Rancho or Bilstein

[MOverton]

I need to put new shocks on my truck. I am considering Bilstein (sp?) or Rancho. I would like to hear what you think. Also, where is the best place to buy them from? Thank you for any replies.

 

[mudcat]

I have had good luck with the Rancho RS9000 shocks. I've had them on my last 2 CTDs and a couple before that. I guess if ya find something ya like ya stick with it. They have taken a nice price jump lately though. If you wait till after the first of the year they tend to have the buy 3 get one free deal. I recieved a flier from 4 wheel parts wholsalers today and noticed they had some good deals on the Pro Comp shocks. Sorry but I can't help ya with the Bilsteins, but have heard good things about them too.

 

[ESchoon]

I just ordered Bilsteins for my 92 D350. I had a set on a Jeep TJ and it made a world of difference in that Jeep. So I figured I would run a set on the newly acquired D350.



I will post up my opinion when I get them installed and have a few miles on them. I believe what is on the truck now is the factory orginials, so I should see some improvement.



Eric

 

[Fred Swanson]

They both work. The Rancho's are adjustable, which is great for drastic load changes, but for everyday driving, the Bilsteins perform great, even loaded down. I found mine locally at a spring shop that handles lift kits too.

 

[PAddington]

I have had bilsteins on the front of my D250 for more than a year and like them.

 

[JLEONARD]

My son has Bilsteins on his 94... with a plow. They are awsum.

He installs lots of each brand in his business... . He wouldn't chose anything else. . money not being an object that is.

He replaces lots of worn Ranchos... but rarely a Bilstein.

Take that FWIW.

Jay

 

[Grey Wolf]

I looked for Bilsteins once but there wasn't a number for my '93, have they started making them for the 4X4 now ?

 

[RustyJC]

Rancho 9000s are great where loads vary greatly - such as our truck running empty or towing a heavy 5th wheel.



Bilsteins are great shocks as well but, lacking the adjustability, will be harder riding than properly adjusted Rancho 9000s when running empty.



Different horses for different courses - pick the one that fits your application.



Rusty

 

[Stab]

Any part numbers for the Bilsteins yet?? 4x4 application.

Or are we stuck with the Rancho RS9000s for the best?

 

[MotleyCrueCab]

I got 14in travel bilstein 5150(resivor) shocks new from ebay for $99 each. They are by far the best shocks for the money that you will find. I have run these and the RS9000s and these are much better. They will fit in the stock rear 4x4 location, but they are too long for the front, so either you have to move the mount or you can order shorter (less travel) ones. If you look on ebay you should find what you need ( search Bilstein 5150) The dealer i got them from has them avaiable in just about any lenth/travel and valving you could wish for. Good luck

 

[jleons]

Jl

Hello

I replaced my RS9000 after three years and 40 thousand. Had one go bad, and could not find anyone to honor the warrenty.

Changed to Blisteins 30K ago w/ no problems and a great ride. Go blisteins. Cost a bit more but I feel worth the extra pennies.

Good Luck,

JL

 

[Stab]

jleons, Can you give me any part numbers to go by??



These are going on a first gen with 3-4 inch lift.



Thanks

 

[Fred Swanson]

Stab, on my 93 with 4 inch Skyjacker lift, here are the Bilstein parts numbers I used.



Front: F4-BE5-A465-H5

Rear: F4-BE5-6249-H5



5125 Series shocks. Pics in my gallery.

 

[RRothenberger]

I run the Bilstein 5100's on my truck. I have the 14" travel ones in the rear (3. 5" lift) and 12" travel in the front. Made it ride like a new truck. Very happy with these shocks. MUCH higher quality then the Rancho's. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Stab]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank you, Fred Swanson! That's what I needed!



Nice truck!