Forum Discussion

Explorer

Feb 27, 2018

Rancho 9000 or Bilstein 4600

OK folks, got a quick question for you. I'm thinking that my OEM shocks are toast, and am thinking about replacement. For a number of years, I had been extremely happy with the performance of Rancho 9000's, but that was another truck altogether (GMC 2500HD Dmax). With the current F450, I have read differing viewpoints, that seem to favor the Bilsteins. I have seen other preferences as well, but seems to be a majority for the 4600's for a non lifted truck.
For those that have used both Rancho and Bilstein, if indeed, there are some of you out there, which do you prefer?

Truck Campers

53 Replies

Clarryhill
Explorer
Feb 27, 2018
Thanks for the quick response, Jim. Yours had been the comments I had noticed most in looking at previous shock threads. Appreciate the thoughts.
azdryheat
Explorer
Feb 27, 2018
I have Bilstein 5100's on my Chevy dually and a friend has Rancho 9000's on his Ford dually. My Chevy rides smoother, if that helps.
jimh406
Explorer III
Feb 27, 2018
I used Rancho 9000s on my SRW for the adjustments since it was my daily driver. They were fine but getting hard to adjust after 8 years. I have 4600s on my F450. It made a huge difference compared to the stock 3 year old shocks. I think the ride is a bit more plush with the F450, but that might be due to the extra length.