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Rancho or Bilstein?

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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 01:28 PM
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Rancho or Bilstein?

This has been talked about before but I can't find it. I have a stock 2015 F350 SRW that is going to need new shocks soon. Just wonder what you guys are seeing between the Rancho and Bilsteins. Any good rebates? Thanks for the help.


Dave
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 01:49 PM
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I thought Fox 2.0 were the latest "best" shock consensus selection.

Bruce...
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 02:31 PM
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Shortly after Purchasing my 2016 F250, I replaced the Stock Shocks with Bilstein 4600s. They improved the Ride 100%
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 05:40 PM
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Don't waste your money on Rancho junk. They have a longstanding name, because of great marketing. I've owned the cheapie Rancho's to the best they have, and they are junk. I had Bilstein 5100 series on my 7.3 PSD and they were amazing compared to stock or Rancho's. My current 6.7 is also lifted, and has Fox shocks. I do like the ride, but it came with them, so I can't compare to stock.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 06:50 PM
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I have the Rancho 9000XL's on my F-350. The ride is much better than stock. Only time will tell how long they last. The Bilsteins on my prior truck were quite good. Performance just as good as the much more expensive Sway-a-Way shocks that I also used.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 07:14 PM
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Subscribing. This is on my to do list.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 07:55 PM
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What number Bilsteins for a stock 15 F350 SRW and a good place to buy? Thanks.


Dave
 
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Old Feb 5, 2018 | 08:36 PM
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Rancho does have some rebates for the spring. It's based on your total purchase.

I've had the Rancho 9000s on my two past F350s ( 2011 and 2015) I usually run the stock OEM shocks for 30,000 to 40,000 miles and replace them.

I almost never adjust the settings on them. I just leave them set at medium level.

They've worked fine for me. I'm towing something several times a week.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2018 | 07:44 AM
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I debated on Bilstein vs Fox for quite some time. Liked the lifetime warranty with bilstiens and they treated me well on previous rig. In the end I went with fox 2.0, thus far very happy with the purchase. As for if they are better than Bilstien, can not objectively answer that, only run stock and Fox. In any scenario, you'll be better than stock.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2018 | 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Ultratravler
What number Bilsteins for a stock 15 F350 SRW and a good place to buy? Thanks.


Dave
For a Stock Height the 4600 series
For a Lifted Truck the 5100 Series
 
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Old Feb 6, 2018 | 12:44 PM
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Thanks for the reply's. How about a good time (spring, now) and place to buy. Thanks again.


Dave
 
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Old Feb 6, 2018 | 12:51 PM
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Oh hey, we are on rebate right now.
Get the RS9000XL and get the ride you want.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by F350-6
Subscribing. This is on my to do list.
Ended up going with Eiabach on mine. Ride is 100 times better than my old failed shocks.

The Rancho branded OEM shocks were way past toast at 52k. I was able to compress them with one hand from under the truck during the removal process. Compressed all 4 by hand and then checked on them the next day. Only one had recovered to longer than compressed length, but you could easily pull it back out to full stroke if desired.

 
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by F350-6
Ended up going with Eiabach on mine. Ride is 100 times better than my old failed shocks.

The Rancho branded OEM shocks were way past toast at 52k. I was able to compress them with one hand from under the truck during the removal process. Compressed all 4 by hand and then checked on them the next day. Only one had recovered to longer than compressed length, but you could easily pull it back out to full stroke if desired.

I just pulled my shocks on my 2016 F450 that has 16k on the truck and look just like this picture ... 3 of the 4 were completely worn out . I bought 5100 Bilstiens and just mounted them up over the weekend ... Made a huge difference , no more pogo stick .
 
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 11:54 AM
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The Ranchos are the only ones that are adjustable, if you run empty and loaded that is an asset. I run the rears on 1 when unloaded and 9 when the camper is on. Can't do that with the others. If you are properly damped at 3000 lbs load you are underdamped at 7000 lbs - that's just physics.

The Ranchos do last forever - though you may have to replace them once or twice (for free) over the life of the truck. Keep your receipt.....
 
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