Rancho's compared to Bilstein's

[Wolfgang]

How do these shocks compare. I have been told that the Bilstein's are good shocks but they make the ride rougher when the truck is unloaded. Whereas the Ranch 9000's are adjustable so the ride is not as rough without a load

 

[TowPro]

I don't recall my ride getting rougher after installing Bilsteins on my 98.

 

[damon]

my ride certainly did not get any rougher with the Bilsteins, just much more controlled !

 

[TPCDrafting]

Ride was much improved with Bilstiens from OEM shocks. I've never had Ranchos on my Ram, so I have no comparison. To me it wasn't worth the extra cost. If I want a smooth ride, I take the car.

 

[dresslered]

I personally feel that the Bilstein is a much better shock. However, having a rather heavy slide-in, I felt that it was pertinent to have an adjustable shock (with incab controller), so I went with the Rancho's. I'm pleased with the decision, but I probably would have gone the other route if I didn't have such a change in loading.

 

[wyosteve]

Too early to give much of an answer, but I put 4 Rancho 9000's on my truck at about 22k. Noticed the last few months that it seemed to be rougher than normal. Just removed the front Rancho's 2 weeks ago and installed Bilsteins. Still have the 9000's on the rear. When I took the front Rancho's off, there was zero damping. They were completely shot. The rears still function fine. I don't believe the Rancho's can hold up to the weight of the front even though they have a lifetime warranty. Just my . 02.

 

[wsmalley]

When I looked at Auto Zone's web site I didn't see any Bilsteins listed for the front end of a 2wd, and everyone who talks about having them is 4x4



Can I still get Bilsteins all the way around without the front wheel drive? They seem like the best buy for the money and the nearest comparison in quality is the Ranchos or Edelbrocks for a good $20-a-piece upcharge:{



Any help would be appreciated.



Will

 

[TowPro]

Try this link I think these are the correct ones.



anybody else have input on this? Is there 2 different version of Bilsteins?

 

[HBarlow]

I installed a set of four Bilsteins on my 2wd 3500 a couple months ago after putting about 55k miles on the OEM shocks. I'm real pleased with the improvement in ride and handling, particularly rebound control. I did notice a very slight increase in stiffness immediately after the new shocks were on but it either went away after a few miles or I became accustomed to it. I am pleased with the Bilsteins and would recommend them to anyone.



I purchased them from Off Road Warehouse on the recommendation of TDR members.



Many prefer the adjustablility of Rancho 9000s but the non-adjustable Bilsteins work for me. I tow a trailer and the difference between unloaded and loaded weight is not an issue as it is for those carrying a slide-in camper.



Harvey

 

[TowPro]

I have never tried the Rancho adjustable shocks, but I don't feel the shocks should make any difference in how the truck sways with a slide-in camper. The weight of the camper is going to cause the truck to sway, or have body role in a corner weather you have OEM, Bilsteins or Ranchos turned all the way up. All the shock is going to do is maybe slow down the role, but its still going to role. Shocks (and there mounts) are designed only to slow down suspension travel, and should not be used to support any additional weight that the truck springs can't already handle (like adding air shocks).



The real fix for body role is a Sway bar (or a better sway bar if you already got one).

Originally posted by HBarlow

.



Many prefer the adjustablility of Rancho 9000s but the non-adjustable Bilsteins work for me. I tow a trailer and the difference between unloaded and loaded weight is not an issue as it is for those carrying a slide-in camper.



Harvey

 

[smartineau]

On my old Chevy gasser (I finally wised up), I had Rancho 9000's after a few months I stopped adjusting them and left them at '5' (then the highest setting now as I understand it goes to '9'). For my new 03' I'll probably buy Blistiens.



steve

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Comparing Rancho's and Bilstein's is like comparing firecrackers and MOAB's. I am not knocking the Rancho product. However, the Bilstein product is MUCH better in quality of manufacture and performance. I have had both and thats my story and I'm stickin' to it.



Just my maybe not so humble opinion.

 

[Bill Lins]

Bilsteins

Originally posted by HBarlow

I purchased them from Off Road Warehouse on the recommendation of TDR members.

Me, too! Thanks, guys!

 

[Josparkz]

My impressions

I put some of those Rancho 5 speeds on probably 5 years ago . Definite improvement over stock.

I put some Bilsteins on maybe 6 weeks ago. They handle okay. I have noticed on some stretches of bad interstate I get a whole lot more vibration in the cab than I remember having with the Ranchos. Since I'veg just put about $1K in front end improvements into the beast , I'm guessing this is the way the Bilsteins ride .

I think next time around I might put Ranchos back on , with the on dash controller. That would certainly keep my amused trying to dial in the ride .

Anyhow , I was getting sick and tired of adjusting the Ranchos.

The Bilsteins do seem to handle well .

 

[krs]

I have Ranchos on one truck and Bilsteins on the other and think that Bilsteins are definitely superior in smooth damping when light or unloaded and give a tight but almost luxurious ride to my '01 with plow, camper, and, tow options.



The Ranchos are on the '97 because I carry a slide-in on it and wanted the adjustable damping, especially in the back. They work good for that but never have given the smooth feeling loaded or not that the Bilsteins do

 

[Wolfgang]

Well I ordered the Bilsteins today thanks for all your inputs

 

[Jetson]

Unloaded, the heavy duty Bilsteins will feel rougher on the little bumps and smoother on the big bumps than the Ranchos.

The Bilsteins are very good quality. After 30,000 miles, they are smoother than they used to be on the little bumps, still good on big bumps.

Ever ride in an off-road buggy with good shocks? They are extremely rough on a smooth concrete road, but feel real soft once you get off-road.

 

[Wolfgang]

I have ridden in a prerunner and was absolutely amazed

 

[pm720]

Has anyone ever tried to use the "lifetime" warranty on the Ranchos?



Scott

 

[Josparkz]

Originally posted by pm720

Has anyone ever tried to use the "lifetime" warranty on the Ranchos?



Scott

Yeah , I did . The bushings wore out on one and I went back to the place I bought them at . They told me tough sh_t. The bushings weren't covered. They said that unless the shocks were leaking oil , no warranty action was going to happen. They did happen to have new bushings to sell to me though . If I recall correctly , the warranty was printed on the box and wasn't even good to wipe your a$$ with.

Just my experience with them at one dealer , of course.