Bilsteins or Rancho 9000's

[toddsmith1]

Once again another shock opinion question. I have a 2.5" ironman lift with heavy duty springs(5 years old). Fully armored. I currently have KYB monomax that are virtually new. I have chips in my teeth from the rough ride and I am tired of it. Most of my driving is to and from Boyscout meetings and the occasional wheeling weekend. I have narrowed my search down to Bilsteins or the adjustable Rancho's. I can get them for aprox. $75 each. There is little to no negative feedback about the Bilsteins, which is a major positive. I like the Rancho idea because I can adjust he ride to my preferences. So, for those folks who have experience with one or both of these brands, can you give me some feedback. I have eliminated all other brands for various reasons.

Oh, buy the way, I will be selling a like new set of monomax's if anyone is interested. They will also fit a stock truck. If your springs are a little week. These will help.

 

[alia176]

Curious, what is the Bilstein shock # for your 2.5" lift? That price is killer. I wasn't aware of any off the shelf Bilstein shocks for your lift. The shocks that are listed on their site for our vehicles are for a non lifted rig but I think you knew that already.

 

[kidglove13]

hey fellow Virginian
Even though Bilsteins are good, I actually just picked up a set of used 7100's but, that is a different story.

In your case looking for the adjustability I would opt for the rancho, the bilstein might be a little better shock at that level of shock, but I would choose the option for adjustments

Or you can take it to another level and go for the bilstein 7100's that can be custom valved and are completely owner rebuildale, but the price is almost double per shock but you will never have to buy shocks again unless you go up in lift

 

[toddsmith1]

Well, there is a pretty big difference in $300 for a set of 4 and $800.00. I would rather spend the other $500 on new leather seats.

As to the question, about what Bilstein shock is being used with a 2 inch lift. As far as I can tell people are using the stock size shock. I found one web site that list the stock part number as the 2" lift shock. I also saw some post where people where using adapters to fit different shocks.

I wish Rancho was still running a rebate, that would seal the deal. The price would be too good to pass up. Maybe if I wait a week or two they will start another one.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Just curious, why not try these: http://store.camel4x4.com/category/80_Series_Lexus450.html?fromPage=Nitro

I run them on our 92 with an Ironman 2-3" lift and they are soooo smoooth over bumps, RR tracks, curbs, etc. Eli recommended them with the lift since we don't go off-road much. If we did, he recommended the foam cell version.

 

[toddsmith1]

When I put my lift on, I also put on ironman foam cell shocks. I had complete failure in one shock. I also did not like the ride. They probably have changed over past 5+ years. I like ironman products overall though. I just rebushed(sp) my entire truck with their bushing kit.

 

[dontblink]

Subscribed.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

When I put my lift on, I also put on ironman foam cell shocks. I had complete failure in one shock. I also did not like the ride. They probably have changed over past 5+ years. I like ironman products overall though. I just rebushed(sp) my entire truck with their bushing kit.

Bought ours 2 years ago and all is great. Best riding vehicle we own.

 

[dontblink]

I'm definitely interested in finding out if the Bilstein 24-014779 / 24-014786 can handle a 2" or 2.5" lift.

 

[coilysammy]

I have ran both shocks and I think they are pretty comparable as far as ride quality. I don't think the adjustability of the rancho is much of a selling point though because the adjustment didn't seem to make much of a difference at all. I ran a non adjustable long travel rancho on the front of my coil sprung samurai and they were actually really nice. As of now though, I am running bilsteins on both my 85 extra cab and my 04 dodge diesel and I think they are pretty nice shocks for the money. Unless I was going to spend some serious dough and move up to a high end shock, I would buy the non adjustable ranchos or the bilsteins, either one rides nice. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Krazytoy]

The Rancho 9's all the way. They are a 2.75" body and a 18 mm shaft. Hard to beat in my opinion and I have had both.

 

[toddsmith1]

ttt...

 

[warezdog]

Went with Rancho 9500's and never looked back

 

[toddsmith1]

I decided to go with Rancho 9000's. With my heavy duty springs, I just don't want the stiffer ride of the Bilsteins. I also decided to try the My Ride controller. I know it is prone to leaking air, but I found alot of people who are very happy with the options it gives you. I will post an update when everything is installed.

 

[warezdog]

I decided to go with Rancho 9000's. With my heavy duty springs, I just don't want the stiffer ride of the Bilsteins. I also decided to try the My Ride controller. I know it is prone to leaking air, but I found alot of people who are very happy with the options it gives you. I will post an update when everything is installed.

Just pulled my invoice from the shocks and mine too were 9000XLs, set them to 5 and pleased with the ride. After taking 2 months using AA codes I got them all TMD for $250.
Used one coupon for $40 off $100 PLUS GET $50 off next purchase of $100 or more and then a $50 off $125 instant andb another 50 off next 100 or more. Advanced Auto is generally higher but using codes makes them competitive it was worth the wait.

I plan on going with short lift because I have to park in a parking garage so with 1-2" I should still be ok running these, stock coils are at 170K so thats my next step after I take care of the current nightmare I'm in!


I keep an eye on the slickdeals.net AA thread so I can't take credit for doing this on my own other than installing them!