I am going to order me a set of shocks here for Christmas.

I like the idea of the adjustability of the Rancho 9000's. There are a lot of guys here that have the Bilistein's and have been very happy, but they aren't adjustable.

My thinking with the adjustable shocks is I can tune them how I want them. With a set shock there is no adjusting. My concern would be not being able to get them dialed in the way I want. After the roller coaster with the stock shocks I'm a bit cautious...

Thoughts either way?

I normally have about 500-700lbs in the bed, but there are times I'll run empty, times Ill have up to 2000lbs in the bed, and times I'll be towing.

 

I can't add anything more to my experience changing to the 9000's from the crappy OEMs. They still work great and have a lifetime warranty. In 50,000 or so miles, I'll go get new ones. The Bilsteins have a loyal following. You can't go wrong with those two choices.

 

All I can say is I liked em on my '99 and I like em (on the rear so far) on my '11. With 9 different pints to adjust you should be able to find the one you like. I make em hard for twing and soft for not towing. Still beter than stock on soft.

 

Epic is right, either shock will make you happy. It’s a personal preference, and you will find loyal fans on both sides.

 

I have always been happy with the bilstein 4600 shocks. They are cheap and I like the firmness. Big bang for the buck which is my only reason for the loyalty. It would be fun to have adjustable ride but I have airbags for that.

 

I just threw a set of 9000's on last weekend. I'm satisfied with them, definitely an improvement over stock. Regardless of what you go with, hit the bolts with some PB. I learned that after changing the front/drivers side shock. The other 3 pulled off piece of cake after a soak.

My biggest improvement thus far has been the Bilstein 7100 steering stabilizer. The truck now drives how it should've from the factory!

 

Matt,

Hows the clearance on that stabilizer? That was one of the concerns with the Rancho dual set up. I'd like to do one too, but I need my suspension to articulate = clearance issues are a no-go.

 

I checked up on the Rancho 9000 shocks at AutoAnything and they had them in stock plus free shipping and 15% off. I got the 4 shocks and MyRide controller.

 

It replaces the factory stabilizer, works at stock height or lifted.

I threw a couple pics in this post:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post11167487

 

We didn't have any PB at the store but I got another kind of penetrating lube that should do the same thing. I'll hit the bolts with an impact and I should be good to go.

I think I will hold off on the MyRide system unless the directions say its pretty easy. Theres pneumatic lines to run and the connection up to the adjusters on the shocks. We'll see how intense it is. Have any of you installed the MyRide controller???

 

I looked into the MyRide but ultimately decided the benefit was not there. I just simply don't need to adjust the shocks often enough to come close to needing to do it from inside the cab. I just change when I'm towing vs. empty. Firm or soft and easily accomplished by turning the little ****. The whole installation of the compressor, running airlines, etc just seemed over the top. I think it's more designed for the off-road runner who needs to tweak stuff on the fly.

But I'm probably the wrong guy to comment. It would be nice to hear from someone who is using MyRide.

 

I know I've run across it somewhere epic, but what did you say you have your rancho 9000's set at front and rear empty vs towing?

 

I have the fronts set at 6 all the time. The back is 3 empty and 9 when towing. It does make a difference.