I'm looking for advice on which way to go. My stock shocks are almost junk already and want to raise the frontas well. Is the in cab rancho controler make the shocks that much better and/or do you think the bilsteins are better on their own. I would take performance and handling over pillow soft any day. Loved the bilstiens in my 02 ranger fx4. Thanks

 

They both great quality shocks, you CANNOT go wrong with either of them.

 

I have read from many that Bilsteins are great but are somewhat of a soft ride. It sounds like you want the adjustability and for that the Rancho seems to fit your lifestyle better. If money is no issue then Rancho with the in cab controller like you had said earlier or the adjustable Rancho.

 

I agree with Thump here. I am a fan of both, top notch shocks either way. I went with the Rancho for adjustability reasons.

 

Mojoe is the adjustability quite noticeable from soft to firm or did it allow you to just fine tune it ? Anyone know if the bilstein 5100 are simillar to the factory equipped ranger fx4 bilstiens ? Thanks

 

Couldnt agree any more.

 

I couldnt be happier with the Bilsteins. I had the adjustable Rancho's on my 2002 Supercrew and swapped them out for the Bilsteins. I think the adjustables are nice if you tow or carry loads, but other than that, not necessary. The Ranchos did not handle as nice as the Bilsteins in the twisties in my opinion and driving style.

I personally think the Bilsteins are a better made and riding shock. They are a slightly firmer but more controled ride than the stock shocks, but very far from being harsh. More "sporty" than anything else. There is also less nose dive. (Its an OEM shock on Mercedes and BMW) Off road they have performed flawlessly. I dont even think about my shocks or any unacceptable handling of my truck now when Im driving and to me, that is ideal.

The best way to describe the Bilsteins was the first drive I took after I installed them... I exited one freeway connector onto another at about 85mph (something that I wouldnt even considered doing w/stockers on) than a huge smile appeared and I said "Damn" out loud! Also note, my trucks OEM shocks had only 500 miles on them when I threw them in the dumpster.

Be prepared, it cost a pretty penny to pull the coils out and install a set of new front shocks. Lastly, Ive had two S class Mercedes that ran well over 100,000 hard miles on OEM Bilsteins, try doing that on Ranchos.

 

The adjustability is very noticable. I have mine set on 5 all around which seems to be the standard for our trucks. I tried settings as such to find what I like the best.

front 1 back 1 (truck floated like it was a caddy )
front 3 back 1 (to soft all around)
front 5 back 3 (to soft in the rear)
front 5 back 5 (current)
front 7 back 5 (to stiff in front for me)

 

Just recieved my bilstein bts shocks by ups today. Hopefully will get them on tomorrow and will see how much better they ride and how much better it looks with the front end leveled out.

 

Mojoe thanks for that info, if you were going to tow a trailer (5000+) would you change settings? Lr06FX4 did you get those from the guys on ebay? Let me/us know what you think. Thanks

 

I was yanking about 12000lbs last week on setting 8 and stayed 5 in the front in the rear, it helped somewhat, but the weight was a lot for my truck (don't try 12000lbs on an everyday basis) . I think it would depend on what weight you were towing and where the weight of the load is. It help with the rear floating, but the trailer I was towing had a pretty well balanced load. I got the in-cab controller kit with mine, but have not hooked it up. It takes me all of 30 seconds to adjust them from the wheels wells using my fingers.

 

my bilsteins are on and there is agreat sports car type handling feel now,my only issue is the are very harsh rolling over speed bumps at work parking lot...if I crawl over they are fine but if im any faster the front tires slam down and that irratating front end rattle just shudders thru the cab (this is worse than the stock shocks w/ 73000 on them). definately recommend ..just wish they would have softened the front end some

 

I purchased them from Central 4wd. Had the alignment shop next to where I work install them, only took them 2hrs to install, check the alignment, only needed to adjusted toe in. Lifted the front end exactly 2", just what I was looking for.The ride seems better, a little stiffer up front, Haven't had a chance to drive it very far yet. These shocks have 3 grooves that hold the clip and spring seat holder, factory height, 1" or 2" lift, thats the only adjustment. I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how

 

These shocks have 3 grooves that hold the clip and spring seat holder, factory height, 1" or 2" lift, thats the only adjustment. Thats very interesting compared to the screw setup on the ranchos (please correct me if i'm wrong). Is central 4wd an online dealer or local. Anybody besides mojoe using the ranchos with an incab controller and do you play with it a lot or set it and forget it? Lr06fx4 is your fx4 a scab screw std and what bed? I've got an scab 5.5 and I'm curios on the front height. Thanks

 

My truck is a supercab w/6.5 ft box, I got the central 4wd phone # off the bilstein web site on where to buy.