Has anyone out there tried both and can give a comparison of them for guys who are thinking about an upgrade?

Bilsteins are supposed to be very good shocks, but personally I'm more of a Rancho fan. I've owned many sets over the years, in a host of different vehicles, and they've all served me well.

I'm going to go with the Rancho due to the fact of cost if there really is no difference.

bilstein by far just ordered another set for my wifes tahoeEdited by: supatrucka

I've run the rancho 9000 that adjust... Love um.. Be carful with the 5000 you may not like the ride. If you do go with the 5000 check into it. Rancho makes the 5000 with different valves in them so make sure you get the ones you want. I run the 5000 on my jeep but I went with with a softer riding valves. I didn't want a rough ride. I've got the same on my 1/2 ton. You may want to give your local four wheel drive shop a call..

Had both...... prefer the Bilstiens for towing...

had the 5000's.... they sucked. had the RSX, or something like that, and I like them pretty well...untill I had a heavy tow. And, the fact that they would bottom out rather easly but still better than stock. The Bilstiens are really the ticket for me. My truck always has something in the back, always. They make the ride much better, much more so when towing...much better...eh..FANTASTIC. So, it depends on what you want to do or how you use you TRUCK.


My vote goes to Bilstien. You can get them HERE (http://www.kennedydiesel.com) at JK's place.


Burner-----------> http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

IMO go with the Rancho 9000X. Adjustability is great for dailing in just what you want out of your ride. I have had Bilsteins on a car and they're great but no experience with the truck versions.


They are known to be alittle stiff on compression though.


Just my .02

I like Rancho 9000X. Adjustability is very cool, set it just like I want. I also change mine around based on the load in the truck.

I like the versatility of the 9000's....... but I don't like getting under a dirty truck, nor do I like the extra clutter in the cab from the "on board" adjusters. I get plenty dirty at work, not all the time but dirty enough to say "NO" more. The Bilsteins have self adjusting valves, one piece tube and a bottom cushen, it prevents "airing" in the oil.


Don't look at price........get what you think is the best. Remember, the shocks you use will be under your 40,000 dollar truck......... Chose wisely. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Good thinking Burner ... nuff said I get a set of Bilsteins and be done with it.

I had 5000's on a Suburban and felt little ride improvement. Just put on some Bilstiens on the Silverado and was amazed at the ride quality. Much better valving. I am not sure about now, but Ranchos used to use a piece of closed cell foam for volume compensation. I am skeptical about the long term ability of this foam to hold up to chemical and cyclical effects. The Bilstiens are nitrogen/ piston separated and should perfom better/longer provided the gas and oil stay separated.