cc322, Maybe you can put a post on this sight to see if anybody has these Bilstiens and see what they think. This way you can get several opinions first before you spend the $$. Steve

 

cc332,

How much tounge weight is there with your boat/trailer? If only 2-300 pounds, then your setting may be too stiff when "towing". When I usually tow, I have about an extra 1000 pounds on the rear axle between bed cargo and the trailer and 3 (RS9000) is about right for me. Also, I have loaded up the bed with rocks and lumber and the stiffer setting seems to help a lot. My truck is my wife's daily driver, about 30 miles round trip. But I use it very often for towing and hauling on weekends and house projects.

Is the adjustability a gimick? I don't think so. Is it useful for you? Maybe not. Could I have gotten similar performance from another shock? Maybe, but I don't think for the price (buy3,get1).

 

You do make valid points and I have been setting the rear on 4 for towing. I will try 3 next time but I just keep hearing great things about Bilstiens

 

cc322, I still think your best bet is to find someone locally that has them (Bilsteins) on their similar truck and drive it with them. This way you'll know what you like the best, that's the most important test! Steve

 

I am a devout believer in bilstein, I have been using them for years, they are the best shock I have ever used and they are on all my rigs (old rides; 74 Bronco 4x4, 98 f-150, 89 BMW M3, Current rides; 2003 BMW M5, 92 Range Rover Classic, 2001 King Ranch Screw 4x4).
When I got my Rancho susp' lift it came with Rancho rs5000's. Good shock but nowhere near the quality of the Bilsteins. Off they went, on came the Bilsteins. I have the Bilstein 7100's currently 2001 (Screw), but I have used the 5100's on my old 98 Scab 4x4. and 74 Bronco . Both models of shock are much better than the RS5000's. They also have a lifetime warranty.


Besides, you said it yourself, everyone you talk to is recommending them. Well I wonder why?

 

Weezel I did have the bilstiens on my 96 bronco and they were very stiff so off they came but the expy is a different suspension.I did set the 9000 at 3 on all four corner and it felt pretty decent no body roll but will they last without fadeing???

 

cc322, My first set of RS9000s stayed strong for about 3 years before I replaced the 4 shocks with 12 new RS9000xs. The only reason I replaced them was because I had to buy 8 new ones anyway, so I wanted a matched set and my truck went higher, so I needed slightly longer shocks. I hope this helps. Steve

 

Well now....got a question of sorts. Talked to a guy the other night who is a regional sales manager for Car Quest Auto Parts. He tells me that there are only 2 shock absorber "manufacturers", and that all the shocks are made by these guys and all other "brands" just put their name on them. He tells me that Gabriel and Monroe are the manufacturers. He said that the Rancho RSX and the Gabriel Gas Ryder LT are basically the same shock. If this is the case, the Gabriels have the price of Ranchos beat by about 40%. I'm currently looking around for some new shocks for my truck, as the tires have about 10,000 miles on them and are looking pretty ragged, and the ride is deteriorating pretty fast.
Not trying to start a war here, just thought this was an interesting point.

 

Weezell, how did you like the flight in the C-421?