Bilsteins or Ranchos?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 254
Likes: 27
You guys are killing me with all this Bilstien praise. Are they really that much of a nicer ride? Wish I'd have known that before I bought my RS9000s. Of course I've had them about 7 years now. Although since I got two new ones (RS9000XL) free, I doubt I'll switch over now. I just don't know if it's worth it to pitch perfectly good shocks for the expense of four new shocks (unless they make my truck ride like a Cady). By the way Cris, nice truck color... but I'm partial I have the same.
Chris
Chris
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,398
Likes: 1
From: Gilbert, Az
You guys are killing me with all this Bilstien praise. Are they really that much of a nicer ride? Wish I'd have known that before I bought my RS9000s. Of course I've had them about 7 years now. Although since I got two new ones (RS9000XL) free, I doubt I'll switch over now. I just don't know if it's worth it to pitch perfectly good shocks for the expense of four new shocks (unless they make my truck ride like a Cady). By the way Cris, nice truck color... but I'm partial I have the same.
Chris
Chris
Hopefully I will be able to tell you if they were worth it or not in just a couple of hours
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Be sure to install them boot down, body up.
As for Bilsteins vs Ranchos....I ran RS9000s years ago with the in cab controller. I never could get them where I liked the ride. Either the compression or rebound was always off.
With the Bilsteins being valved specifically for the SD with low compression and high rebound they ride very nice, IMO.
As for Bilsteins vs Ranchos....I ran RS9000s years ago with the in cab controller. I never could get them where I liked the ride. Either the compression or rebound was always off.
With the Bilsteins being valved specifically for the SD with low compression and high rebound they ride very nice, IMO.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Angleton, Tx
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
No problem.
Don't get me wrong, adjustability is nice. But the Ranchos adjust compression and rebound at the same time. So, when I would get rebound where I liked it, the compression was too stiff......and when I liked the compression it didn't have enough rebound control. But, back in 01 I was new to lifted trucks and didn't know about all the high quality parts. Luckily I was a picky bastage and that helped me learn more about what it takes to achieve a good ride.
Now, if you get something like a King, Sway-A-Way, Fox, etc. shock with a 2-4 tube bypass you can fine tune them to dial them in perfectly where you want them since you are adjusting compression and rebound independently of each other. Of course, those are big coin since they are race shocks.
Don't get me wrong, adjustability is nice. But the Ranchos adjust compression and rebound at the same time. So, when I would get rebound where I liked it, the compression was too stiff......and when I liked the compression it didn't have enough rebound control. But, back in 01 I was new to lifted trucks and didn't know about all the high quality parts. Luckily I was a picky bastage and that helped me learn more about what it takes to achieve a good ride.
Now, if you get something like a King, Sway-A-Way, Fox, etc. shock with a 2-4 tube bypass you can fine tune them to dial them in perfectly where you want them since you are adjusting compression and rebound independently of each other. Of course, those are big coin since they are race shocks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,398
Likes: 1
From: Gilbert, Az
The Bilsteins are GREAT
Now I just have to see if they will work tomorrow when the truck gets its new lift.
Thanks Dan for all of your help when I was ordering the Bilsteins!!!!! Tried to rep you again but I need to spread em around.
Now I just have to see if they will work tomorrow when the truck gets its new lift. Thanks Dan for all of your help when I was ordering the Bilsteins!!!!! Tried to rep you again but I need to spread em around.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
Mine are installed boot up, no probs after 2 years.....I don't think Bilstein really specifies either way. Not sure about that one......but mine work like they are brand new 
