I plan on purchasing my level kit for my 06 rwd next month. I def know i want 2.25 of lift in the front. the only thing im confused is which to buy, the Bilstein 5011 or the rancho quick lift.
Ive been reading a lot of threads and reviews of both and both seem to be very popular. I like the adjustable height option on the Bilstein 5011 but i also like the adjustable firmness setting on the ranchos.
ive read that the ranchos settle to about an even 2" after install, does anyone know how much the Bilstein 5011 settle at the 2.25 setting?
long story short im just trying to get more info on the two so i can compare before i make my purchase.
Anybody have any recommendations or info comparing the two?
Also this might be a stupid question but i was reading on the rancho site that it adds 1.5" to 2.25" lift, does that mean the ranchos height can also be adjusted?

 

I went with the Rancho quick lifts. They have been on the truck since August of last year. And I'm still very pleased with them. Best I can tell... Mine was maybe a little over 2 inches and has probably settled right at 2 inches. And I'm hard on suspensions.

The reason I chose the Ranchos was purely based on price. I couldn't see a time that I ever need to change the height of the truck.... So I went for the ride adjustability. I think they are nice.
When comparing the 5100's to the Ranchos is no comparison. The 5100's are a better system all the way around. They are tough as nails. I've heard they are a little stiff. But not obnoxious.
If you have the money and think the height adjustability is something you would use.... Id go with the 5100's. But if your on a budget, or your not keeping the truck, I'd go with the cheaper option.
They are both nice. Just think about what you might want out of them. If you think you'll ever lift the truck in the future, it would be a waist to invest in the 5100.
Just some thoughts. Good luck on your purchase!

 

Thanks for the good feedback. one main concern im having with the ranchos is it seems a lot of people are having issues of the front end starting to sag a bit after settling.
so my next question would be how much lift, if any, would i loose with the 5100s after settling?

 

For 2" + of lift then Rancho quickLIFTs are a great choice.

 

The rancho site says 1.5 inches to 2.25 because it depends on the application. Some trucks can get by with more lift while others cannot. I have the rancho quicklifts. I went this route bc I did not need a spring compressor as it comes as a complete strut. I cant speak about the performance/ quality of the bilsteins but I am happy with the ranchos.

 

What about Fox 2.0?
Have 'em and they're great. Adjustable and fully rebuildable. Look awesome too.

 

I love the adjustability of quick lifts. The coils they use leave a lot to be desired. I would go with the quick lift but swap out with OEM coils...

 

Thanks for all the input. from what ive read here if you get the quick lifts and use the oem coils the front end wont settle. i really like the idea of the adjustable firmness. by any chance does anyone know if i can but them without the coil as i wont be using them?

 

I have had both, Bilstein 5100 on my previous 2004, and currently Rancho Quiklift with RS9000XL rear shocks on my 2007.

I hated the Bilstein firmness, too much for my preferences. Love the more plush ride I have with the Rancho. Adjusting the Ranchos you need to be careful as the Chinese little ***** barely click through adjustments. Both only give 2" of level after a suspension settlement and alignment. 2.5" would be nice, and is claimed by Rancho but I certainly did not not achieve it.

The Bilstein are not height adjustable on the fly like a coil over assembly. The strut would need removed from the spring and the retainer clip would need lowered to the lower setting, so labor, and another alignment t is involved. Once it's installed it is installed and the height level can not be adjusted. So don't buy the Bilstein for height adjustment as I mentioned both only give 2".

The Bilstein product feels more rugged and durable ( made in Germany ) than the Rancho, and as far as I know they are priced pretty equivalent. In 2009 I paid $380ish for Bilstein 5100 kit ( Top Gun Customs ) and in spring 2013 ( Rancho rebate season ) I paid $520 for the Rancho kit ( The Suspension Source, a forum sponser ) and received a $120 rebate, so $400.

So there is my opinion/feedback. All I can say for certain is, buy from T.S.S.

 

Good info there. Especially helpful to get input from someone whos had both.
thanks

 

If you are patient wait until Sept 1....

 

What is happening Sept 1st? Besides Labor Day.

 

If I was a betting man, I would think Shocktober starts. A good time to get a great deal on shocks/quickLIFT LOADED.

 

Sweet!

 

I have the Ranchos and don't care for them.
The adjustment **** don't seems to work well.
Nothing tell you which way to turn the them to go firmer or softer. Figure it out just by driving and adjusting I guess
Within a few months the rears were feeling bad. I didn't drive that truck to often when I got the shocks so I just let it go. Now I'm driving it daily and they are terrible. Got to get them replaced asap.
Fronts are great.

To be fair I will say that the rear shocks that were sent to me looked as if they had been installed before. Scuff marks, scratches, and such. So maybe I got a return set that was not 100% up to par. I should have returned them immediately when I saw them but just thought it was probably only cosmetic and that did not bother me.