biglar

Last fall I put a pair of Bilsteins on the back of my '02 to replace the soft Rancho 9000's I'd run for so long. I liked them so well, I replaced the fronts as well, a couple of weeks later. With the Ranchos, the truck would bounce 2 or 3 times, either hitting a pothole, or even just coming to a quick stop. The Bilsteins anchored it, and it was amazing and I loved it. I drove it some last winter, starting in temps as low as 10º F, and it seemed to ride awful hard. Cold shocks, thick oil, I figured. Now it's warmed up, and since the temps rose I notice that the Bilsteins ride about like the old Ranchos did, and I'm not happy.

My truck has the 2" lift in front and it took the longer shock, which is listed as an "off road" unit, and is not warranteed. Bilstein basically, politely, told me to go jump. Tough do-do, old son, and now I'm even less happy.

OK, has anyone else had this happen ?? I can only assume that the cold oil blew seals in the shocks. I really loved the way the truck handled with them last fall, and hate it now. Am I doomed to replacing the shocks every spring ?? Are there any alternatives I can look at ??

The Bilsteins are so far superior to the Ranchos they're not even in the same ball park. Will another, tougher brand hold up ?? What brand should I look at ?? This is rough - I've always heard that Bilsteins are the best.

Lar.

CORed

I have a 2" front lift and the Bilstein 5100 (silver and black) shocks up front. Loved them new too. But it's been about 3-4 years now and I think they may be due for replacement. Just don't feel as excited about how it rides compared to when I first put them on.

I don't think mine are as bad as what you describe tho. Especially after just 1 year. Mine are 3-4 years old and I don't think they are that bad. Just not as good as new.

I'm curious what is considered the "off-road" unit. Are they the ones I have?

I'd probably replace them again with another set of 5100s and see how they work out. I'm considering it with mine, but I just bought an XZT+ so it isn't going to happen for awhile.

biglar

Naw......mine's night and day. Last fall they were great, the truck was anchored and I was a happy driver. This spring it bounces like it did with the Ranchos. I don't know what number mine are, but because of the 2" lift, Bilstein calls 'em "off road" and doesn't warrantee them. The doofus I talked to on the phone said something like "duh, yeah, da book says dey're off road and dere's no warrantee." End of conversation. He could at least have patted me on the head and let me cry on his shoulder. I'm not pleased.

Lar.

paulkx5

I just installed a set of KYB Monomax shocks and I am very happy with the way the settled the truck. They are a bit on the firm side, but not really harsh. I can't tell you they will last longer but they seem to be very well made.