Anyone have opinions on Bilsteins vs. Rancho 5000's? I know, everyone has an opinion, but if there are other threads on this a nudge in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

I didn't like the RS-5k's I had on a lifted Tacoma a few years back because they were way too stiff. I haven't used Bilsteins yet, but plan to soon on my '94 'Runner.

 

OME firms and comforts are real popular on 3rd gen 4runners. They are also the longest shocks you can get for 3rd gens without causing any damage to anything.

Chris

 

I really like my 5 way adjustable Rancho 9000s that I have on my T-100, they are worth the extra money. I didn't like the 5000s that I had on my old Pathfinder, Bilsteins might be better but I've never tried them.

 

My Bilsteins are a great improvement for on and off road. They self adjust and give superior performance in both areas.

But that is just my opinion...

 

Are your Bil's stiffer than stock but not in a rattle your kidneys kinda way?

 

I've had Bilstein's on a '93 for 6 years and love them. only other suspension mods are urethane bushings.

 

my brother has the ranchos on his 91 pickup and i have the bilsteins on my 89 4runner. the ride on both are a little stiffer but i have alot better ride onroad and mine also responds better when off road. i would go with the bilsteins anyday over the ranchos.

 

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Are your Bil's stiffer than stock but not in a rattle your kidneys kinda way?
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They are stiffer off road, but on road they ride like a Lexus. They are a very impressive shock.

:xmas3: <Sorry I just figured Santa should be in this thread somewhere>

 

Hey rwmorrisonjr, shipmate, I like your avatar. Anyway, I go for the Bilsteins, I love mine and just what Trunner said, they ride like Lexus on freeways and self-adjust when off-road. This is just my opinion.

Noel

 

Thanks for the advice, looks like my decision is made. Hopefully they'll ride better than the stock shocks I currently have.

 

You won't have to worry about that....

 

Looks like your decision is already made but I thought I'd add in another confidence builder for the Bilsteins. They ride great. Since I put mine on, I find myself driving through instead of around potholes. They do seem to self-adjust, because the ride on road is much smoother than my previous Gabriels, and once they "detect" harsh terrain, they stiffen up. Very nice.

 

I had dual RS 5000's all the way around on my '81 s/b with a 5" skyjacker lift...OUCH!!! Rode like a tank, but was great taking jumps with.

 

I must agree they are alot better than stock. At least they were better than the stock ones I had on my truck, heck they wouldn't even move back when I compressed them. I will note though, they are pretty stiff shocks in my opinion. The don't ride that much worse than my dad's truck (1996 Dodge Ram 2500 ext cab long bed) but I will say my sisters 1997 ford contour rides alot smoother, it is a car though. I like the stiffness some days and others it gets annoying. Just figured I would add another opinion.