Anyone running Ranchos or Bilsteins without a lift?

[RunninOnBlue]

I'm getting ready to replace my shocks on my 2002 Sport. I have no plans to lift it and it stays on road 98% of the time. Does anyone have advice on good shocks that they are happy with. Thanks.


Completely unrelated: I did a week long road trip from Seattle to Portland to Eugene to Bend to Tri-Cities and back to Seattle. Loaded up the rig with 4 people, bags, cooler and gear and averaged 21.2 MPGs over the 800+ mile trip. At one point I was concerned that my gas gauge was inaccurate and refilled when it read a half tank with 210 miles traveled:wow2:. Sure enough it only took 8.5 gallons to fill it. Obviously this trip was 95% highway miles driven at/around 65-70 mph. I usually do 80% city driving and get only 260 miles 'til my light comes on (then fills up with 15 to 16 gallons)

 

[RunninOnBlue]

Nobody?

Then how about this...anyone installed shocks on their unlifted ride and didn't like the results? Brands?

Thanks.:banana:

 

[sibanez]

I have a set of Bilstein HDs on my 1997 4Runner and love them. They are a stiffer shock, but not in an obnoxious way. It feels like a luxury sports car and reduces body roll and lean. I drive the SUV in New Orleans, which has some of the worst roads in the country, and I appreciate how they make the truck handle. It is much more controlled and provides confidence over stock shocks.

 

[SgtAbn]

Blisteins are extreamly high quality in my opinion along with "Sach's", both German I think. The only shocks I will NEVER USE AGAIN are "McPhearson" (sp?). They ride like sh-t nd dont hold up.

 

[cullowheebandit]

So after reading your posts I see that you went with the ranchos and 99 talls and I was wondering how it's riding and holding up for you. I have an '02 as well and am going with the same combo except I picked up the rancho 9000 series. Have you noticed any sag or anything yet? or is that why you added the air bags... something I've been considering doing as well when I have all that stuff apart.

 

[jrm]

Ive had Bilsteins

on both of my 3g's. Great set up.:infidel:

 

[bandman659]

Got the Bilstein HDs on mine and I love them, but my wife isn't so happy. They are noticably stiffer, but not intrusively so. I love the extra firmness and control, she doesn't like the added harshness in the ride.

 

[ralatkins]

I have Ranchos on mine. a little stiff, but not uncomfortable. i like them quite a lot.

 

[Phx994Runner]

Posted about this a while back, but last summer on my son's '99 4WD replaced stock springs with OME 906's in the rear and Bilstein shocks. Very, very happy with this, no longer bottoms-out going over speed bumps like the original stock was doing.

Running Moog coils and Pro-Comp 9000 struts up front, the struts are a bit soft. Wish I had just gone Bilsteins up front, as well.

Nice firm ride, not harsh IMHO.

 

[HCurphy]

I'll beat the dead horse and say I love the bilsteins, too. I updgraded from 4 blown out shocks though. So, anything would have likely been day and night for me. But, none the less. Very happy with my billies and 99 tall coils.

 

[Gerdo]

I put about 100,000 miles on my Billie HDs. I also ran the same shock for a while while lifted.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I have Billies and '99 tall coils too, great set up. Ran Bilstein HD's on my last 4Runner too, great all round shocks IMO

 

[sprchrgd_4x4runner]

I have rancho on mine rs9000xl with adjustable stiffness and I love them way better than the suspension on my Volvo you can go from street racing car to super soft ride and also has a setting for off road if needed. I then swapped the coils for LC in the rear and swap coils in the front as well and it's 3high in the front and 4 in the rear, the ride is still awesome. I deff recommend them.

 

[TeamAllen]

Sorry, a little late to the party, but we put the Rancho 9000 on, a few years ago, and I think they are great. The ability to stiffen or soften them to your liking and different driving terrain is valuable.

 

[ryankmasuda]

Rancho 5000's are very soft.