I didn't want to hi-jack the other tread.

It is that time for new shocks. I don't want/can't spend the money to get Bilstein's or Rancho 9000's. So I was thinking the Rancho 5000's or the Monroe Reflex's or ???

We have an 04 Ex 2wd 6.0L factory suspension. It's normal duties are family road trips and towing the boat (about 6k lbs) each weekend during the summer.

Thoughts?

 

I had the same truck as you before my current 4x4 gasser. I towed a lot with that truck (2500 miles per year and 9k trailer) and never ever had any issues and the ride was good with or without the trailer. If it were me, I'd probably replace the shocks with Motorcraft.

 

You could not give me a set of rancho 5000's they were horrible on the k5 and the Burban. I forward the saying I got. save up and wait it will be worth it in the end

 

Well I said screw it and bought the Rancho 9000's.

 

Did you replace OEM's or other brand? How many miles were on them? How do the new Rancho's feel. I am at the same cross roads as now.

 

What's everyone's opinion on Rancho 9000 vs Bilstein?
Any other recommendations other than those two shocks?

 

I've had them both, you will be happy with either choice. My 02' had the 9000's and my 05' has the 5100 series Bilsteins. I prefer the look of the Bilstein shocks but seam a little harsher compared to let's say the 9000's set on 2.
You can't go wrong with either. Just my .02

 

Rancho has applications for the Excursion with no lift (0 inches) or 4 inches of lift.

A lot of people replace the stock 2 inch lift blocks on the Ex with 4 inch lift blocks from the F-series.

Do I buy the option for 0 inches, 4 inches, or shocks for an F-series?

 

Bilstein has a 0-2.5 inch option. I just bought them for the front at least.

 

On my previous ex I went with v codes and the f350 blocks and STOCK height Rancho 9000's

 

From what I've seen, damn near all lifts up to 6" use the same rear shocks as stock. Unless you're sky'ing the thing, the lack of extension height isn't going to hurt you. You'll have a ton of compression when towing, landing sweet jumps, or normal boring law-abiding driving.

 

Just received the Rancho's today. I haven't put them on yet. The rear shocks look original? The fronts appear to be Bilstein's. We bought the truck with 100k miles. The truck currently has about 148k miles. This is the first time I have messed with the shocks on this truck. The reason I am going for new shocks is I have a rattle in the front which I think is the front shocks. And my buddy has an excursion and put new shocks on his and there is a difference between how his "Handles" and the way ours does. Hoping the new shocks bring the truck back to a settled ride and fixes the rattle.

I will update once I get a chance to put the new shocks on and test.

 

I owned my 2wd Ex since 22000 mile and the front end always rattled until I changed the ball joints. Hope it's simpler for you.

 

I personally hate my 9000's
Have sent in two sets over 4 years that the dials keep locking up
Current alternating sides are locked again!
I want Bilsteins but everyone says they ride rough.
Thought about KYB but not sure if they even have them for a 2000 v10

 

I have already done ball joints, steering links, and sway bar bushings. Hoping it is the shocks.