I have a 2003 FX4 reg cab with rancho shocks. My wife complains about the rough ride, Has anyone switched to Bilsteins from rancho? Was there a noticible improvement in ride quality. There currently is nothing wrong with my shocks and I just paid almost $400 for them last year so I don't want to shell out even more money for the Bilsteins unless I will get a more comfortable ride. What has been your experience? Are the Bilsteins worth it?

Ford Guy

 

They are a superior shock! Well worth the extra cash in my opinion. Rancho also makes a good shock too though. Your ride shouldn't be that rough witch leads me to these questions. Do you have the T-bars cranked or something? That will steal comfort from your ride. Also are your tires over inflated? Do you have a add-a-leaf in the back?

 

Hey Denny,

yea I did crank the tBars but only 2 turns as I had read about the roughfer rides. Didn't notice any more harshness in the ride. No add-a-leafs. Did you have ranchos on your truck?

Ford Guy

 

Never had them on a f-150 but I had the RS5000's on my 92' dodge ram then switched to the Bilstines, and was very impressed. Are you the original owner of your rig? If not the previous owner may have already turned the t-bars up a little, and now they are turned up even further. Just a thought.

I know my 97' rides like a Crown Vic with out any alteration to the t-bars and original shocks (witch are on their last leg). Yours should have ridden the same before you cranked them. Just as a test I would mark the hex of the torsion bolts and de-crank them three full turns and see how it rides. That will determine weather or not it's torsion related. With the hex being marked you can always return them to where you had them.

 

I have ranchos right Now and they feel fine to me, When I go over bumps they are a bit stiff but nothing too bad, There great if you ask me. But I'm also sure bilsteins are way superior.

 

my opinion is that the regular cab is a rough ride no matter what kind of truck you have. i like the rancho on mine it is a little smppther than the factory( mines not a FX4 either)

 

Thanks guys,

I just priced the Bilsteins and I'm liking the Ranchos more and more lol.

Ford Guy

 

^ I hear you , Ranchos set of 4 was 170 on sale at 4wheelparts . Bilsteins were 300 for a set .

 

I purchased HD Bilstein Shocks just a bit over $300 and so far can't really tell the difference from my stock shocks...2006 f150 XLT. I'm a bit disappointed since I thought they would help the exaggerated bounce I am getting prior to and after my switch. I'm afraid I cant help you. If you are thinking 5100's then I really cant help.