Rancho RS9000XL vs Bilstein 5100

btj_z71 · March 11, 2019

Rancho RS9000XL vs Bilstein 5100

I am at 72k and preparing/saving up for shock replacement on all four corners. I like the that the Rancho RS9000XL can be adjusted (claimed 400% difference between lowest and highest setting). I always hear good things about the Bilstein 5100s though. Any experience with the Rancho RS9000XL shocks?

(Front): Ranch RS9000XL: http://www.gorancho.com/products/shock-absorbers/rs9000xl-performance-strut/rancho-rs9000xl-strut-rs999830.html

(Rear) Rancho RS9000XL: http://www.gorancho.com/products/shock-absorbers/rs9000xl-shock-absorber/rancho-rs9000xl-shock-absorber-rs999198.html

Total for four: ~$527

(Front) Bilstein 5100: https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product-search-detail/?ItemId=6188925713238092455&YearId=4357058600109566749&MakeId=4463563413472551677&ModelId=1723229799825481433&SubModelId=5482975663341996073

(Rear) Bilstein 5100: https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product-search-detail/?ItemId=7911004732752982112&YearId=4357058600109566749&MakeId=4463563413472551677&ModelId=1723229799825481433&SubModelId=5482975663341996073

Total for four: ~$345

VdellaV · March 11, 2019

In my own personal experience, and having tried both brands, I can say for myself that Rancho Shocks cannot be even remotely compared to Bilsteins

Bilstein 5100s are so much better performing and better built, not to mention that they will save you a lot of money, compared to crappy riding Ranchos

Waterfowler41 · March 11, 2019

Ranchos are out of the game. You have so many better options these days.

Why not the Eibach sport truck kit? Similar to the bils but they come with new springs too. Adjustable just like the bils.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

Mozzer · March 11, 2019

Ranchos are out of the game. You have so many better options these days.

Why not the Eibach sport truck kit? Similar to the bils but they come with new springs too. Adjustable just like the bils.

The Eibach are adjustable for either 2" lift or zero, nothing in between though.

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Waterfowler41 · March 11, 2019

The Eibach are adjustable for either 2" lift or zero, nothing in between though.

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If you buy the kit without the springs you start at OEM heigh I’m lowest setting and I believe each of the steps in a .5-.75” increments up to 2”. With the springs in the lowest setting you start at 2.5”.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

btj_z71 · March 11, 2019

Have not considered Eibach yet. Other than the springs coming the with kit, any advantages over the 5100s?

Mozzer · March 11, 2019

If you buy the kit without the springs you start at OEM heigh I’m lowest setting and I believe each of the steps in a .5-.75” increments up to 2”. With the springs in the lowest setting you start at 2.5”.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

Edit: I looked into the Pro Runner SS. That achieves a 2" lift by flipping the lower spring seat so only has the two positions 0 or 2".

https://www.4wheelparts.ca/Suspension/Pro-Comp-Pro-Runner-SS-Monotube-Shock-Absorber-ZX2108.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=EXPZX2108

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Waterfowler41 · March 11, 2019

Maybe looking at a different kit, I looked into the Pro Runner SS. That achieves a 2" lift by flipping the lower spring seat so only has the two positions 0 or 2".
https://www.4wheelparts.ca/Suspension/Pro-Comp-Pro-Runner-SS-Monotube-Shock-Absorber-ZX2108.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&t_pn=EXPZX2108

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That’s a procomp kit not eibach.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

Waterfowler41 · March 11, 2019

Have not considered Eibach yet. Other than the springs coming the with kit, any advantages over the 5100s?

More height adjustability up front, I can’t comment on performance of one over the other. Never had bils and won’t pretend I know everything about them.

My experience with eibach pro truck kit was it was well worth the upgrade. Got a tasteful lift without spacers and have solid monotube shocks/struts.

Regardless of brand get 1 price from Autoanything then shop it at realtruck. Might get some $$ knocked off.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

Mozzer · March 11, 2019

That’s a procomp kit not eibach.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

Sh;t, had so many links during research that I got mixed up. Well at least that got another option in the mix

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dcarl · March 11, 2019

I've had the Bilsteins which I ran at stock setting with a Zone 2" Level kit, and right now I have the Eibach Pro Truck Lift System. I actually think the Bilsteins rode softer. Part of it may be because of the height difference, but the other part is the Eibach spring rate is 828# per inch which is 10% higher than the stock spring which would put it around 745# per inch. That and I'm running LT285/60R20 tires doesn't help.

I have a set of the Halo Lifts Boss Coilovers (700# per inch springs) coming, so I'll be selling my Eibach kit with less than a 1000 miles on it.

Waterfowler41 · March 11, 2019

Sh;t, had so many links during research that I got mixed up. Well at least that got another option in the mix

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Better that link than something else from your search history.

Waterfowler 41’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/brittmork

4weight · March 11, 2019

2 hours ago, dcarl said:

I've had the Bilsteins which I ran at stock setting with a Zone 2" Level kit, and right now I have the Eibach Pro Truck Lift System. I actually think the Bilsteins rode softer. Part of it may be because of the height difference, but the other part is the Eibach spring rate is 828# per inch which is 10% higher than the stock spring which would put it around 745# per inch. That and I'm running LT285/60R20 tires doesn't help.

I have a set of the Halo Lifts Boss Coilovers (700# per inch springs) coming, so I'll be selling my Eibach kit with less than a 1000 miles on it.

Really good info here Dcarl, very much appreciated as I have a 2" front level stock shocks at the moment and have been looking for feedback on Eibach vs. Bilstein.

Thanks !!