Hey guys I finally decided to upgrade my trucks shocks from Rancho rs5000's to either some Pro Comp, Bilsteins, or Fab Tech. I tried the Ranchos and i mean they are not bad but i just want to try some new ones. Has anyone had any experience with any of these brands on their rigs? Any input would be apreciated.


Also is this a DIY job or no?

 

I didn't like my ProComp ES3000s. They were nice at first but faded really fast. I replaced them now with the ES9000s, which I believe are nitro-assisted?, and they ride a lot better.

I've only ever heard good things about the Bilsteins too. Not sure about Fab Tech.

 

Yeah the Es9000's are the ones i was looking at to, and yup those are nitrogen charged. Did you install them yourself??

 

yeah, if you can change your oil, you should be able to replace your shocks. Just two bolts each.

 

Lol i always thought that you had to calibrate them and all this non sense
Now that i know i can do it myself, i just need to choose the shock

 

Bilstein is WITHOUT A DOUBT the best shock I've ever used on my truck. Firm but not bone-jarring, and they soak up bumps EXCELLENTLY and last longer than any other I've used!

 

I'm a fan of the Old Man Emu Nitrochargers.

A bit more money, but they ride well and take abuse pretty well.

Just another option for you to consider.

 

OME x 2!

 

Bilstein X2. Never had OMEs, but I'd trust them over the Procomp/Rancho/4wheelparts syndicate any day, just on reputation.

 

Had Rancho 9000s. Replaced them with Bilsteins. Much improved handling and ride. Never heard anything other than good reviews about them.

 

So i narrowed it down to the Bil's or the Ome's after looking at both. How are they on trails? Do they both absorb the blunt of the force?

 

im rockin the 5000s on my truck and i love them but i have heard good things about the 9000s

 

Comparing a Twin tube vs. a monotube shock is like comparing bias ply vs. radial tires. They may fill the same function, and look similar from the outside, but arent even in the same performance category.

Twin tube shocks are, for the most part junk that should not be expected to generate any kind of real performance. A "nitrogen charged" twin tube may work "better" than a non charged twin tube but still far below the performance potential of a monotube. The nitrogen in these shocks is also mixes (emulsion) with the oil unlike a monotube.

Of course once you step up to a monotube, how it works on the vehicle depends fully on how well the R&D department of the manufacturer did their job. Sadly there are some badly valved monotube applications out there.

Go with a monotube from a reputable manufacturer.

-Joel @ Bilstein