2015 sport 4x4 Rancho QL or Bilsteins???

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Bctexascrazy1

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2015
Posts
66
Reaction score
36
Location
North Texas
Ram Year
2015
Engine
5.7
I know this is a frequently asked question but I hear all different opinions, but I got a 15 ram sport 4x4 with 3.92s and I was going to do a pro imp 6" with 35s just because I heard bout all the ball joint issues, but I like the factory 20" sport wheels with big tires, so I rather go with a good level kit and run some 325/60/20s on the factory wheels but don't want ballpoint issues, plus I can save a lot more money going that route. Any input would be helpful thank you!
 

mojoe

Senior Member
Joined
May 4, 2013
Posts
669
Reaction score
90
Location
Southern Maryland
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Not quite sure what you are looking for, but I will try and help :)

From all I have read and experienced, both are great options. One has the ability to adjust height, the other is a static lift, but allows you to adjust dampening. They both prevent the ball joint from over-extending (same length as factory strut), and both are quality.

-The biggest pro to the Rancho is no need to break down your factory struts to swap springs. Easier for the driveway installer (in most cases).

-The biggest pro to the Bils is height adjustment.

I have used both in the past, and would go with the Ranchos for the dampening adjustment. My personal choice.
 

sbuko213

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2014
Posts
593
Reaction score
123
Location
Arcadia, FL
Ram Year
2019
Engine
6.7 HO
With the level you're still gonna need to do the ball joints. The '13s and up all have this problem. A lot of guys use the Mevotech or Zone UCAs to fix this. Some also use the 09-12 stock UCAs too. They're much beefier than the stock ones on the '13 and ups
 

mojoe

Senior Member
Joined
May 4, 2013
Posts
669
Reaction score
90
Location
Southern Maryland
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
With the level you're still gonna need to do the ball joints. The '13s and up all have this problem. A lot of guys use the Mevotech or Zone UCAs to fix this. Some also use the 09-12 stock UCAs too. They're much beefier than the stock ones on the '13 and ups

You will not require new UCAs if you do not exceed the overall length of the factory strut. That's my understanding and experience.
 
Last edited:

sbuko213

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2014
Posts
593
Reaction score
123
Location
Arcadia, FL
Ram Year
2019
Engine
6.7 HO
You will not require new UCAs if you do not exceed the overall length of the factory strut. That's mine understanding and experience.

Better to be safe than sorry IMO
 

SuthrnRAM

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2015
Posts
183
Reaction score
58
Location
Jax Beach, FL
Ram Year
2015
Engine
5.7L Hemi
Or just install the bilstein and see how they do you can always upgrade the ball joints and ucas later if ya need em.
 

CLOUDL1GHT

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2014
Posts
851
Reaction score
557
Location
Lone Star State
Ram Year
2021
Engine
Cummins HO
Bilstein goes up to 2.8" of lift where the Rancho QL are at 2.5". The difference is the Ranchos are fully assembled when ordered and they have adjustable dampening. That's what sold me on the Ranchos and I'm quite happy. AS for the balljoints the thing that destroys them are the spacer lifts. This causes over extension which pops it out. SO stay away from spacers and you will not have any issues.
 

tripower

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2014
Posts
148
Reaction score
48
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi
What's the tallest tire u think I could get by with on my stock 20s?

Many people run 35's on that wheel. Generally, a 34.5"-35" tire will fit, but width can become an issue. Anything beyond 285 on the stock wheel may require a spacer depending on the actual profile of the tire you choose. To get the biggest possible tire on there, you have to talk about the exact tire brand/model in addition to the size. All are not created equal, even if the stats say they are.


No need for new UCAs with Ranchos or Bilsteins, don't waste your money.
 

doz

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Posts
560
Reaction score
142
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 Hemi
You will need spacers with the factory 20" wheels but you can run 35x12.5 tires.

Bilsteins have a slightly better ride quality than Rancho but the Rancho is nice for a driveway project. If you are having a shop install them either way, Id go with Bilsteins. If you are going to DIY and do not have a shop w/ a spring compressor, Id go for the Ranchos.
 

chipmaker

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2011
Posts
307
Reaction score
116
Location
AZ
Ram Year
2012
Engine
5.7
Too bad the OP has to wade thru so much *********! I have 35s on my factory 20s with no spacers. Bils are set @ 2.1". Also running factory ball joints after much off roading.

DSC_5863_zpsbafbd7f3.jpg
[/URL]

 

doz

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Posts
560
Reaction score
142
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 Hemi
So much ********? You put on a tire that is not even a true 35x12.5x20 tire. Go throw on some Trail Grapplers or Toyo MTs and tell me it fits without spacers. Just because you purchased a tire that says 35x12.5x20 does not mean it really is a true size. MANY people have had 35" tires that did not fit without spacers who bought a more true to size tire. So its not "********" by any means.

And the ball joint issue is hit and miss. This is well known. I had spacers on my truck for about 6000 miles and never had an issue. Now I have the QLL system without an issue. Others drove 500 miles and had theirs pop.

It is a legitimate issue that people MAY encounter so people should be aware of the possibility of it popping.
 

NYCruiser

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2013
Posts
2,565
Reaction score
813
Location
Yonkers, NY
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Too bad the OP has to wade thru so much *********! I have 35s on my factory 20s with no spacers. Bils are set @ 2.1". Also running factory ball joints after much off roading.

DSC_5863_zpsbafbd7f3.jpg
[/URL]


Dude. You have a 2012, so you don't have the BJ issue. '13+ owners will be sorry if they listen to your advice.
 

JCJ4290

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Posts
418
Reaction score
67
Ram Year
2014 CC 4X4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Alright, let's keep it professional. It's a problem that is different for each person so to call it anything other than helpful is ridiculous, chipmaker. Looks like it's a 13+ by the fogs and heads, so you're one of the rare lucky ones abd you're truck looks great.

Doz, you're so right that all manufacturers have different overall tire height and width, so that's just another great point that tire brand selection is just as critical. Keep in mind the forum is fo help, any and all information that people give from experience is crucial and greatly appreciated.
 

twelver

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Posts
93
Reaction score
16
Ram Year
2012
Engine
Hemi 5.7
DSC_5863_zpsbafbd7f3.jpg
[/URL]

[/QUOTE]


What kind of tires are these? They look really nice!! Thanks
 
OP
OP
B

Bctexascrazy1

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2015
Posts
66
Reaction score
36
Location
North Texas
Ram Year
2015
Engine
5.7
I think I'm going to just hold off and save and do a pro comp 6" cause I'm afraid I'm not gonna be happy with a level kit and want it bigger lol
 

JCJ4290

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Posts
418
Reaction score
67
Ram Year
2014 CC 4X4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Twelve; They look like Cooper MXT tires and judging by previous posts I'd say 35x12.50x20.

Bctexascrazy; Isn't that how it always is? High is never high enough, lol.
 

Cyborg2337

Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Posts
83
Reaction score
11
Location
South Jersey
Ram Year
2013
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Mastercraft Courser MXT 35x12.5. So made by Cooper. My local shop deals both and really like the Mastercraft. According to their site they measure 34.5", which actually appeals to me because I think these look great on a level which is my plan.
 
Back
Top