Anyone have these in a street truck? Wondering how they handle, and how the adjustment feature works (good, well, poorly). I'm getting new Bilsteins for the front (the OEM Bilsteins took a dump at about 20K miles) but they don't make anything for the back, so I'm considering the Ranchos. Any experience appreciated.

 

I have them on all four corners. They sell a kit, part number 9700 I think, that comes with guages, and pump, trim valves, and a switch for adjusting them inside. I use this constantly. Me, alone in my truck requires a lot less suspension dampening than me plus four passengers. Also, highway speeds over 80 need a little more firmness to keep it from floating compared to the softer settings I like around town. When I take the truck drag racing I increase the rear to maximum firmness and let the front ones down to zero, I get pretty good weight transfer going that.
I think the 9000's can only reach their full usefulness when combined with the controller. I cannot imagine owning another full-size SUV without them now...

 

James, have you ever driven a full-sized SUV with Bilsteins? I'm wondering how the ride compares. Basically I've got a street truck that I treat like a Corvette in the corners (my tires show this) and I want a firm ride that treats me and my vehicle properly.

I've heard other people say the same thing you've just said about the Ranchos, only about Bilsteins..."I'll never drive another vehicle with anything other than Bilsteins"....so this is why I'm curious.

 

No, I have not driven one, but I've ridden in one with Bilsteins. They do a pretty good job of controlling the ride without the intervention the Ranchos need to handle the same diversity. I used to have to transport clients from time to time. I've gotten a lot of compliments on comfort. I went with the Ranchos because I wanted control at my fingertips over how the shocks behave.

 

OEM Bilsteins are not the same as aftermarket Bilsteins, meaning the new ones will be better than you have. I'd call Bilstein, I'm sure they have rears for you. If not try KYB's high end shock, good stuff, I say that from personal experience.

 

From Bilstein

Avalanche 1500
02-04 HD BE5-6500-H0 In Dev. r,
Avalanche 2500
02-04 HD BE5-6081-H0 BE5-6501-H1

you might get away with running the 2500 rears, I'd still call them though

 

I've always been partial to KYB as well as Bilsteins: KYB has the MONOMAX for your application:


GR-2
Gas-A-Just
Monomax Standard/Lowered
MonoMax Lifted/Raised
Lift Amount

Years
Notes
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Rear

2002-04
2 W/D - 1500 Sport Utility
344381
344384
KG54327
KG54341
565067
565103




2002-04
2 W/D - 2500 Sport Utility
344383
344384
KG54340
KG54341
565102
565103




2002-04
4 W/D - 1500 Sport Utility
344381
344384
KG54327
KG54341
565067
565103
565076

1-3

2002-04
4 W/D - 2500 Sport Utility
344383
344384
KG54340
KG54341
565102
565103

 

link:
http://www.kyb.com/catalog/index.php...=640&x=50&y=17


MonoMax™ Heavy Duty Shocks are specifically engineered to provide better handling and control for SUVs and light trucks. These world class shocks feature a high pressure monotube design which allows for a safer, more stable ride, and an extra large piston and piston rod to handle even the most demanding driving conditions. MonoMax™ Heavy Duty Shocks are also available for lifted applications.

 

You can get good prices on shocks from
Off Road Warehouse (local in San Diego)

www.eshocks.com

www.shox.com


Both shox.com and eshocks.com are also in San Diego one in El Cajon, and the other in Escondido I believe.

 

I've decided to go with Bilstein's in the front and keep the stock Sachs/Boge self-leveling shocks in the rear, for now. I went into ORW this morning and a senior VP happened to be there, who told me to go with the Bilsteins over the Ranchos (even though they push and make good money on the Ranchos). Personally, I'd rather not have to mess with switches, so I'll replace the stock OEM Bilstens with aftermarket ones and wait for Bilstein to release rear shocks for the Avalanche (testing is all done they tell, so it should be very soon).

Thanks guys for all your help.