Rancho 9000 vs. Bilstein - Diesel Forum

289Shelby · 06-16-2003, 12:23 PM

Having a hard time deciding on which shock to go with Rancho 9000 with adjustability or Bilsteins with proven technology. I've read the other posts and some feel the Bilsteins are too stiff once the Hellwig sway bar is also installed (I plan to do this as well). But some feel the Ranchos are slow to respond and don't give them better handling.

I can get (4) Ranchos to my door for $340 or $285 for the Bilsteins, only a $55 difference. Let me know how you guys like your Bilsteins or Ranchos.

dmftoy1 · 06-16-2003, 12:43 PM

I love my Rancho's, but I'm sure the Bilsteins are fine shocks. You might check your pricing though, as I got 4 9000x's delivered to my house for under 300 last year. I think it was from Sam's Offroad but I'm not sure.

Regards,
Dave

PSDCool · 06-16-2003, 01:44 PM

Installed 4 Bilstein's on my 02 4X4 Excursion LTD. I thought everyone was blowing smoke about the difference in ride. It definitely rides much better than the stock shocks. I don't know where everyone is getting the stiff ride problem, it seem to ride a little softer than the stock shocks. I'm a believer, I would change to the Bilstein's.

ScaldedDog · 06-16-2003, 03:30 PM

I got 4 9000X's for $286 just by walking into a 4Wheel Parts place here in town. They were having a buy three, get one free deal.

I've not had the Bilsteins, but I like being able to set the Ranchos on 1 when driving on washboard roads. It makes a huge difference.

Mark

bwalker5 · 06-16-2003, 04:17 PM

IMHO 9000x's are a good but I don't think they're great. I've got the Xcode springs and if I set the Ranchos above 3, I have to go to the Dentist the next day. If you set them below 3 they get mushy and actually ride worse on choppy freeways.
They actually ride Great at ~75mph but below that they are stiff.
THEY LOVE SPEED BUMPS!!!! (no, I don't slow down)
I like them but my passengers say the ride is stiff.(I tell'em to walk)
Would be nice if we could adjust both jounce and rebound seperately!!!

Got them at 4wparts also, buy 3 get one free.
I would buy them again unless something better comes along.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/product2....amp;cat=Shocks

Never tried the Edelbrocks....
Never tried the Bilsteins.....

B

289Shelby · 06-16-2003, 04:47 PM

Thanks for feedback on the shocks guys. I called Central 4 Wheel drive up here in Kent, WA and they priced them like you said buy 3 get the 4th free. So roughly $79.90/shock comes to $240 + tax. Not a bad deal. The steering stabilizers are also on sale for $41.90. This is only the replacement cartridge using the OEM mounts. The Rancho set up is sounding better and better.

Todd

jschira · 06-16-2003, 04:59 PM

I like my Ranchos, but everybody's butt is different.

CHPMustang · 06-16-2003, 11:01 PM

I don't get on the soapbox about shocks but I'll say we're satisfied with our choice of the RS9000X's [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

WorkToFish · 06-17-2003, 01:38 AM

Rickson Truck Accessories sells the Bilsteins for ~$250 a set ($62.50 each) and eshocks.com has them free shipping and tax for a little more ~$280 ($69.95 each):

www.ricksontruck.com
www.eshocks.com

Adjustablility is overrated...IMHO...BTW I have the rancho 9000 adjustables.

coldair · 06-17-2003, 05:18 AM

I got a set of rs9000's laying on the shop floor, you can collapse them with your pinky while set on 3 but in there defense they do have almost 6000 miles on them [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif[/img]

289Shelby · 06-17-2003, 11:29 AM

So did you switch to Bilsteins or some other brand of shock? I thought Ranchos had a lifetime guarantee, or is it only on seal or piston failure?

swhitney · 06-17-2003, 12:44 PM

I just put some bilsteins on mine, very controlled, and maybe a tad on the firm side. Compared to the stock and Doetsch ones I had, the are softer on the big hits, but firmer over small stuff and road undulations, if that makes sense. I like the firmer feel, and not having to crawl around under the truck before each trip, so it's not a problem.

As always, everyone's butt is calibrated differently.

Chris Brandt · 06-17-2003, 02:00 PM

Bilstein's all the way.

Sorry Rancho lovers but they are not in the same class.

If you gave me free Rancho's and I had to pay $200 a corner for Bilsteins out would come the wallet. I have owned multiple sets of 9000's including a set with the in cab adjustment and they do not equal Bilsteins
on any setting or under any conditions

289Shelby · 06-24-2003, 01:29 AM

Thanks to all that chimed in. I went for the Rancho 9000's, Rancho stablilizer, and Hellwig rear sway bar. What a HUGE difference in handling! Quick lane changes are crisp and without that massive sway in the rear. I think the adjustability will be nice too since the wife still wants to tweak the rear down in firmness, I've got the front set at "5" and the rear at "4". The Hellwig sure firms up the ride itself. Has to be one of the best investments you can make to your X. All told the shocks were $260, stablilizer $45 and sway bar $120 (Summit).

CHPMustang · 06-24-2003, 11:27 AM

289Shelby,did you get the Rancho 5410 stabilizer?

BILL