Suspension upgrade question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Suspension upgrade question
Hello,
Just bought a 2004 Ford Excursion 6.0 diesel with roughly 180k miles. I want to repair and upgrade the suspension and my question is, would you use the Rancho 5000 series shocks or the 9000 series? Thank you in advance.
Just bought a 2004 Ford Excursion 6.0 diesel with roughly 180k miles. I want to repair and upgrade the suspension and my question is, would you use the Rancho 5000 series shocks or the 9000 series? Thank you in advance.
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Depends what your criteria is for “upgraded”
By “upgraded” what ride quality are you trying to achieve or what handeling charteristics are you wanting to change.
without knowing the other changes you are making to the suspension and what your goals are it is not possible to recommend an appropriate shock.
By “upgraded” what ride quality are you trying to achieve or what handeling charteristics are you wanting to change.
without knowing the other changes you are making to the suspension and what your goals are it is not possible to recommend an appropriate shock.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 771
From: Houston, Texas
For years, Bilsteins were the shock of choice, but here lately they don't exactly "Blow my skirt up" as Charlton Heston once said in "True Lies" (1994).
It's easier and cheaper to get your hands on some adjustable Rancho 9000s from O'Reilly than it is to get the Bilsteins. They also come with a lifetime warranty too. I've installed them on two customer vehicles and even 2 years later they're happy with the ride.
I've been through the warranty process with Bilstein and will never buy a shock from them again.
It's easier and cheaper to get your hands on some adjustable Rancho 9000s from O'Reilly than it is to get the Bilsteins. They also come with a lifetime warranty too. I've installed them on two customer vehicles and even 2 years later they're happy with the ride.
I've been through the warranty process with Bilstein and will never buy a shock from them again.
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Bonita Springs FL
I second that! Never had problems with my Bilstiens, but mine rode better with the Monomax. Note I had a stock suspension. Upgrades will change shock needs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
I'm not sure when the offer it but Rancho runs a rebate on their shocks on a semi-regular basis.
Trending Topics
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, Ca
On my '05 6.0, I've done the v/c code spring upgrade and also added air bags. I have bilstiens and hate them. At least the rear ones. Extremely uncomfortable and rough riding particularly in the rear seats. I'll probably swap to Rancho. Let us know which Rancho's you go with and how you like them.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 346
Likes: 13
From: Brownstown, MI
On my '05 6.0, I've done the v/c code spring upgrade and also added air bags. I have bilstiens and hate them. At least the rear ones. Extremely uncomfortable and rough riding particularly in the rear seats. I'll probably swap to Rancho. Let us know which Rancho's you go with and how you like them.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Earth, (land portion)
I have 5100s on my truck for the last 5 years. Its been a daily driver since we got it 10 years ago and rides like a truck, but it still surprises me when I don't drive it for a week and come back to it how stiff and rough it is. Then a couple of days later, it feels right.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, Ca
I have the 4600. Yellow with blue top. I would have returned them if I could. I have some people who won't ride in the third row because it rides so rough. So I'm interested in softer options.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cmb2481
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jun 11, 2015 09:44 PM