Jump to content

Rancho 9000 Vs Bilstein Hd Vs ?

music

Recommended Posts

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
Posted

I tow a sizable camper, and have had a few instances where the concrete expansion joints are "just wrong", and I get into a porpoising pattern. The truck and camper get to bouncing in unison, and it can be too much. Fortunately, this is a rare occurance... but it's an issue I'd like to address. It's a harmonics issue, so changing the weight, spring and/or dampening rates (shocks) are the options. Weight is pretty much fixed, and I use a Reese Dual Cam weight distributing hitch system. I'm not real keen on the notion of installing air bags or anything that would unload the WD system, as sway control requires that the bars be "loaded".

 

Looking at the dampening end of things (shocks), I've read about the Rancho 9000 models that are adjustable from 1 to 9, with 9 being very resistant to motion. That sounds like a pretty good option, but I've never used them. Anyone have input regarding the Rancho vs Bilstein HD vs other brands for high dampening applications? I like the adjustment idea, as I don't need a rock solid ride 99% of the time, but do need something more when towing.

 

I'm not totally tossing out the idea of air bags or supplemental springs, but those are a shot in the dark for the issue I'm having (they could make it better or worse).

alaska511 Senior Enthusiast

alaska511

Posted
Posted

Air bags is the only way to go. Period.

 

Argue, or overthink it all you want.

 

I put AirLift air bags, and Bilstein 5100s all the way around on my GMT900 1500 Crew and towed a travel trailer all over Alaska.

 

You won't regret it, ever.

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Air bags is the only way to go. Period.

Argue, or overthink it all you want.

 

I've read a number of experiences online by others that have tried air bags for this exact problem, without success... sometimes making the problem worse. Air bags don't always mix well with a WDH system w/ an integrated sway control that requires the tongue weight in order to work right (Reese DC). My previous camper didn't do this, so it's a specific combination of my truck, spring bars, camper and a few concrete roads. My truck doesn't sag (1200 lb bars) or sway now, so I'm unsure how additional support will help... but I'm open to being convinced. Cost isn't the issue, but I don't want to waste time/money either.

 

I'd be interested to know your full setup. Hitch type, weights, lengths, etc., and whether you tried the Bilsteins before the air bags and whether you had "porpoising" before doing so? I appreciate the input.

VT_Z71 Enthusiast

VT_Z71

Posted
Posted

I don't know much about the air bags...but as far as the Rancho 9000XLs, I've never had a problem with them. The adjustability is very nice, but once I found the perfect setting on all 4 corners I have not touched them since. Much better ride than stock regardless.

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The more I've read on this, the more it sounds like Bilstein HD may be a promising experiment. Most folks have eliminated or significantly reduced "porpoising" on concrete roads with this simple swap. I probably only need the rears, but wonder if it's worth the hassle to do the fronts too... since the stock fronts ride/handle good to me. Maybe do the rears, see how it feels, and then the fronts later? Tires/wheels are stock size, so there's no extra unsprung weight to control, just higher dampening when towing the trailer.

jro909 Senior Enthusiast

jro909

Posted
Posted

i have bilstein HDs...awsome shock, i'm warning you that the truck will ride a little harsh unloaded, but loaded it rides like a cadillac...lifetime warranty too

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
  • Author
Posted
i have bilstein HDs...awsome shock, i'm warning you that the truck will ride a little harsh unloaded, but loaded it rides like a cadillac...lifetime warranty too

 

 

Did you put HDs on front and rear? When you say "harsh", like "you'll knock out a tooth" or "rides more like a HD truck"? The stock Z71 suspension isn't exactly smooth to begin with, but maybe a little too much travel for heavy trailering. The "hd trailering pkg" trucks I've driven w/ the monotube shocks feel good to me (I'd call it "compliant" rather than harsh).

jro909 Senior Enthusiast

jro909

Posted
Posted

i have HDs all the way around the truck, i'd say it rides stiff unloaded..it handles loads alot better since the new shocks, the oem shocks suck ass and was told they only last till about 60k and the average driver dosent even notice they are shot

alaska511 Senior Enthusiast

alaska511

Posted
Posted
Air bags is the only way to go. Period.

Argue, or overthink it all you want.

