Ranchos or Bilstein's??????

[atvpilot]

Hey Guys,
Got to replace the shocks on my 2002-2500HD-D/A-CC-SB 4WD. I use it for my daily driver as well as towing my TT and my enclosed 22 ft Haulmark. Which would you suggest and which model, the Rancho or the Bilstein?????
Thanks
pilot

[Kennedy]

I've found Bilsteins to perform exceptionally well, and last about forever. Ranchos perform pretty well, but sure haven't lasted long for me...

[xwing]

My Bilsteins seem to have not quite enough damping in front...a little floaty, one too many low-frequency bounces up/down after going over a whoop-tee-doo in highway. They seem maybe a little too STIFF in back, the rearend does the "jitterdance" over rough pavement and has NO "bouncybounce" to it, so I'd say too stiff in back... but that is partly the stiff leafsprings too. Just my impressions, they are good shocks.
I was considering the Rancho adjustables or these; I got the Bilsteins. If the Ranchos don't last very long that's too bad. Oh well.

[atvpilot]

Well I gotta tell ya, after 2 different sets of tires(which the dealer told me was the problem) to the tune of $700.00 and a set of Gabriel ultra max shocks $250.00 the truck still has that annoying shake and shudder at 44-47 miles an hour and I am one very disgusted and dissappointed owner. The shocks made a difference in the ride when you go over bumps or rough roads but not with the shudder. It is going into the shop on Monday for that steering column recall and I will very strongly suggest just short of a demand that they check the carrier bearing and the 2 piece drive shaft. I love everything about the truck except that damn bounce or shudder or whatever you call it.
Also while it was in the shop on Monday getting shocks they found that the front end-control arms and idler arms needed to be replaced(48,000 miles). So you can see why I am a little disgusted with the truck. I always make it a habit never to knock another truck for this reason but Ford is looking real good. Sorry to be so sour,but my wallet can only take so much.
a very unhappy pilot :(

[quadrunner500]

For the shake and shudder, you might find relief by having an alignment shop increase the caster 1 degree.

[atvpilot]

thanks quadrunner 500 but it is the rear that is shuddering and I just had the front end worked on and aligned.

[Modified]

atvpilot,

You mentioned above that you have the 2-piece drive shaft. Could that be your problem? GM had a TSB to replace the two-piece drive shafts with the one piece. Try a search on the TSB below.


Bulletin No.: 01-04-17-001A

[atvpilot]

thanks Modified, I'll search the internet now. The dealer told me that the driveshaft was ok when I had the last eva done.