Best DD Shocks?

CorneliusRox

CorneliusRox

Seasoned Rookie
I just put ProComp ES9000 shocks all around and I am very disappointed. The stock shocks that were just starting to leak at 160k perform MUCH better. Especially the steering stabilizer.

Anyways, what's everyone running for a good shock? I'm not looking for QA1's since this is my daily driver and I was turned off by Fox on my 12V because they rusted and died on me after one year of use.

I'm looking at the Bilstein B8 5100 series shocks now. What's everyone's thoughts?

For reference, I drive ~75 miles a day, and 10 miles of that is down pretty bad dirt roads. I also live in MN, so salt is something I need to consider. :Cheer:

NOTE: The ProComp steering stabilizer does almost nothing. I can't tell a difference between having it on or off. Luckily I have a completely new front suspension on, so there's no slop for death wobble, but I'm sure this would exaggerate the problem if the truck already had it.
 
Bilstein's seem to be what everyone is using. I have no experience with them though. I've always replaced with Monroe or Gabriel's from Napa on other vehicles.

I am looking for shocks to put on my 03 and would like to also hear opinions.
 
Bilsteins are far worse quality than Fox, plus they get progressively harder as the miles stack up. If someone is happy with parts store junk over a quality shock...smh
 
Not sure what the guy above is talking about Bilstien 5100s are affordable and ride well, they are on or have been on every truck Ive owned
 
I bought bilstein 5100's because that's what everybody said to get, first one blew in under 1000mi and none of them made it to 10k. No towing, just driving on pavement. Rancho 5000 or 7000 would be my vote.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
Justappumped24v said:
Not sure what the guy above is talking about Bilstien 5100s are affordable and ride well, they are on or have been on every truck Ive owned
Click to expand...

I've heard good things too, but mostly from people I don't think could tell the difference. You like them on your truck and haven't had issues with them leaking and rusting? Considering you're in Illinois, I'm guessing you see a similar amount of rust.

chevota84 said:
I bought bilstein 5100's because that's what everybody said to get, first one blew in under 1000mi and none of them made it to 10k. No towing, just driving on pavement. Rancho 5000 or 7000 would be my vote.
Click to expand...

I haven't ever used Rancho's and for some reason they're stuck in my head as a cheap shock that comes with lift kits.

Their RS7000 MT shocks look pretty solid. Do you have first hand experience with them?
 
Carli Tuned Fox 2.0s, for the money you cant beat them. Paint them black to prevent rust issues?
 
CorneliusRox said:
I've heard good things too, but mostly from people I don't think could tell the difference. You like them on your truck and haven't had issues with them leaking and rusting? Considering you're in Illinois, I'm guessing you see a similar amount of rust.



I haven't ever used Rancho's and for some reason they're stuck in my head as a cheap shock that comes with lift kits.

Their RS7000 MT shocks look pretty solid. Do you have first hand experience with them?
Click to expand...

In my opinion I felt zero difference between them and 2.0 fox shocks other than the sting in my wallet. My last set went 3 years 35,000 before salt life killed them. My dad runs them on his fleet of second gens, 3 years on most shocks will kill them in salt, from what we have experienced.
The adjustable Rancho 9000xls from my experience were also a nice shock.
 
Mudn_1 said:
Carli Tuned Fox 2.0s, for the money you cant beat them. Paint them black to prevent rust issues?
Click to expand...

It was actually the chrome rod that rusted out and then it cut the seal. That should be at least 3mil thick chrome, but apparently it wasn't. The body was okay. The thing that got me was the 'rebuild' cost was the same as buying new ones! I forget exactly what one's they were, but they were IFP (Internal Floating Piston).

Justappumped24v said:
In my opinion I felt zero difference between them and 2.0 fox shocks other than the sting in my wallet. My last set went 3 years 35,000 before salt life killed them. My dad runs them on his fleet of second gens, 3 years on most shocks will kill them in salt, from what we have experienced.
The adjustable Rancho 9000xls from my experience were also a nice shock.
Click to expand...

I'm definitely not putting adjustables on this thing! ha ha I am going to have to do some homework on Rancho RS7000MT vs Bilstein B8 5100.
 
