Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Rancho Shocks Vs. Bilsteins

[Degodiesel02]

I need to replace my front shocks w/ the addition of a 2" Front Skyjacker leveling kit, but should probably do all four corners. I did some research and it seems to be either the Rancho RS9000XL or the 5000 series Bilsteins. The Ranchos have a bigger outside diameter but you have to adjust them manually outside the cab unless you add the remnote kit for 300$. The Bilsteins are self adjusting but look a little whimpier. The ranchos are 84$ a piece and the Bilsteins are 75. Also the bilsteins adjust for the extra 2" of travel with the leveling kit, the ranchos don't.

I was wondering what you guys are running out there, and how these two shocks compare. Also Is there another brand that gives you a quality ride for the price???? I pull a boat and a dump trailer and do some off-roading, but my everyday driving is on the scrapper haul roads at the job site, very bumpy, then highway/streets the rest of the time???

Please any advice is greatly appreciated. . Thanks in advance

 

[RolandJ]

i have the blisteins on my truck and i tow a dump trailer and a boat i have had a prob i dunno if they are the best but the work with the leveling kit i have the ones that are silver i dunno what the model is :-laf

 

[Jed]

got front stock replacement bilsteins from summit and within 6months summit replaced both under warranty. Finally replaced with kyb from summit. I did not tow, some dirt road travel not at 85mph. The last one was only on the highway about 240miles per day and only lasted a month before I could hear it rattle and feel the bounce. I do not remember the series of the shock.

ymmv

jed

 

[JR2]

I would not go with the ranchos unless you really like using there warranty. My father blew up two sets of them before he put the bilsteins on, they where still on when he sold the truck 75K miles later.

I have the bilsteins on my truck and they are fine after 30K.

I think they are cheaper from Genos Garage or from the TDR purchase spot on offroad warehouse.com Offroad Warehouse -Turbo Diesel Register Page

 

[johncameron]

I have had Bilsteins for 18 months and love them.



Definately would buy again.



John

 

[Degodiesel02]

Thank you all for your input. It sounds like the Bilsteins are the way to go.

JR2 and John you were refering to 5100 series (nickle/chrome color ones) ?

 

[Degodiesel02]

Roland As I was reading your stats it seems we have the same truck. I am currently looking at the difference between teh BD exhaust brake and Jacobs. I wanted the turbo mount so it is obviously different than the in line. But does that BD make a lound rumble sound when it is on, ie does your exhaust from outside the truck sound more like a semi?? Also Did the ATS elbow and Banks High ram intake make a big difference

 

[JR2]

If I remember correctly there is no difference in the two Bilsteins except color/finish. I have the blue and yellow ones.

 

[Don Tanklage]

edelbrock has some really nice shocks



reservoir and all



pricey but they work great!

 

[MRoberts]

If I remember correctly there is no difference in the two Bilsteins except color/finish. I have the blue and yellow ones.

Wrong, the 5100 series are the ones you want, they are the silver with black boots. The yellow/blues are not the same. I have never heard anything good about them, only complaints.



I have the 5100's.

 

[johncameron]

Wrong, the 5100 series are the ones you want, they are the silver with black boots. The yellow/blues are not the same. I have never heard anything good about them, only complaints. I have the 5100's.

I have the yellow/blue ones and they work for me.

 

[MRoberts]

On reading my earlier post..... Sorry if I sounded obnoxious!



The 5100's are higher in the product line then the yellow/blue ones.

 

[icman95]

Replaced my stock shocks with the Ranchos and LOVE them!! Before the change, towing my camper was a bouncey chore at best. Now, with the Ranchos at top setting, the thing rides better than a Caddy with the camper on! Towed it 2/3 across the country over every type of potholed highway and noticed a big difference. Couldn't be happier. As far as manually changing the settings, it takes about 2 seconds each shock. Just turn the little dial to whatever setting you want it on.

 

[foolkiller]

for every day driving empty and off roading the 5100s are best by a long shot. however, i had some of the rancho 9000s in the rear of a truck and when pulling a heavy load they made things very stable when dialed up to a stiff setting. that's about the only situation the ranchos performed better though.



j