I have the choice between either Rancho RS5000's or KYB mono max gas shock. I work for NAPA, so with my discount I can get the ranchos for 37 a peice, or the KYB's for about 47. I have BJ spacers(1.5'') and zuk coils in the rear(14'', about 2'' or lift). The KYB's say with or without a 2 inch lift, the ranchos are only saying 1'' lift.

Just thought I'd like to hear people opinions before ordering them.

I might hold off on the rear shocks till I decide if I want to go with chevy leaf springs. If

Forget the monomax; I paid almost $100 each for a set & they are hard as a rock evern after 30,000 miles, plus they just don't absorb any impacts. I had Bilsteins for over 130,000 miles & wish I had them back. Can't beat them for the price (online now for around $65 each). They ROCK. I've experienced nothing better than Bilstein HDs. Tons of control & last FOREVER.

Ranchos are low-rent.

I'll agree about the Bilsteins, great shock. Spend the extra couple bucks and be happy you won't have to buy a second set when you find out the "discount" shocks are just that (+ Billys are guaranteed for life) - how's it go? "Buy quality, cry once. Buy cheap, cry every day"

Ranchos are garbage. Offroad I find they jar and bounce the truck around. Then when I'm on road they don't damper the small bumps at all, and then damper too much for the larger bumps.

Buy bilstiens.

I've got the KYB's and are very pleased with them. They do have a stiffer ride, but IMHO they're not overly stiff. Unless of course you prefer a mushy ride. Off road they're great, and being monotube, they won't overheat and blow out.

John

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I would like to know the model# of the billstiens, I need to get for my 87 4x4 no lift. Is there a best website to get them?
Thanks
Woody

Most online retailers(Tirerack, 4Wheelparts, etc) will display the Bilstein model number. Find it once, save it, and plug it in to Google, Bing, etc to search for the best price. You'll need longer ones for your higher-than-stock lift.

I have the kyb monomax shocks on my jeep.Hard as a rock.Wouldnt dare put these on a light weight pickup.

The Rancho 5000s are like welding the A-arms to the frame, at least when they're new. After about 80,000 miles they loosen up a little bit.

The OEM shocks are very good and amazingly affordable at 1sttoyotaparts.com.

I got a full set of Rancho 5000s as a gift back in '04. They came off in less than 100 miles...absolute crap IMO.

Ended up getting some RMX Extremes from Les Schwab (was told they were re-badged Bilstein HDs) with a lifetime warranty. They're a little stiff but not too much. They absorb impacts like a champ and will keep the truck off the bumps when coming down from mild aerial maneuvers.

does any one know the model for the front shocks of the bilsteins with BJ spacers? what kind of travvel, compressed amd extended length do I need?

I agree. I'm not happy with my rancho's

i just took off the bilsteins and put r5000 on...for whatever reason ,my single cab 22re rode really stiff with the billys!? the ranchos ride really good,i havent been off road yet,soooo.i was very happy with the billys on my runner.

I agree about the Rancho 5000 series shocks but the Rancho 9000 series shocks are a whole different story. Over the years I have used KYB, Koni, Bilstein and various other brands for highway, off road, racing, mud bogging, etc. and the Rancho 9000 series can be dialed in for various conditions and / or applications and that my friends is a big plus. The adjustability feature allows you to dial the suspension in for what you want to do that day.

Add another to the rock hard KYB Monomax crowd... Even after 50,000 miles. My dad says it felt like riding in the back of the school bus. Then again, he's used to his 2500 Suburban. I still wouldn't put them on my dd if I could do it again. Does help with body roll though!