which new shocks?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
IMO, yes they are.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
I have a thread on another forum called "Bilsteins are miserable".
I wanted "the best" so I picked up some Bilsteins and put them on my Ex. Miserable ride. They were worse than the OEMs I replaced that had 90K miles or so on them. No control when needed. In a turn the rear end of the Ex floated all over. On a bumpy road they jarred teeth. When I had about 2000 miles on the Bilsteins I bought some Rancho XLs and put them on. Yes, I was willing to take off the Bilsteins (and the money I spent on them) and throw them away because I was so displeased. And, yes, they are just sitting in my garage.
The Rancho XLs have the adjustability feature. I was able to set it where I like it and forget it. Similarly, if I decide to tow or carry a heavy load, like camping gear, a load of people, stuff up on the rack, I can turn the dials and stiffen them up if I like.
But, for my likes, the Bilsteins are not worth the premium price you pay for them.
I wanted "the best" so I picked up some Bilsteins and put them on my Ex. Miserable ride. They were worse than the OEMs I replaced that had 90K miles or so on them. No control when needed. In a turn the rear end of the Ex floated all over. On a bumpy road they jarred teeth. When I had about 2000 miles on the Bilsteins I bought some Rancho XLs and put them on. Yes, I was willing to take off the Bilsteins (and the money I spent on them) and throw them away because I was so displeased. And, yes, they are just sitting in my garage.
The Rancho XLs have the adjustability feature. I was able to set it where I like it and forget it. Similarly, if I decide to tow or carry a heavy load, like camping gear, a load of people, stuff up on the rack, I can turn the dials and stiffen them up if I like.
But, for my likes, the Bilsteins are not worth the premium price you pay for them.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Westerville, Ohio
I'm satisfied with my Monroe Reflexes. They have a decent ride around town and are adequate for towing my 10,000 pound travel trailer. Less expensive, too. 
Stew
Stew
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 245
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From: TN
Nothing "wrong" with them, but they are pretty much just a run-of-the-mill shock.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 229
Likes: 2
From: MI
Yep, this is a Coke/Pepsi kinda question where it usually gets heated. I have Rancho rs9000's and love them compared to stock. I have not used bilsteins so I can not say which "I" Like more. If you tow a large travel trailer I think the Bilsteins will last a bit longer, but if a smaller trailer or Daily driver then I think the Rancho are perfectly Fine....Also I got mine for $343 shipped from Summit racing on a price match from Tonneau Covers, Nerf Bars, Suspension Lift Kits, Fender Flares, Truck Accessories and awaiting my $100 rebate visa card from Rancho....So $243 shippped or 60.75 a piece to my door, cant complain about that.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 391
Likes: 1
Another place to look;
Rancho RS9000XL Shocks, LOWEST PRICES on Rancho RS9000XL Shocks
Nope, I did not get mine here. But, in looking around, they seem to have a good price.