Bilsteins or Ranchos
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Bilsteins or Ranchos
I am at 75k miles on my '03 psd cc FX4 stock truck, tow a little, drive a lot unloaded. I think I may have a bad driver's side front shock, and have noticed many of the folks on here have Bilsteins on their trucks. Here are my questions:
1. Are Bilsteins the way to go? Are they a big improvement over the Ranchos the truck came with?
2. Can you put Bilsteins on the front only, or should all 4 be replaced at the same time? The rears are fine now.
Thanks for any advice...
1. Are Bilsteins the way to go? Are they a big improvement over the Ranchos the truck came with?
2. Can you put Bilsteins on the front only, or should all 4 be replaced at the same time? The rears are fine now.
Thanks for any advice...
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Got the put down...
The only things I really know much about are cabinetmaking, firefighting and rugby. When people ask about them, I try to give a decent, thoughtful answer.
Anyone else have any input on the question?
The only things I really know much about are cabinetmaking, firefighting and rugby. When people ask about them, I try to give a decent, thoughtful answer.
Anyone else have any input on the question?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2006
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wow i got 140k on my rancho's i guess i need to change mine??I got the FX4 package and mine came with them from the factory.
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Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: central MN
Those weren't Rancho's on a stock Fx4. Take a look at the shock, they have a ford part # on them. I think they call it Rancho "BRANDED" shocks. So you and I got motercraft shocks with a Rancho sticker on it....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
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From: The Land Of Time
I would also recomend the Bilstiens. While you are at it take a look at the steering stabilizer. Chances are that may need replacement also. I would recomend all 4 if you can afford it. I am not sure how much they are but I spent like 450.00 on them for my F-150. Those are obviously different, but do soe research and you should be able to find them at a decent price.
Look into a dual steering stabilizer kit also. It helps with the Death Wobble these trucks seem to have.
I hve 53k on mine and will be looking into replacing mine as well so keep me posted as to where you picked up your shocks and what you got.
Thanks,
Sarge
Look into a dual steering stabilizer kit also. It helps with the Death Wobble these trucks seem to have.
I hve 53k on mine and will be looking into replacing mine as well so keep me posted as to where you picked up your shocks and what you got.
Thanks,
Sarge
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
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From: Northern Arizona
My truck came with the 'Rancho branded' Motorcraft FX-4 shocks. After adding Bilstein 2.25" leveling coils and Bilstein shocks my truck's ride and handling were greatly improved.
No more death wobble, no more bottoming on speed bumps, much better control overall. It was money very well spent.
No more death wobble, no more bottoming on speed bumps, much better control overall. It was money very well spent.
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Thanks for the replies, very helpful. I looked at past posts on this also, went to eshocks.com, found what I think are the correct Bilsteins, $265 for 4 with free shipping.
To be perfectly honest, I think the ride is ok, I just noticed some oil/sludgy crap on the driver's front shock and figured it is going bad. I degreased it and after 500 miles, it is clean. But it sounds like getting 75k miles out of the stock shocks is enough...and the Bilsteins will improve the ride, so it seems like a good time to replace them.
Thanks again for everyone's help.
To be perfectly honest, I think the ride is ok, I just noticed some oil/sludgy crap on the driver's front shock and figured it is going bad. I degreased it and after 500 miles, it is clean. But it sounds like getting 75k miles out of the stock shocks is enough...and the Bilsteins will improve the ride, so it seems like a good time to replace them.
Thanks again for everyone's help.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
Likes: 3
From: Mount Airy, MD
I use to have Rancho RSX shocks prior to installing my lift and hated them. When I took them off to install the lift I noticed that all six of them (dual fronts) were leaking.
I replaced them with Bilstein 5100's and love them. Well worth the money I think.
I replaced them with Bilstein 5100's and love them. Well worth the money I think.
