Well guys it's about time I get new shocks for the truck. I've currently got Skyjacker 8000 Nitrogen shocks all the way around and I think my front ones are smoked, they just can't control bounce on the highway.

So I'm in the market for something that'll work with a 2" leveling kit. I don't mind spending good money for a good shock. I'm debating on whether to do all 4 or just the front two since I don't think anything is going to help the rear end ride nice empty with 3500 springs and firestone air bags.

Right now I'm looking hard the Bilstein 5100 and Rancho 9000XL. Both are close in price, although Rancho is currently doing a buy 3 get the 4th free deal. I tried talking to my buds about it and it's split decision between the two.

Some guys like the ranchos to ride soft unloaded or off road, then firmed up for loads. The other guys claim no one can beat Bilsteins valving and that they are custom tailored for each application. Some guys claim monotube is better, others triple tube is superior.

Here is what I do with the truck. I drive it to work on the highway, but I do live on a dirt road. It's got 315/75/16 Duratacs and a 2" spacer up front. Typically it's empty or loaded light, but, I occasionally tow a 22ft gooseneck and lately I've been loading up around 7000lbs of gravel in the bed of the truck. I also take it out hunting into the remote desert and on wash boarded roads. I also need something that will last and take abuse cause I work my truck.

I'm thinking with the wide variety of uses I have for this truck something adjustable like the 9000XL would benefit me, although I can't ignore Bilstein's great track record over the years.

So 5100's or 9000XL's? Just do the front 2 or knock out all 4?

Thoughts?

-Dustin-

 

I'm in the same boat bud. I like to see what everyone says

 

I can't give you a direct between the XL9000's and Bilstein, but I just pulled off four Bilstein 5100s and replaced all four with the Fox 2.0's - 2001 Reg cab 2500; 8800GVW. I've run the XL9000's on a different (lighter) truck.

The Fox 2.0's are a bit better than the 5100's ride wise running empty on a straight bumpy road. The Fox's are more than a bit better in the bumpy corners running empty. Costwise, it's about $60 more for four Fox vs the Bilstein.

That said, I'm a big fan of the Rancho 9000's due to the rebound adjustibility and associated bonus of being able to change damping in the rear when going from empty to pulling or hauling a load. I ran the hell out of them in a lighter truck loaded heavy on bumpy Baja dirt roads back in the 90's and they never gave out. FYI - Both trucks had/have rear airbags which is mandatory for pulling a load, lugging a cabover or a full bed that's heavy imo.

If I had to choose all over again it would be hard to pick between the Rancho's or the Fox

I'm going to sell the four Bilstein's with 30K miles on them for $100 if anyone want's to try them out for cheap. They have not lost any damping ability judging from when I cycled them after removing them.

 

Hey Dane do you know the part numbers for the Fox shocks?

 

Good info, you can get exact Fox number from their website. I looked at those and the remote bilsteins. Mainly because I was trying find a rebuildable shock. My biggest thing is finding a tough shock that can last. The ProComp shocks before these Skyjackers pulled apart while I was out hunting.

Looks to me like the Rancho 9000XL's are going to be the ticket.

-Dustin-

 

FYI if you buy the Fox shocks - I have a Skyjacker lift kit as you can see in the pic. I bought the Fox shocks for a 2-3" lift and they are almost too long. I would get the stock length shocks unless you have a 4" or taller lift kit.

 

I carried a Lance camper and then empty half the year so the Rancho 9000 were perfect (plus airlift). Your situation with only occasional loads seems right for the Bilsteins. Your airbags will handle the extra weight.

 

I just replaced the rear Rancho RS9000's on the rear of my 2002 with Bilstein HD's. One of the Ranchos could be pushed in & out very easily by hand. I do tow fairly heavy a couple of times a year. The Ranchos have about 35,000 miles on them. I haven't checked the condition of the front yet. Handling has improved with the Bilsteins. I also have airbags. Still rides a bit stiff, but that is the nature of the beast.