 

I've read a number of experiences online by others that have tried air bags for this exact problem, without success... sometimes making the problem worse. Air bags don't always mix well with a WDH system w/ an integrated sway control that requires the tongue weight in order to work right (Reese DC). My previous camper didn't do this, so it's a specific combination of my truck, spring bars, camper and a few concrete roads. My truck doesn't sag (1200 lb bars) or sway now, so I'm unsure how additional support will help... but I'm open to being convinced. Cost isn't the issue, but I don't want to waste time/money either.

 

I'd be interested to know your full setup. Hitch type, weights, lengths, etc., and whether you tried the Bilsteins before the air bags and whether you had "porpoising" before doing so? I appreciate the input.

 

 

These statements don't make any sense, really. These people don't know how to set-up a hitch, or get the air pressure in the bags right. There is no downside to bags, unless you set it up wrong. If you don't like the ride, adjust the air pressure. If your WD hitch is set up wrong, it ain't the bags that is the problem.

 

Valley WD hitch and friction sway on the set up below. Towed perfect, even in strong winds. Don't believe the negatives you read. Just set it up right.

 

2306909140056313536S600x600Q85.jpg

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,840
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    appletrav
    Newest Member
    appletrav
    Joined

  • Who's Online   1 Member, 0 Anonymous, 501 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • newdude
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By newdude · Posted

      This is a 1/2 ton thing ONLY.  All HDs 2020-2026 have the two speed transfer case, with Autotrac as an option.     1/2 tons 2019-2026, regular 4x4s come with a single speed case (no 4LO!), and trucks with Z71 ordered, or all Trail Boss trucks come with the 2 speed case.  2 speed case is also an option on WT, and is also standard on High Country.  
    • newdude
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By newdude · Posted

      2013 5.3 still to this day calls for the PF48 filter.  Which as a 15psi bypass pressure.     There is a TSB, 17-NA-157 that talks about the PF-63 and PF-64 filters which have a higher bypass rating of 22psi.    TSB HERE - temp.xml   "Beginning in 2012, the oil pumps began to regulate main gallery feedback instead of pump out pressure. This means that the oil pump now does not begin to regulate until pressure is built up to the main gallery. This change reduces the amount of time it takes to provide oil to the engine bearing and lifters during extreme cold start conditions.  Main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are present on the following engine families which use Spin-on oil filters: Small Gas Engine (SGE), Large Gas Engine (LGE), High Feature (HFV6) Gen2 and Small Block Gen5 gasoline engines. These engines with the main gallery feedback oil pump control systems are factory built with an ACDelco® oil filters"   It also calls out what engines use those filters.  The gen 4 small blocks were not on that list (LMG, LC9, L9H, L92, L94, L20, L96).  Gen 5 small blocks use the higher pressure filter.          That all said...   Your 7045 Napa filter is the PF63 equivalent, with 22psi bypass.  You are already using the higher bypass pressure filter.  You CAN keep using it, you don't technically have to use it though.  
    • Grumpy Bear
      Different requirements for oil filters?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Do you know WHY the filter relief setting was increased to 22 psig?    When the new system goes into the second stage the pump volume ramps up considerably. It was found that the 15 psi filter bypass setting put the filter in bypass on a warm engine when the second stage was activated. Raising the filter bypass setting forced the filter to do what it designed to do. Filter. Preventing debris from circulating during high load, high rpm operation.    So next question is how did GM find this out? VLOM/lifter failures and a deep dive by Melling Corp.    Last question. Is it required? Look at it like this; a motor may be equipped with a rev limiter. But it only works if the set point in reached. That 22 psig setting only matters if the pressure differential across the filter media exceeds 15 psig during normal warm operation. Second stage kicks in around 3000-3500 rpm.    I can't answer your question because I don't know you and how you use the truck. But I think there is enough information here to let you decide for yourself. 😉
    • Coastie05
      give me some tips to make my truck look better

      By Coastie05 · Posted

      Go back to OEM wheels. 
    • newdude
      2020 Trailboss 6.2 replacement

      By newdude · Posted

      Probably not their first rodeo, so it should go as planned most likely.  Typically the service manager or tech doing the swap will put some seat time to shake it down after they get it all put back together.  We usually put 50-100mi before we hand them back so if something happens, its not after you get it.  A coolant leaks, oil leaks, a ground left off or loose, vibration, etc.     The new engines so far have been good?  There's been a couple that have popped out there again (the replacement engine) but most have been okay.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...