I've noticed when I pull my 5th ,when we hit a dip in the road it dosen't suck the bump up just bounces in the rear. My truck has air bags at 45psi, but the shocks just plain suck! Anyone try 9000 Rancho's in the rear? Was thinking that I could set them for empty and then max them for pulling th 5th. Ideas?

 

I don't have air bags, but one of my first mods was going to Rancho 9000s (the old 5-position ones) all around. Pulling our former 13,500 lb GVWR 5th wheel with the truck's stock OEM shocks, the rear of the truck was too hard (excessive compression damping) and kicked when running empty, but too soft (insufficient rebound damping) and constantly bounced when towing. With the rear Rancho 9000s set at "2", empty ride is much improved and at "5" everything is snugged down tight for towing.

Rusty

 

Sounds like that's the way to go. Hello Rancho

 

Rancho RS 9000's on all 4 corners here.....there is no substitute for the range adjustability........at the very least, add them to the rear. You will be able to literally provide the approprate amount of dampening for ANY load condition your CTD will have to deal with. You can't say that about too many other shocks.

 

Rancho RS 9000's on all 4 corners?
What about the Bilsteens 5100? I need new stocks pretty soon but I do not know which ones to buy.

 

The 9000's are 9-way adjustable and provide a very wide range of dampening. Do the 5100's provide a good range of adjustability? I don't know much about them. I like having 9000's on the front too because I tow 7500 lbs with a 4000 lb (wet) slide-in on the truck - needless to say, the front axle weight is high and the 9000's do a superior job at dampening the front when the truck is loaded down heavy.

 

Went to Bilsteins website and found the shocks but all it does is show the pic, no explanation of them adjustable or not

 

I just called, on the Rancho RS9000X and they do not have shocks to fit my 1 ton

 

I have Timbrens on the rear. While towing I get a little bouncy in the rear. I had local 4x4 dealer to install their best gas shock custom made (rough country) installed. Have not towed with them yet but they smoothed out the ride a bunch.

 

You can buy ProComp MX-6 for adjustability, they tend to wear out somewhat fast though. As for a good all around shock the Bilstein are pretty much the way to go. Either the 5100 or the 5150 with the overflow resevoir. Just my $.02 and experiences. By far the best bang for your buck shock wise is the Bilstein.

 

How big of a 5vr are you pulling
I only set my bags to 15lbs and have had to let that out some because it sets the rear up way too high when pulling my 11k 5vr. At about 10lbs was idea for bounce control and front of 5vr height when towing.
You also don't say what truck you have, a 2500 or 3500 a LB or SB or Dually????

 

I put Timbrens on mine with Bilstein shocks and the combo works like a charm.

 

I put Bilsteins all around. They are Gas shocks, lifetime, in theory. No adjustments to do. Works well with the fiver, or not. I believe they were avout $60 each. Huge ride improvement, all around. It is too bad they are not offerred as an option.
I believe the stock shocks are almost junk from day 1. Saved some money here, I think.
A lot of people like the Rancho's, but I believe they are fluid filled, not gas. Perhaps somewhat older technology?

 

I run Rancho 9000s all the way around, the newer 9 way adjustables. I wouldn't trade them for a different shock. They really made a difference.

 

Just happen to be looking at the App Guide for my wifes 04 Liberty... They do list RS9000's for an 03-05 3500.

http://www.gorancho.com/products/app...005_shocks.pdf

DODGE TRUCK — Pickup (1 Ton) 4 W.D. (Ram 3500 & W Models)
RS9000 RS5000
Front Rear Front Rear
2003-05 4WD Ram 3500 (1 Ton) 0" Lift RS99221 RS99269 RS5221 RS5269
Rancho RS9000X Pro-Series shock - RS19269PS