Im going to be getting new shocks soon. Im probably gonna be getting fronts first and then the rears. Im thinking of getting rancho 9000s (adjustable) or the bilsteins 5100. I'll be getting extended front shock hoops as well. THey cost about the same, almost. Any inpuT?

 

I've heard the ranchos give a harsher ride but I have no personal experience with em. Alot of people are happy with the bils. I have a full set of bils on the way as we speak.

 

BILSTEIN BILSTEIN BILSTEIN!!!!

I just recently trashed my Rancho 9000s (They were less than 6 months old and completely died) for a set of Bilsteins. The Ranchos were absolute garbage (in my opinion). They gave my truck such a harsh ride, and forget about going over speedbumps at more than 2mph if you get the Ranchos.

In short buy the Bilsteins, you won't regret it.

-Braden

 

I agree, they are pieces of crap!!! I got instead however Edelbrock on my 4Runner, but on my Tundra are Blisteins, and they are descent (it is still a soft shock and I know the Blisteins for the 4Runner are more stiffer and a whole lot better)!

So BLISTEINS BLISTEINS BLISTEINS!!! hehe

 

I gotta chime in and defend the Ranchos.

I've had the 9000s on the rear installed for about 4 months and up front for about a month. They are great! Contrary to popular misconception, the adjustment works quite well. I keep them at 4 for on-road and lower them to 2 for off-road. (on a 1 - 5 adjustment cycle).

I've had no problems with them yet and have heard good stories about dependability.

Good luck,

Warren

 

I've had Rancho 9112s on the rear of my truck for over two years now, never had a problem with them and they ride great. I've got Bilsteins on the front (IFS) and they're allright, nothing too special really, pretty sure they're the 5100 series. Between the two I'd pick Rancho over Bilstein unless you look at the higher end Bils then they win out easily. But I'm not getting either on my next, going with Fox this time.


BTW, most of the people having problems with the Rancho 9Ks have them mounted can-up, where the people with them mounted can-down seem to have no complaints. Just food for thought.

 

thanks for all ur comments. after reading all your comments i still dont kno which one to get. however im leaning toward the billies! i have the rancho 5000 and they are stiff as heck! i go 10mph over a speed bump and my whole rear end flies in the air. I guess i cant REALLY go wrong with either, but i may go for the billies!


thanks!!!

 

I've had Bil's on my 2nd Gen Runner for as long as I can remember. They are great both on road and off. Probably a silly question, but how long should shocks last?

 

Bilsteins all the way. I love mine, they are a little rough because I've lifted mine, but you can't beat them. They are absolutely great.

!!!!!!!I LOVE MY BILS.!!!!!!

 

I have the Rancho 9000's and have no complaints about the ride quality. The adjustability feature is nice although I keep 'em set at 4 most of the time. The only time I change the setting down to 1 is on the highway where it provides a Cadillac type ride.

 

I like my 9000s but I got them used and cheap. If I had to buy them at full price I'd get the bilsteins since the price is almost the same.

Bilsteins have the best reputation among the 4runners. Not sure about trucks though.

Steve

 

count me in for the bilsteins. i got them for all four corners recently, and i love them. they're perfect for a 4runner, and i'd guess work well for a pick up truck too. i don't know too much about the ranchos, but you probably can't go wrong with bilsteins.

 

But the instructions called for can up mount, i mean I don't thing I could fit the shock (on a 2nd Gen) can down and fit into the lower control arm. The brace for it is just too narrow. How did you mount it can down?

 

My 9000s were mounted can down (the big cylinder was on the bottom, and the shock boot covering the piston looking thing was on top) and on the side of the can it said this side up and had an arrow pointing towarde the piston/shock boot. They fit fine in there, and didn't rub on anything. But mine still performed like crap Who knows, maybe I just got a bad set of them or something, but in my opinion they weren't worth it, and I would spend the extra money and buy Bilsteins or Edelbrocks.

-Braden

 

i had ranchos on another truck. While they lastedthey worked well. Then it was likethey lost all their rebound or something ..insta ˟˟˟˟.

From what ive read the bilsteins are the way to go. But kinda pricy.