I know this has been discussed in the past, but I use my truck as a daily driver and tow a 10,000lb TT about 6 times a year. The shocks are due to be replaced and am looking for recommendations that will give me a decent ride.

 

Just replaced mine, for no reason at all, I used the rancho's but I'm kicking myself because from everything I'm reading the bilsteans are far superior.

 

I've heard that too, I am just worried its going to be a harsh ride with them.

 

I too have to purchase shocks...soon. My 2015 has the OEM's installed with 155K miles. My understanding is the 4600's might be valved a little (not much) softer than the 5100's. Some of the videos I have watched have stated the 5100's might be better suited for towing. I have a co-worker with a 2012 with the 5100's. He says it rides fine loaded or unloaded.

I will add (although not a direct comparison), I installed 4600's on my '99 4Runner and they rode exceptionally well.

 

I use Fox 2.0 shocks along with a set of sulastic springs in the rear. The sulastics take out some of the harshness and are a super quick easy install. I HIGHLY recommend them.

 

I have had both and are now running Rancho 9000s. I like the adjustability and could flip a coin in deciding. Both are excellent and when running empty I like dialing the Ranchos to the softest setting (as does my wife)!

Steve

 

I used the 5000's, they seem ok, if I had done more reading I probably would have used the bilsteans, the rancho's are so damn cheap that even if I swapped them out and put the bilsteans it's not going to be a big loss.... interested in some 3 month old rancho 5000's?

 

I've never had the 5,000's.

Steve

 

Just replaced the stock "Rancho" shocks at 51k miles on my F250. I used the Bilstein 5100's for the stock height application. The stock shocks actually held up pretty well and the difference was not as night and day as others have made it out to be. If anything, the truck rides more firm at slower (less than 45mph) speeds and rides smoother at 50+ mph. I use the truck for daily driving and towing a 30' travel trailer 4k miles a year. I'm still undecided on raising the truck 2".

If I were for sure to leave it stock height, the 4600's would likely be the best choice for overall driving comfort and good towing.

One thing I do wonder for any parts replacement/tune up is the overall perceived improvement. If shocks or any other parts are changed out for better parts when the original is still within its functioning life, is the improvement so much better? Or, is the perceived improvement so much more because the parts being swapped out are worn and being replaced with new? I think in my case, the change didn't seem so drastic because the original shocks were still in somewhat acceptable condition.