Bilstein vs. OEM Rancho shocks?

Another JR · May 7, 2021

If you are running empty with max tire pressure, especially with 20 inch wheels, that will contribute to a stiff, busy feeling ride quality, especially at low speed, and i don’t think shocks can fix that. You might try adjusting tire pressure if you haven’t already. I’m running my new 3500 empty during break in at 55 front 60 rear and it is noticeably better than the 60/80 max the dealer delivered it with. I have the camper torsion bar option and 18 inch wheels. When the 2500 lb slide in camper goes on in a couple weeks I expect the ride will be pretty nice.

I suspect a set of Bilsteins are in my future, though.

Edited May 7, 2021 by Another JR

RJC Dove · May 20, 2021

Regarding my 2020 Chevy 2500HD 6.6L gasser w/ Z71 package, GM has designed an overall muscular and updated HD series truck. However, their seats are so stiff and the tension on them is similar to a guitar string. So, adding that to the expected HD stiff structure + suspension is a tough package. In search of a softer suspension alternative before I opt for an air ride seat (probably way too much $$$). I've yet to try Bilstein shocks but I'm going to try changing my shackles instead to the American Sulastic Shackles (#SA-06). From reviews and such, even the wives report being happier riding in their respective brand of HD truck; happy life is a happy w..e :)). Anyone else try these Sulastic shackles as an alternative?

dgstarr63 · May 21, 2021

Do not use Bilsteins if you want a softer ride, or you will regret it! Monroe Sensitracs are a good bet for a softer ride, but I am not sure if they are available for HD pickups.

Dunn · May 27, 2021

agree.....bilsteins while more controlled arent soft....they perform well but arent cushy, just depends on what you want......if stock shocks had some rebound dampening they wouldnt be that bad.....on 1500 you notice it more, on 2500 the stiffer springs make up for shock a bit when empty.....should have kept my 2500 tbh

Supercup · June 3, 2021

On 5/6/2021 at 3:27 PM, MTU Alum said:

The ranchos or base shocks provide you good performance for a twin tube shock. When you step into a Bilstein or fox you switch to a monotube shock. A lot these monotubes have more tuning flexibility with end stops, bypasses, etc that help separate primary and secondary ride events that can provide better ride performance without sacrificing handling.

#iworkforGM

Aren't the Rancho's a monotube shock - I know they are on the 1500 AT4?

MTU Alum · June 4, 2021

3 hours ago, Supercup said:

Aren't the Rancho's a monotube shock - I know they are on the 1500 AT4?

They can be either. On the 1500s, trail boss and AT4 get monotubes. The rest of the Z71 trucks are twin tube. HDs are all twin tube shocks.

#iworkforGM

Supercup · June 4, 2021

22 hours ago, MTU Alum said:

They can be either. On the 1500s, trail boss and AT4 get monotubes. The rest of the Z71 trucks are twin tube. HDs are all twin tube shocks.

#iworkforGM

Good to know!

Keith_Schumaker · June 5, 2021

On 5/20/2021 at 5:34 PM, RJC Dove said:

Regarding my 2020 Chevy 2500HD 6.6L gasser w/ Z71 package, GM has designed an overall muscular and updated HD series truck. However, their seats are so stiff and the tension on them is similar to a guitar string. So, adding that to the expected HD stiff structure + suspension is a tough package. In search of a softer suspension alternative before I opt for an air ride seat (probably way too much $$$). I've yet to try Bilstein shocks but I'm going to try changing my shackles instead to the American Sulastic Shackles (#SA-06). From reviews and such, even the wives report being happier riding in their respective brand of HD truck; happy life is a happy w..e :)). Anyone else try these Sulastic shackles as an alternative?

I am running the sulastic shackles on my 3500 DRW and it makes it a lot more comfortable empty. I am still looking for more improvement, mostly because I have the snowplow/camper torsion bars up front. I would love to swap those to the regular bars and I am thinking about bilstiens, hence the reason I am looking at this thread. But I would still recommend the sulastic shackles, they really do help.

Arkangel · June 6, 2021

On 5/26/2021 at 8:11 PM, Dunn said:

agree.....bilsteins while more controlled arent soft....they perform well but arent cushy, just depends on what you want......if stock shocks had some rebound dampening they wouldnt be that bad.....on 1500 you notice it more, on 2500 the stiffer springs make up for shock a bit when empty.....should have kept my 2500 tbh

Wait.. what?? One guy on page 1 said it smoothed out a large bump in the road he normally travels, but 2 guys are saying they are not a cushier ride??

I bought B8 5160’s in hopes of improving ride quality on road, should I be returning them??

Edited June 6, 2021 by Arkangel

Dunn · June 6, 2021

Bilsteins arent meant to be "cushy" shocks....they favor control and are tuned more for offroad than street.....as well as digressive valving (opposite of progressive)....while not for serious offroad that type of valving is bit stiffer in beginning of stroke vs progressive system...harder you hit something smoother it feels....you really can't have both....no shock will work excellent in both areas so always a compromise.....to what degree, personal needs, and taste depends on the driver....I prefer a progressive shock but didn't want to spend bank on kings......bilsteins do bigger hits well but small chatter on streets not so much....I would probably prefer eibach over them......again it's all preference and only way you'll know what's for you is to ride in a set.....after I burn thru these I will change to a progressive set....am a not huge fan of bilsteins myself...my 20" rims aren't helping either I am sure...but for the price and lift they provide, hard to beat......still relatively a cheap shock so can't expect too much

Edited June 6, 2021 by Dunn

JCunningham · July 23, 2021

when you talk about not meant to be a cushy ride are you talking about the 5100s , 4600s or both. if you are going to swap from the camper bars id go with the Cognito bars https://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-cognito-510-90887-comfort-ride-torsion-bar-kit-2020-gm-66l-duramax-l5p. i might do that someday day. i was thinking of doing 4600s.

xray58 · July 24, 2021

Does anyone know what model Rancho shocks come on the 2020 3500 Z71 SRW? Is it a standard configuration or a special GM model?

dgstarr63 · July 25, 2021

I have consulted Rancho on this subject. GM installed Rancho shocks are made specifically for the GM trucks and are different than the Rancho products. To find the part numbers, check the ACDelco online catalog or Rockauto. These shocks are sold by ACDelco.

nutdriver · July 27, 2021

I took off the rear Rancho Shocks on my 3500 trucks after the first 500 miles and replaced those with Bilstein 4600 shocks I had from a prior truck. I definitely noticed an improved ride especially over washboard roads and and had a more planted feel. Sold the Rancho takeoffs on Craig's List. Plan to do the fronts as well. The ride improvement on my 3500 with the Bilsteins on the rear only was less noticeable than on my 2018 2500. I think that is probably due to the higher spring rates on the 3500. Not everyone agrees but in my research, I found that the 4600 shocks generally have a lower valving for compression and rebound over the 5100.

Bilstein 4600 and 5100 Comparison

I recognize that this is just one source but in my prior research I found other similar resources.

jpamp0817 · June 8, 2022

I have a 2500HD AT4 2022 and want to make the ride softer like the 1500 Denali. I've read Bilstein with Sulastic shackle for the rears are good. Someone else mentioned cognito torsion bar. I don't know what that is or with what that will help with. I'm fairly new to 2500HD pickups. I wanted to get feedback or suggestion from you guys as where I live, the dealers that modify cars usually have a preference to specific company brands and all they do is sell sell. Any help from you guys, I will appreciate it.

Thanks!