Rancho 9000's or Bilstein's

[xr600boy]

I am going to do a Prerunner kit on my Explorer and I want to know what you all think about running Bilstein shocks or Rancho 9000's. This is my daily driver and I want to run dual shocks in the front. This will be a 5" lift with 12" travel. It is the Camburg lift kit for a 83 to 97 Ranger or Explorer, it comes with the Bilsteins.

 

[MW4HD]

Bilsteins or RS9000's

Hey Jim. the Bilsteins are definitely the way to go. Obviously the cost is a big consideration, but, in the long run you'll be a lot happier with what you bought. You can't beat the ride and the handling is incomparable...No contest, buy the Bilsteins...

 

[kvo]

Jim -

Seeing the trailer that you towed the other day, I'd strongly recommend the Rancho RS 9000. You have the adjustment capability while towing so the rear won't sag. Plus you can get an in-cab controller to control the settings from the inside, an additional $100.00.

Are you getting a rear locker also?

Khoa.

 

[MW4HD]

RS9000's...

Hey Jim, I don't want to make it sound as though Khoa doesn't know what he's talking about, but, shocks don't actually keep the springs from sagging under load. They only control the springs' oscillation. The only shock that will hold up any load, not for long due to blown bladders, are air shocks. I definitely would NOT recommend them to anyone. They ride like bricks and don't last long on the rear of p/u's or SUV's...

 

[kvo]

That's good to know about the shocks and the leaf springs, luckily I haven't had to tow anything major.

Khoa.

 

[xr600boy]

Hey guys thanks for the advice I like the idea of the adjust ment of the 9000's, and rite now they have a buy three get one free. Khoa yeah I am going for the locker and gears for the truck and 33" A/T's.

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Bilsteins vs Ranchos

Just thought I'd give my unsolicited $.02 worth. I originally replaced the OEM shocks with Bilsteins within the first year I owned my '93 (Note: Ford factory shocks are only good for about a year before they start leaking, losing their rebound etc.). I loved the bilsteins! When I installed the lift kit, the Bilsteins were too short, so I opted for Rancho 9000's. Then I got tired of getting out all the time to tune the shocks as O.R. road conditions changed, so I installed the remote adjusting syatem...a feature that I really like, but.... I'm not convinced that Rancho shocks are of real great quality... I have been thru two sets of Ranchos 9000 and the second set is getting pretty spongy.... that'means that Ranchos are are only good for about two years and 10,000 miles ( I don't drive the Explorer a lot except for off road trips). Not too great considering the cost...I wish I had stayed with Bilsteins.

 

[kvo]

Sorry to hear about your RS9000 going bad Ray. Don't they have a lifetime warranty?

I have had mine for about 3-4 years and have put over 60,000 miles on them and still have not had any problems with them.

Jim - What kind of lockers are you getting? With 33" tires, you're going to be riding mighty high. Say, how about 33" tires on the trailer also. I saw this HUMMER set up with a trailer on 38" tires here in Los Gatos. Looks great.

 

[xr600boy]

I can't put 33's on the trailer because my dads friend halls his Harley in it. But it would be cool and easier to get the trailer out of the back yard.
Ray, I have rancho 5000 on the front of my truck now and they have 100k on them. Maybe you just got a bad set or something. Thanks for the $.02 worth. Thats what I like about this site every one have an answer or can help a little.
kvo, I don't know what locker I am going to run. Do you have any thoughts on what I should get?

 

[kvo]

Jim -

I have decided to get the No-slip differential from Powertrax. My differential has the OEM traction lock so it's a little more than the open differential unit.

If yours has an open differential, HIX was selling his No-Slip unit in the For Sale forum for around $200 or $250??? A new one is 'bout $400.

National Tires has the lowest price so far ($387 shipping included) for the No-Slip Differential for Traction Lock OEM differential.

I looked at the other units but they are either too expensive (ARB), more than what I'd use it for (Detroit Locker), too weak (Lock-Right). The similar no-slip locker from Tractec has a clutch plate so it could still wear out in the long run, losing the locking capability.

The No-Slip from Powertrax does not have any clutch plates at all, no wear, and is priced reasonably. May be I will have it installed by next month (crossing my fingers).

 

[rockylaurence]

KVO; lets us know what all is invalved with the Powertrax install. I imagine that it's more invalved due to having to remove the L/S clutches, etc. Maybe the carrier needs to be pulled? I suppose that everything will go back together without having to set-up the gears. I've got the EZ locker infront already and will go to some kind of locker for the rear.

 

[kvo]

Sorry, we got off the subject on the shocks.

Rocky -

Powertrax told me that everything is included, all you need is the fluid and HIX who installed his himself said it was easier than doing the front brakes. But then HIX's was an open differential.

I'm placing my order today and I'll have to see if I can install it myself or I may have to take it to a shop. I'm leaning towards having the shop do it. Differential is not my cup of tea.

One draw back - the Powertrax No-Slip carries only a 2-yr warranty.

 

[MW4HD]

Powertrax no-slip...

Hey guys, check out ORW's price on the Powertrax, I'm buying mine from them. A little cheaper than anyone else and they're right down in San Diego...

 

[xr600boy]

kvo,

Let me know when it comes in and may be I can help you with the install. My friend Mike, that was with us in Clear Creek is a wrench for that "D" company, and I can bring over the video so you can see it.

[Edited by xr600boy on 06-09-2000 at 10:47 AM]

 

[kvo]

Jim -

I ordered the No-Slip locker last week, should be here next week or earlier. I'm going to have to take it to the shop to have it installed since the Mrs. didn't know about this latest purchase and she really doesn't need to know about it anyway!!! You know how it goes, it's want vs. need.

As long as it goes in without any fanfare, I'll be a happy camper.

MW4HD - FYI - I got mine from National Tires for a total of $392.00, shipping included. The No-Slip locker for open differentials is $387.00. Shipped to Los Gatos, CA directly from Powertrax.

Khoa.

 

[MW4HD]

KVO
Got mine, shipped to Colorado for $375 from http://www.offroadwarehouse.com
Got it from Mark there...

 

[kvo]

MW4HD -

That is definitely a better price. That would have save me almost $20.00. I'll know next time to give these guys a call before I buy other stuff.

Thanks,
Khoa.