snowmanx

I need new shocks for my 05 ctd quad cab short box. I've done a little searching and I think I've narrowed it down to either the Bilstein 5100 series or the Rancho 9000 adjustable.

The Ranco adjustables sound really tempting, but I've read about a lot of failures.

The Bilsteins sound more dependable but don't know if they will fit my appication.

I want the shocks to provide a smooth, plush ride when unloaded( so my wife can handle riding in it) and I want the ability to pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel without too much sag. I do't do any off road stuff....highway and gravel only.

Will the Bilseinss, without the adjustability, be able to meet the above needs?

Thanks for any input.

TexasCTD

I am curious where you read about a Rancho 9000 "failure". I have them and have been very happy with them. Bilsteins get great reviews from guys on here too, but are not adjustable for differing conditions.

Rancho 9000s are great shocks. I don't ever recall hearing about a failure of one on here before.

snowmanx

Read though this thread, there are several people to claim that they have had Ranchos fail on them.https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=101697

Anyways, I'm not discounting them based on what I red there, just want to know what would best fit my application.

I had them (not the adjustables, but ranchos) on my last truck and they seemed to work fine.

tbarbee1

I had a set of the Rancho 9000 shocks and never once adjusted them My money says you probably wont either. So which ones are cheaper?

cquestad

Go with the Bilsteen...there is NO comparison.

I have had both...on multiple vehicles.

Shocks have nothing to do with "sag".

jrussell

What he said...

Festus

Bilstein...........!!!

Thunderjet

Sorry guys... Rancho and I do adjust them #2 non towing and all the way up when I pull the 12k 5er. As a matter or fact I need to spin them up for a week long trip.

The Rancho when towing was a awesome improvement and non towing the #2 is much softer than stock... not a bmw 528, just better.

Jet

Thunderjet

Sorry 1 more, don't forget about the steering stabelizer when you do the shocks. Rancho is just fine there also, you do not need to spend $300

Jet

alluebbe03

There is nothing that will outride or outlast a Bilstein. I had Ranchos on another truck and trashed them in 25,000 miles. Bad investment...

firemansdiesel

I will say Bilstein Shocks. As for Rancho S/S. It is no better than stock. Get Thurens' S/S or Carlis' S/S. Sometimes you have to pay to get quality.

jwb600

doesnt have to do with performance, but ive seen ranchos rust in no time and then it makes the truck look bad with rusty shocks. I like the looks of the bilstein shocks also. ive seen them on lots of trucks with no rust.

Grocery Getter

I posted a few other places, but not a lot of responses. I too am considering the mod. Any thoughts on the "stock" Bilsteins that come on the "Power Wagon?"

jrussell

ANYTHING is better than the stockers on the CTD's. I had a stock rear shock that was leaking when they were removed at ~500 miles.

cquestad

My stockers were gone at 7k...when I did my suspenson the first time...

I would do the zinc 5100's over the OEM "painted" Bilsteens on a Power Wagon. Remember...DC is counting pennys. There is no way they are full blown Bilsteens from DC.