I just Installed Fox 2.0 on mine and have the same issue. Suggestions appreciated

 

I don't like Bilsteins because they ride like a European shock = stiff

 

I had Bilsteins on my truck and wasn't too happy with them either. I put Gabriel Proguards on front and rear and the truck seems to ride smoother to me. I also put a Monroe steering stabilizer on instead of the Bilstein one.

Mark

 

Drop tire PSI 5 lbs till you find a PSI that works for you.

 

Ya tried that and it helped a little I know it’s a f450 it isn’t going to be a car but even loaded down it seemed to jar me around with the Bilsteins but I guess everyone has a preference

 

Ya I ended up taking them off and ordered factory shocks and are much more satisfied with them. So now I have brand new Bilsteins as garage weights till I find someone that needs some haha

 

The Ranchos actually ride really nice. I’ve recently driven a 2007 F-550 and the ride was smooth. I believe it had the new 9000’s on it.

 

That’s because unless you’re tearing *** down a rough dirt road on a daily basis you don’t need bilstein or any of the gas-charged (firm) shocks that everyone loves to recommend.

A good set of regular hydraulic shocks will give you the best ride you can get.


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I think bilsteins have gone downhill of late. 20-30 years ago, I was using them on european cars and getting magic carpet rides, and they lasted nearly forever. recently, they've seemed crude and harsh, and haven't lasted real long.

someone convinced me that when I upgrade the shocks on my otherwise stock f250, to use rancho 7000's

 

I think bilsteins have gone downhill of late. 20-30 years ago, I was using them on european cars and getting magic carpet rides, and they lasted nearly forever. recently, they've seemed crude and harsh, and haven't lasted real long.



someone convinced me that when I upgrade the shocks on my otherwise stock f250, to use rancho 7000's

I’m sure they’re still producing those kinds of rides when you don’t use the gas-charged versions on city streets. Like I said, the forums have a hard-on for them. They’re great for Baja-racing kind of driving but for the average user they only produce a harsh ride and are absolutely unnecessary for 95% of us.

I live on a ranch and drive down washboard roads every day. I put some regular hydraulic variants from zone off road in the rear and it that alone almost eliminated any harshness in the ride.


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Ya I sold the Bilsteins I felt like I was riding a pogo stick every time I hit a bump and went back and replaced with new stockers

 

I am getting ready to install rancho 9000s on mine next week.

 

a ton of shocks are gas charged, including the Rancho 9000's and their smooth ride that people like
the nitrogen keeps the oil from foaming and the shock feel consistent it's just low pressure

the Bilsteins are just valved like a German shock and some people like that

 

folks I know doing off road racing laugh at Bilsteins, they are mostly using Fox or King or Icon, great big shocks with external reservoirs, highly adjustable, often with extended travel suspension.

 

I am putting the ranchos on today.Look at the size difference,not sure if it matters ,as I am no shock expert.

 

that Bilstein looks like a single tube so that's why it is skinnier not really an indicator of quality or performance IMO

i bet you will love the 9000

 

I hope so.Actually you have/had suggested them to me a few years back.

I just need to find the right settings too.

 

keep us posted

 

The 9000xl shocks ride real nice on my F350. I run the fronts at setting 5 and rear at 4 when empty and they’re great. With the camper on its 9 all the way around and they still work great. For $350 a set I think they can’t be beat.


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If you go and watch Filthy Motorsports' video on Youtube which breaks down suspension systems, you'll get a better understanding of what ride to expect, and how it can be improved.

 

Ya. That’s a great video. I definitely got a better understanding from watching it.


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Everyone may laugh but I had top of the line Monroe on my 2002 dually. They have a special every spring where you buy 3 and 4th is free. Got them from O'Reilly's. Lifetime warranty. Every two years I would switch them out. I was very pleased with their service. Plan on doing the same with my 2014.

Tom

 

thats one way

I just buy Ranchos and change them out never ;-)

put some on my Blazer say 20 years ago and a set on my 06 in 09 and all are still working fine but they do have a lifetime warranty so if i do blow one I should be covered

 

Fox 2.0s for me with no complaints what so ever. My truck rode better with the stock ranchos than my dodge ever did... The Fox shocks are night and day over the ranchos. I haven't run anything else on my truck to compare though.

 

The shocks above are the heavy duty 4600 Bilsteins, I just installed a set of 5100 Bilsteins on my F350 DRW. From factory shocks it was a noticeable improvement over the harsh and jarring ride. The 5100 do not make it stiffer, they are for dampening only as far as I can tell. I am very pleased with the improvement. My guess is the 4600's are gas charges and meant to reduce sway.