shock, they use a much better valving system.

Also, the Ranchos were rusted in 1 winter.

I had the Bilstein basic shocks on my '99. My camper even with airbags overwhelmed the rears. I next plugged some Rancho 9,000's which cured the control problem,but rode like rocks. Eventually some Bilstein 7100's specially valved by Sean Lorenz fit the bill. Research it thoroughly and talk to the suspension vendors on this site.

 

[Loren]

AWallace,



I didn't buy the Ranchos because of comments on these forums about the selectors freezing up after a while.



I was VERY pleased with the Bilsteins that I installed on my 2000 truck shortly before I wrecked it. I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to take those shocks for my 1995 truck that I still own. It's a bit of work, but they are great shocks.



I don't know about the Ranchos, but you will be happy with the Bilsteins.



Loren

 

[JKinney]

Any recommendations on a vendor for the bilsteins

 

[RJWEST]

ditto : bilsteins, 3000 lb TC, work great. .

 

[ShortB]

Any recommendations on a vendor for the bilsteins

Bilstein Shocks, Edelbrock Shocks and more: eShocks.com



... or Geno's Garage

 

[24V-DSL]

Offroad Warehouse used to be very competitive on Bilstein, and I think gave TDR members a 5% discount ?? Worth a call.

 

[JR2]

Offroad Warehouse used to be very competitive on Bilstein, and I think gave TDR members a 5% discount ?? Worth a call.

They do give a discount, I have bought several sets from them.....



My father (Jack in Alaska on TDR) had a couple sets of Rancho's on his old truck, then he put bilsteins on and never changed the shocks again.

 

[BigEasy]

Bilsteins are 10 times the shocks that Ranchos are... no question.

 

[AWallace]

Are the shocks genos carries Bilstein HD's or is their a differnce. I have the factory overload springs and sway bar I purchased from a savage yard off of a 96 and put it on my 95 work perfectly. so my truck sets about level with the load I just need to take some of the bounce out.

 

[bmoeller]

I don't know about the Ranchos, but you will be happy with the Bilsteins.

I agree. I bought their OEM (blue and yellow) shocks, and they are great. I have heard of some having an issue with the rubbers on the front shocks coming apart, but I suspect they didn't have the nut tight enough and the were able to walk around. No problems with mine at all. Been on for probably ~40k miles.

 

[tony597fitter]

If you dont have the 2" leveling kit in front, then the bilstein HDs is what you want.

The 5100s are 2" longer for the leveling kit.

BTW, they are the same shock, just the 5100 is longer.

 

[georgej]

Bilstein Shocks and Other Truck Parts and Truck Accessories by Performance Products 4 Trucks



Just bought some here $113. xx delivered for two

 

[Fordiesel69]

Used bilsteins on my 86 ford and would never look back. Well worth the price.

 

[jandtjil]

I loved my current set of Bilsteins when they were new (fall 06), but both front and rear have since expired. Less than 20K miles, about 4-6K miles of that was towing or heavy. JJ