When I bought my truck new in '02, the factory shocks weren't too good with the camper on board. So, within a few 1,000 miles, I put on a set of Rancho 9000's and set them on 5. Better, but I was disappointed. "Everyone" told me that's all I could expect, so I drove it like that - with 100 psi in the airbags - for over 100,000 miles, almost all with the camper on board.

I do realize that airbags and helper springs are for support only, and have no shock absorption capability.

This summer on vacation I finally got fed up, and when I got home I ordered a set of Bilsteins and installed them.

I CAN NOT believe the difference. Those Bilstein shocks anchor that thing. Sounds different, rides different, feels different. What a joy. I'd like to get hold of the "experts" who said the Ranchos were fine and force feed those Ranchos to them.

If you're unsure and trying to decide, don't even hesitate. Get the Bilsteins. Shocked Lar.

 

Which ones did you get?

 

I went thru ShockWarehouse.com and got the BE5-6681-H5 for the front, since I've got a 2" front lift, and BE5-2550-HO for the rear, since I've got the 8800 GVW and Dana 80 limited slip rear axle. Took some talking with their tech guy to be sorta sure.....(haven't installed the rears yet)

Lar.

 

This is very good info. to hear. I am in the process of looking for shocks for my 03 now. I am fed up with the stock shocks (they have been shot for a while) and am keeping an ear to the ground for some good shocks. I do a lot of towing on rough roads and need a good set of shocks. What is the price range for a set of Bilsteins?

Anybody else have good shocks, and what are they?

 

They were around $250.00 for the set of 4. Much of my driving is on back roads of all types, and the last 2 weeks have been an eye opener. Wish I'd done this 100,000 miles ago.

Lar

 

just ordered mine $298 shipped to my door should be here in a few days. www.shockwarehouse.com i put these same exact shocks on our '03.....man it's a completely different truck... WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT!!!

 

Those are the exact shocks I have (zinc body). They are fantastic for the type of shock they are.

No DW since I installed mine with my D25 skycrapper springs.

 

I have had people on this forum argue with me about how bad the Rancho 9000s were compared to the Bilstein shocks. I have said from day one that people need to try them both in order to give an accurate opinion.

I love my Bilsteins, it was a night and day difference from the Ranchos.

 

I have yet to hear anybody that really knows shocks say anything bad about Bisteins!

 

Do they come orange and blue?

 

the orange and blue ones are the original equipment heavy duty shocks which came on vehicles like the z71 packaged chevys. the 5100's that everyone talks about are like a brushed aluminum finish with black shock boots. i don't know if the oem bilsteins come in extended lengths...

 

Mine are yellow & blue, 5100's, I think. Bought them 2-3 years ago. Best money spent on the truck. Second best was the Wrangler Silent Armor tires.
The Gauges are a mandatory, so they are is a differrent mission crtical category.

 

Every vehicle will respond different to each shock.
I have a 2wd. They act different from a 4WD Dodge and a 2wd or 4wd Ford, etc.
I changed from stock to KYB. WOW
KYB wore out and changed to Bilstein. Duh, should have stayed with KYB. Bilstein still very good, but the KYB were better.