CorneliusRox said:
I've heard good things too, but mostly from people I don't think could tell the difference. You like them on your truck and haven't had issues with them leaking and rusting? Considering you're in Illinois, I'm guessing you see a similar amount of rust.



I haven't ever used Rancho's and for some reason they're stuck in my head as a cheap shock that comes with lift kits.

Their RS7000 MT shocks look pretty solid. Do you have first hand experience with them?
Click to expand...
I haven't run the 7000's, but I've had great luck with the 5's. From what I understand the 7's were valved for heavier vehicles which seems like it would fit in well for us. I dont like my stuff to ride real soft, I get car sick if they sqoosh around too much.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
CorneliusRox said:
I've heard good things too, but mostly from people I don't think could tell the difference. You like them on your truck and haven't had issues with them leaking and rusting? Considering you're in Illinois, I'm guessing you see a similar amount of rust.



I haven't ever used Rancho's and for some reason they're stuck in my head as a cheap shock that comes with lift kits.

Their RS7000 MT shocks look pretty solid. Do you have first hand experience with them?
Click to expand...
Rancho's were ford's choice on FX4 trucks for how many years?

My 2010 just passed 200k with the stockers on the rear. I'm sure they aren't healthy, but they aren't dead.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
biggy238 said:
Rancho's were ford's choice on FX4 trucks for how many years?

My 2010 just passed 200k with the stockers on the rear. I'm sure they aren't healthy, but they aren't dead.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Valid point, they also get used on Chevy trucks but I can’t remember what trim package
 
I never knew Rancho's were OEM. I always thought people had 'upgraded' to them. I guess I have seen a LOT on the road.

I'll likely get the 7000's then. They do say they're made for a heavier vehicle. Although they're also $30 more a shock, so hopefully there's more involved than smaller holes in the compression valve!

I'll be doing a bit more research, but these were not even on my radar, so thanks guys!
 
Always have had good luck with Rancho’s here on my Dodge trucks. Defiantly could tell a difference. Out of curiosity; anyone ever tries any of the Old Man Emu shocks from across the pond? On another note, while installing a set of Monroemade/Paccar branded heavy truck shocks on the front of a KWT800 day before yesterday it dawned on me that they could be made to work on a pickup. They seemed to be about the right stroke for a moderately lifted rig. Once you clipped the plastic holders on them that kept them compressed it was all one could do to compress the bastages’ to get the bolts to line up and go though. Might be worth looking into?
 
biggy238 said:
Rancho's were ford's choice on FX4 trucks for how many years?

My 2010 just passed 200k with the stockers on the rear. I'm sure they aren't healthy, but they aren't dead.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
A friend of mine had a 10 fx4 as well, he sold it at 220k and it had the original ranchos. I took it to the buyer and it still drove great.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
Mooner1 said:
Always have had good luck with Rancho’s here on my Dodge trucks. Defiantly could tell a difference. Out of curiosity; anyone ever tries any of the Old Man Emu shocks from across the pond? On another note, while installing a set of Monroemade/Paccar branded heavy truck shocks on the front of a KWT800 day before yesterday it dawned on me that they could be made to work on a pickup. They seemed to be about the right stroke for a moderately lifted rig. Once you clipped the plastic holders on them that kept them compressed it was all one could do to compress the bastages’ to get the bolts to line up and go though. Might be worth looking into?
Click to expand...

I had Old Man Emu shocks and coils on a ZJ I had around high school/college time. They never leaked on me in the four more years I had that vehicle. I liked them a lot, but at the same time, I don't think I knew what a good handling vehicle was back then!
 
Ive got Bilsteins on my 04. Far better ride than stock. Bought some KYB Monomax for the 2nd gen a couple years ago. Been very happy with them for the ride quality and price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
My Rancho 9000’s have held up great so far, just turn the adjusters every service so they don’t get seized up. I just leave them on the firmest setting as I like a more planted ride. Hard to beat for the money.
 
Rancho is a subdivision of Tenneco (sp?) that is a huge OEM shock and suspension builder. They are much more than just lift kits and shocks and have a ton of engineering behind them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top