I think it is time for new shocks, its getting close to hunting season around here and the new camper is on. I still have the stock ones on, the air bags have let me stay stock this long. Now that I am going to be going to the hills with the camper, and not just down the paved roads I think its time. After all the reading Blistens or Rancho are what it seems to be the choice of many. Can I put Blistens on a stock truck? Will the 9000's last? Any advice will help.
Thanks in advance
"D"

 

All I can tell you is that the stocker shocks are junk. No matter what aftermarket shock you go with, it will be much improved over the stockers.

Personally, I use the Rancho 9000 Adjustables and I love them. Much better ride and handling and easy to adjust firmer/softer.

I have heard nothing but good about the Bilsteins too.

 

I just installed a set of Rancho 9000s on the rear of my 2004. I am towing a 31' trailer and will be interested in how the new shocks will workout.

 

Go With Bilsteins The Best you Can Find ! Rancho a Good Shock Sears Will Sell Them To You ! I Have The Shock Bilstens Order # If You Need Them .

Col.

 

Both are good. I chose the Bilstein becase they are a gas shock, vs fluid and I will never have to crawl under the truck to adjust them.
Seems the stock shocks are worn out at the factory.
You will be very happy either way!!!

 

I'm in the same boat you are. I finally decieded on the Bilsteins over the ranchos. I heard they last longer but as others stated: any shock is better than stock/worn out shocks. Mine are scheduled for delivery today and I will have them on tonight. I leave for WY on monday for a week long trip. I'll let you know how they work. Search "Bilstein vs Rancho" or search by name: Roughstock and read that post.

 

Please let me know how you do on the installation. The upper nuts on the rears are tough to get to on mine, so I took it to a shop. They are 125 ftlbs. I could only get a small wrench on them, that did not cut it. Took about 1.5 hrs for the shop to put them on witha lift. I do ot like spending money when I cam do the work, but sometimes it tkae more tools than you have.
The guys doing the work earned their money.

 

well the good thing about ranchos is that they have a lifetime warrenty. if they ever leak or go bad i just take them to 4Wheel Parts and they give me a new one.. no hastle no problems.. the only time that i have ever had to pay extra is when the price of the shock went up. i bought them for like 59 bucks a few years earlyer and then i went to warrenty one and the new price was 69 bucks.. so i paid 10 bucks for a brand new shock, big deal.. they are good shocks and rancho totaly stands behind them.. just my .02

 

bilistein, made a big differance with 3k truck camper...

 

Col.,

What that part number for the rears? Thanks!

 

Try shox.com, got mine there. about $60 each. They will spec the right ones for you. been about 2 years, so they may have gone up a little.
Best thing for ride & haddling, towing, or not.
Should be stock from the factory.

 

Would it be better to go with more shock like lets say go with the ones for trucks over 8400lbs? instead of the ones for trucks under 8400lbs? too me it would make more sense to have more shocks than you would need?

 

Yes - get the heavy-duty ones, since you tow.