Shocks

MN Ben wrote:
I purchased 2 Rancho 9000's from oilburningtoys on ebay for $175. now I see they are $110 a piece! I like my Rancho 9000. I have only worn out old shocks to compare them to.
Ben

An update....
I liked the fact that I could adjust the shocks to accommodate a smoother ride, but after having them a while I really dislike climbing under the truck to adjust them. Especially after one of the adjustment knobs stopped working.
I found info on the web on how to repair the knob and chose to do this rather than taking advantage of the lifetime warranty.
Below are some pictures and I will try to give a brief "how to" description.

Do not try to pry off the knob. Remove the two allen bolts that hold a small retainer plate and the knob will come off with it.
You will most likely see a little rust after removing this. Remove the rust the best you can.
Removing the knob reveals a plastic screw, that works with the knob to push the adjusting cylinder in . I believe an internal spring or maybe the compressed fluid pushes the adjusting cylinder back out.
Anyway, the rust inhibits the adjusting cylinder and keeps it from moving freely. After removing the rust on mine I sprayed a silicone lubricant on the adjusting cylinder and used a small punch and light tapping with a rubber mallet to get it moving again and until I felt it would function properly again.
I inspected the knob and screw, cleaned and and made sure they were working correctly.
I then put some grease on the retaining plate before reassembly. This will help to keep out the water and hopefully keep it from rusting again.
Those were instructions I found on a truck forum.
That is it. Pretty easy job.
If I buy shocks again, I will not buy these for the reason I described above. I actually sold the F250 with the shocks So I will most likely go with Bilstein next time.

Update....I just put on a set of Ranch 9000's last week and are the BEST upgrade I have ever done to my truck and it isn't even close.

Unloaded they are great, softer ride, very happy.

Loaded I am on cloud 9. It is such a huge difference from those crappy Les schwab silver little things I had on there, WOW. It feels like I upgraded to a DRW, no kidding and I drive an F450 at work every day. I used to be a bit white knuckle, now I feel so in control. Best $400 I have ever spent, even my WIfe said 5 minutes in to our camping trip she can notice the truck riding nicer. Props to Rancho.

Most people who run Ranchos run the adjustable 9000s.

so I have a 2016 gmc dually 4x4 what model of rancho;s do you recommend

jimh425 wrote:
There was a thread or two about 5100s failing with heavy loads. The OP called Bilstein who said they are different. Call Bilstein who will set your mind at ease.

Failing at heavy loads is concerning. I think I will cxl my order and go with the Rancho 9k's. Thanks for the info Jim.

There was a thread or two about 5100s failing with heavy loads. The OP called Bilstein who said they are different. Call Bilstein who will set your mind at ease.

jimh425 wrote:
Bilstein 4600s, the ride is comfortable but stable. The 5100s which many people have are the wrong application for heavy loads.

Jim, I just ordered the 5100's since my truck has a 2" lift all the way around and thought these were the right Bilsteins? I just read your post and started second guessing myself. I just did some internet research and from what I can tell they are the same exact shocks except for the outside finish and the fact that 5100 have different lengths for lifted trucks. Can you tell me why you think the 5100's are the wrong application? I still have time to cxl my order, thanks.

BTW, my buddy I work with has the same exact truck as mine and said his Bilsteins were a HUGE improvement towing and really softened the FIRM ride in these older Super Duties unloaded, swears by them. I will report back on my experience once I get new shocks on.

Here is a link I found on the difference between 4600 vs 5100

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/images/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm

4 years with the KYB Monomax and still going strong. My next set will be the same.

Mike

I ran 3 or 4 in the rear unloaded most of the time, but I ran them as low as 3 front and 1 rear when the roads were rough and the tire pressure was high and the truck was empty. Otherwise, it had a tendency to bounce on rutted roads.

jimh425 wrote:

Steve_in_29 wrote:
I just installed a set of 9000s to replace my factory shocks. Good thing I did as it turns out two were blown. Haven't put much miles on the truck with the new shocks yet. Running the fronts at 5 and rears at 4, does that sound good?

I ran 6 in front and as much as 9 on the SRW that I had loaded. My Bilsteins aren't adjustable, of course.

I should have clarified, those settings are for running unloaded. I was going to go up to 8 or 9 in the rear with the camper on.