Looking for some GOOD, HD shocks for my Late '99 F-350 crew cab 2 wheel drive DUALLY.

I'm looking at the Rancho 9000XL adjustable units-I like the adjustable idea though I most likely won't adjust them too much.

Suggestions? Opinions? Thanks Guys!

 

I replaced my OEM shocks with Bilstein 4600 HD series shocks and have zero regrets. Even my wife recognized that the truck was riding differently and smooth.

5100 series from Bilstein are EXACTLY the same as 4600, but they are made for lifted trucks, that is the only difference.

Rancho makes a nice product and a lot of people are happy with them, although like you I did not see myself getting under the truck too often to adjust them.

This is how I installed the shocks.

 

 

John is right, there are a lot of choices out there. I decided on the Bilstein because I got them for a steal of a deal at the time and was confident on their performance.

 

Thanks guys!! I started looking at the KYBs just this morning.....

 

I've had the KYB shocks for a LONG time. Been happy with them.

 

I have the Monroe yellow truck shocks. Planning on trying something "better" in the future. The Rancho 9000 was on my list of possibilities so I hope you like them.

 

If we are in the running, don't forget the rebate. If you buy online save the UPC codes from the boxes, need to mail those in.
Also if you get them play around with the setting you want and be happy!
Have a good one.
Matt

 

My vote is the Rancho RS9000XL. I've had them for a few years and they've been great.

 

I've had those Ranchos a few years, very happy. After spending too much time dorking around with the settings I ended up with firm in front and soft in back when empty. For towing I firm up the back. But mine's 4X4 with that heavy front axle to control, I'd think a 2X4 can go softer up front.

Before install hit them with some clearcoat to prevent surface rust.

 

Hi Matt, You folks are certainly in the running!

You mention a mail in rebate...….I'm looking at $330 shipped to my door from Trends Auto on Ebay, would I be able to use the rebate on a purchase like this?

I think you have a good product...….I sometimes tow a heavy travel trailer (not 5th wheel) with my LATE '99 F-350 Crew Cab 2 wheel drive, it has almost 900lb tongue weight......I DO also use weight distribution bars...….Do you think your 9000XLs are my best choice?

 

Not according to Bilstein.

 

Those (9000XL) are what I'm running. 99L 4x4 cc LB

Like mentioned above hit em with a can of clear before you install them. Other users online didn't and mention surface rust. Then look into removing the adjustment ***** to lightly grease behind them, there's mention of that rusting up and no longer being able to adjust later.

Fronts need max stiffness all the time, i keep the rears 2 clicks softer when empty, and maxed when loaded.

They are yuuge compared to stock

Rear 9kXL, original rear, original front


XL REAR, original front, XL front, XL REAR
Much larger diameter

Major ride difference, granted the originals were 18 years old 90k miles. The front pass side is still collapsed a year later, so cant really give an accurate new to new comparison. Sorry about the pictures, didnt really organize them well for photos during install

 

The 5100's are for lifted trucks and will have more travel. The shock absorption portion of the part is the same.

If you disagree, please share the information that you have gathered so that we may all learn from it. I too contacted Bilstein when I installed the 4600's and the 5100's were an option. They told me and I read at several different places that they are the same, except for a few select parts that make the 5100's for lifted trucks.

I do not have the time right now to look up the information about them right now that was relayed years ago, if you have time you can search for it. Alternatively, please post up what you have learned and the source and I will be glad to change my opinion and thoughts on the variances between the 4600 and 5100 shocks.

 

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...stein-b8-5100/
https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...stein-b6-4600/

They don't directly compare them, but it's strongly implied that the valving is different.

Users have reported feeling the difference with 5100s being 'stiffer', but just as smooth riding. From dissecting reviews my guess is that they have stiffer low speed valving with similar high speed valving compared to the 4600. I've never had an opportunity to do a fair comparison.

I installed a set of 5100 on a friend's lifted Cherokee and was initially concerned with how soft they felt, but driving through a few big dips they showed good control. They do great on-road at low and high speeds. For driving fast off-road they're too soft for my liking, but I run stuff to the limit. He's more normal and has no complaints. Low speed & crawling they do great. They're soft & comfy but without any looseness.

I put 4600 on the front of my Cherokee (junkyard find, no clue what car they were made for) and they're great. The shocks that were on it felt good, KYB I think, the 4600 are better. First time I got them really hot they seem to have softened up permanently, not positive, but they're still good. They were way hotter than most people will get their shocks, I'm surprised the paint didn't bubble. I basically ran the little grocery getter like it was a trophy truck. I've done it a few times since and they don't seem to change so either it was in my head or whatever changed was a one time thing.

I've played with shocks enough to realize that while I fully understand how they work, I don't know exactly how they make the magic happen. What I do know is that you generally get what you pay for. I've had bikes with high end stuff and 'standard' OEM stuff. The higher end ones are always more controlled and more comfortable. I had a Ducati 999 with the standard suspension and it felt really good for a stock bike. I then bought an S model with the factory installed Ohlins and it was spectacular. Riders who've switched the OE supplied "cheap" Ohlins with the 'better' Ohlins say it gets even better. I had a CBR1100 with standard stuff then bought one with a Penske shock, night & day. Less suspension travel over the same bumps/dips, more controlled in spirited riding, and much more comfortable cruising. That shock runs around $1,000 and it's not even the highest end one, crazy money for a little coil over shock absorber.

On the flip side of $, I put a set of KYB G2 on my Explorer and they're fantastic. They were scary cheap on Amazon, under $50 for all 4, but I decided to take a chance. My brother, who's about as discerning as I, immediately noticed how nice it rode. Sometimes you get lucky. KYB Excell-G on the front of my Excursion...way too soft, they feel like worn out shocks right out of the box. Not so lucky.