Ranch VS Billstein

[JCJ4290]

So a simple search on here, or even a look at the lifted section, shows that everyone seems to use Billstein shocks. But I can't seem to find anyone actually using the Rancho shocks. Personally, I like the idea of an adjustable ride, so the Rancho appeals to me due to the fact I doubt I'd ever adjust the ride height.

So, does anyone here know how the Rancho's ride or perform?

 

[cableguy_hd]

A few have. One guy did a write up on them. i think he used them on his truck and his daughters. He seemed to like them

 

[Csanders1992]

From what I have heard they ride pretty similar. Main difference is the cost. The ranchos are a lot more


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[Gill]

I just installed them...feel so much better then stock. Super easy driveway install. I've never had Bils, so I can't offer a comparison.

 

[h2oman]

From what I remember reading, they all have their Rancho's set at 5 or 6. So, they're not that adjustable. They're also twin tube like the stock shocks, so they will wear out much sooner.

 

[Gill]

Yes they came set at 5, I turned it up one to 6. You can adjust dampening up to a level 9.

Hopefully the last me a couple years...buy then the itch to get a new truck will be great to overcome.

 

[JCJ4290]

I just installed them...feel so much better then stock. Super easy driveway install. I've never had Bils, so I can't offer a comparison.

Though it would be a shame to have to replace them sooner, stock shocks tend to last a while for me on my work vehicles. I just didn't want the hassle of dealing with a coil spring compressor. I guess I have a little decision making to do, but for the cost, the Rancho's just seem like a better deal. Could be wrong though.

 

[iam_canadian22]

I love my ranchos, have them set at 3 for nice smooth ride over the crazy rough roads up here in northern ontario, i chose the ranchos because id rather adjust the dampening vs ride height


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[OilCityOperator]

If I could do it again I would go with the Rancho QLs, my bils at 2.1 ride pretty stiff and i would really like the ability to adjust, plus the ease of install of the Ranchos no messing with spring compressors etc

 

[DannyMK2]

From what I have heard they ride pretty similar. Main difference is the cost. The ranchos are a lot more


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i bought mine during their spring promotion. cost was about the same as the bilsteins, and the front are a fully loaded assembly complete with new spring. bilsteins require that you use your original springs.

From what I remember reading, they all have their Rancho's set at 5 or 6. So, they're not that adjustable. They're also twin tube like the stock shocks, so they will wear out much sooner.

not sure what you mean by "not that adjustable". you can easily adjust them as you please, rancho even sells a controller that will allow you to adjust them from inside the truck. however, like most people once you find that sweet spot where you like them, you tend to keep them there. the only time i adjust mine are when i hook up my trailer. hitting bumps with the trailer is much nicer now, and i dont have to sacrifice a lousy ride when the truck is empty. if i had to do it all over again, i would still get the ranchos. not knocking bilstein, i just prefer the ride adjustability over height adjustability.

 

[JCJ4290]

Thanks guys, this is exactly the feedback I was looking for. I appreciate all of the input.

 

[shocking14u]

Let us know which way you go and what results you get.

 

[Chris. lerma]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go with the Rancho as well. I'd like a soft ride in town and a firmer ride on the highway. Not to mention the ease of installation. Don't think i'd ever need to lift a truck with open diffs past a leveling kit. It's a shame I think it would make an awesome offroad truck if it wasn't for the diff issues. I am looking for the electronic ride adjuster If anyone can point me to it I'd appreciate it. Love this forum!

 

[Jizzo17]

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go with the Rancho as well. I'd like a soft ride in town and a firmer ride on the highway. Not to mention the ease of installation. Don't think i'd ever need to lift a truck with open diffs past a leveling kit. It's a shame I think it would make an awesome offroad truck if it wasn't for the diff issues. I am looking for the electronic ride adjuster If anyone can point me to it I'd appreciate it. Love this forum!

I'm pretty sure they discontinued the remote ride adjustment because of all the problems because i was looking for it as well.

I installed them myself with some help from my brother and it was very simple if you have ever taken brake calipers off before. The upper ball joint does take a pretty swift hit with a hammer to knock loose though.

I set them at 6 and haven't really messed with them since. After about 1400 miles they break in and your truck will have a little rake in the front but theres still enough room to clear 35'' tires no problem

 

[Chris. lerma]

30k handling upgrades

The upper ball joint does take a pretty swift hit with a hammer to knock loose though.

I set them at 6 and haven't really messed with them since. After about 1400 miles they break in and your truck will have a little rake in the front but theres still enough room to clear 35'' tires no problem

WARNING!!! [ Long series of questions incoming! ]
Would it be a good idea to replace the UBalljoint while doing this? Are there balljoint "Upgrades?"
Whats the stock tire size? Are the 35" that much of a difference?
Which tire are you running? Would you pick a different tire now?

I just hit 30k on my 2014 and have been steadily upgrading performance; Diablo, Veraram, catchcan, muffler, 5" tips, OEM lsd diff (coming soon), however I'm starting to come out of the honeymoon phase with this truck!

The ride is too spongey Highway driving is too gooey, quick lane changes over 100mph are sketch. and the rake is starting to get on my nerves. (This is the lowest 4x4 I have ever owned and having to put the truck on ramps to change the oil is ridiculous )
I've read the stock shocks give out after 20 or 30k so I'm goin with the Quicklifts. It also needs new tires. It has the stock wranglers but they are garbage. I cannot believe they ship with that trash.
But since It'll be higher I want to fill that wheel well so it's easier on MY eyes. Hence Bigger tires.
Since its 4x4 gotta get an A/Terrain tire. Since they're A/T gotta lock up the diff. I refuse to have a nonfunctional mall crawler that has to get its hand held through puddles because of open diffs. I know its not gonna be anywhere as capable as a proper 4x4 because of the A$$backwards front diff these trucks have. BUT I cannot be towed out by my friends AWD Hatchback because he has proper LSD on both axles....not again...
Time to drop some $$$ on ol peg legs.

 

[Jizzo17]

Some people like putting mevotech upper A-arms on when they level but I didn't and i don't have any problems. I ride back roads and have to go through mud from time to time and the upper joints are working fine still.

Stock tires are 33" (I Think) I'm running 35s now on 20" stock rims and have almost zero rubbing issues. The only difference is the Toyo M/ts is about 1.5-2 mpg average less than with those POS wranglers. If you want a mud tire get these in 10 ply. I run them at 47psi. My truck is noticeably higher and i can move around underneath it pretty easy.

I love these tires, they whine a little but you get used to it. I read a lot on them and some people were saying on 1/2 ton trucks they got 70,000 miles with rotating every 4,000 miles.

The M/Ts really grab but my buddy runs the A/Ts on is GMC and they look good and they seem to do alright as well in the mud. They are a definitely a better highway tire though.

Now as far as you getting a little sketched out at 100mph lane changes Moe's has some sway bars and spohn control arms and panhard bars should help with that