Shocks - Not happy with Rancho and want to swap

[pdxrealtor]

So I got the Rancho adjustable shocks at 50k. Never really did like them but they've softened up quite a bit. I'm at 72k. I'd like to replace them with either OEM or another brand that is just as stiff.

What do you guys suggest?

[citiboy]

I replaced my oem with bilstein 5100 on all corners. It's perfect for my set-up with the cranked keys, the ride gets harsher with oem shocks. With the bilstein, it almost returned to normal ride.

[pdxrealtor]

THx. What do you mean by 'ride gets harsher with OEM shocks'? Are you referring to over time as the OEM shocks wear out the ride gets harsher? OR??

Bilstein.... that was the other brand I contemplated when I got the Ranchos.

I know I was happy with the OEMs, and would just like to get that back via OEM or Bilsteins. Ranchos aren't the one.

[pdxrealtor]

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...FY9cfgod7FIATQ

Not a bad price on the billsteins... cheaper than my Ranchos were..... If I remember right the billsteins were more expensive back when I got my Ranchos.....

[pdxrealtor]

So after some searching I'm not sure if the Bilstein 5100s are good to use for a stock height truck.

Can anyone confirm the 5100s are the shocks for stock height? And they are stiffer than the Rancho 9000 on the stiffest setting?

[LoJac963]

Quite a few are running them on stock height rigs without issue. It's the route I'm going to go when I start going through my front and rear suspension and replacing stuff. However I do plan on new keys and spacers for a small 2-3" lift.

[citiboy]

Originally Posted by pdxrealtor

THx. What do you mean by 'ride gets harsher with OEM shocks'? Are you referring to over time as the OEM shocks wear out the ride gets harsher? OR??

Bilstein.... that was the other brand I contemplated when I got the Ranchos.

I know I was happy with the OEMs, and would just like to get that back via OEM or Bilsteins. Ranchos aren't the one.

What i mean is, when i replaced the original tb keys with gm green keys and cranked 2", the ride got harsher with oem shocks. So i replaced them with bilstein 5100 and immediately notice the softer ride. I think the Bilstein are softer than the oem shocks.

I bought it from this site.

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?M...=All&SubChar=Q

[pdxrealtor]

^^ ah... got ya! Thx for clarifying.

So my next question is, just how much softer are the 5100s on stock ride height compared to a good set of OEMs?

I don't like body roll. Yes, I know it's a Hummer, but the OEM shocks never gave it to me. They also never let the truck bounce around front to back while going over a curb or bump in the road (think uncle buck).

As it is now with the Ranchos on stiff I'm having to reduce speed while going around the same corners more than I did with the OEM shocks.

I will check out eshocks. Any good places to buy OEM shocks besides GM Parts Direct?

[citiboy]

If i were to put back my suspension to the original height, i would install 5100s up front and keep the oem at the rear. I find that the rear of my 2 with 5100s were a little softer and bouncier. I cannot put back the rear oem shocks 'coz i've installed 2" coil spacers and the 5100s were longer than the oem's.

[pdxrealtor]

I just called Rancho about their warranty. They tell me they tightened up their manufacturing process and the shocks should not be as loose as they are after 20k road miles.

They are sending me all four new shocks. We'll see if they differ any.