When I acquired my used '01 Limited in 2003, I installed a Hellwig rear anti-swaybar, radius-rods, and a set of Rancho adjustable shock absorbers ... and I was pleased with the ride quality. Later on, I traded in the '01 for a used '05 Eddie Baeur in 2006.

The EB came with an OEM rear swaybar, so I installed another set of radius-rods, but this time I tried some different shocks. Why? A lot of guys here had posted favorable reviews of Bilsteins, so I thought there might be something to it, and I bought a set.

Well, let me tell you, I was not at all happy with them. I know a few folks say they need to be re-valved, but I'm one of those who believe that if a company makes something for the Excursion, it should work right out of the box ... not be sent elsewhere for "adjustments." I drove them for awhile figuring I needed to get some miles out of them since I dropped a few dollars on 'em.

Recently, a friend alerted me to a buy-3 with 4th-unit-free sale, so I ordered a set of Rancho adjustables. Installed them this morning, and I just got home from running some errands. After two years of suffering with the Bilsteins, I love my truck again. No more harshness or skittish feeling.

So if you haven't been overly impressed with your Bilsteins, or just wanted another opinion as to which shock absorbers to buy to replace your old OEM pieces, my vote is for Ranchos. BTW, all Excursions should be running aftermarket shocks because the OEM pieces are now too old. Of course, that's just my opinion.

 

I recently ordered Bil's for my 00 ex and the guy said he would like to recommend Ranchos. Said most just get bils for the name and he has had a lot of negative feedback. He also suggested another but then said the ranchos were what a lot of ex drivers had liked better than the Bil's so that was my choice.
They get installed next week so we will see how it goes.

 

Bilsteins are valved pretty stiff. If you off-road a lot Bilsteins are worth the money.

However, it's hard to beat the 9-position adjustable Ranchos. Just makes the most sense in my opinion. That's why I put them on my 2000 Excursion.

Monroe Reflex is a nice middle of the road shock. Acceptable off-road with predictable, well-mannered on-road results. My Avalanche wears those.

 

Glad to see this post - starting my research on which shocks to go with on mine. I've used adjustables in the past and have had good results with them - not Ranchos but other brands. I have Rancho non adjustables RS5000's on my Bronco and they are VERY stiff but they work well off road. The Ex will never be used in the same manner so I'm looking for on-road comfort and stability.

 

I messed up too when I listened to the hype
and should have stayed with the 9000's that I absolutely LOVED on my 03......

I would set the shocks on 1 and the tires on HARD to get the best mpg and the softest ride


well worth the money IMHO but there are those that love Bil's too !

 

You can't beat adjustability

 

Harshness? Skittish feeling?

Wow, I've never had anything close to that happening with my Ex after installing Bilsteins.

Do you still have the stock springs? If so, I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

Stewart

 

Rancho's for me, I don't know about the rest.

 

Ranchos ALL THE WAY betta than Blistens! IMO!

 

Yes. Why would I want to change them? They work fine.

The point I was attempting to make was that I have tried both, and prefer the Ranchos much more than the Bilsteins.

 

That's great you love your rancho's.

But you are comparing adjustable to non-adjustable shocks.

Keep the comparison in the same family.

There are better adjustable shocks then rancho's if you wanted to spend the cash. Does that make you enjoy yours any less?

Enjoy your shocks.

 

THATS IT! Monroe was the other he suggested! Thanks. It was killing what little brain I have left trying to figure out the other without having to call and look like a total doof.

 

Yes, I know what your point was. It was clear and evident.

I was asking about your springs because I wonder if for some reason the Bilsteins "feel" better with the upgraded V code/B code springs compared to the stock springs, and the Rancho's feel ok with either springs because they're adjustable.

My thought was, maybe the synergy between the Bilsteins and the upgraded springs work well together for the dynamics of suspension travel and comfort, while not as well with the stock springs.

It was just a thought, that's why I asked.

Stewart

 

OK.... I understand the reasoning behind your question now. Thanks for the clarification.

 

So? I posted an opinion based upon my personal experience and related to the hype found online in various forums about Excursion shock absorbers. Please excuse me for not making it a scientific study, but I've already wasted anough money and simply hope I could save others the expense of dong their own experimentation. It's an opinion, not science.
Thank you. I already am.