Rancho or Bilstein

chuckl1218 · December 31, 2014

just to be sure, with these 5100's, it leaves the rear factory height and only raises the front 1.8" right? and does anything else need to be done as far as the suspension angles and everything else goes in relations to it being raised 1.8"s up front?

Yes, back stays same and front can be raised from 0 to 1.8". Someone else may need to answer the second part, but I think the front will need to have alignment checked after raising. I have to find someone to install them for me and plan to ask.

fuse36 · December 31, 2014

My rancho quicklift is over 2" of lift and love the rs9000xl in the rear. The best shocks I've ever owned. Also love the adjustable ride. Really makes a difference

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pt1911 · December 31, 2014

I just installed my Rancho Quicklift loaded last night, it was a piece of cake. I took it to the alignment shop this morning and anyone asking if they should align it after any type of lift I would say YES! He said the camber and caster wasn't too far off but the toe IN was off by 3/8-1/2! Also, it rides much better than the factory Z71 Ranchos.

5RWill · January 5, 2015

Will you guys post pics of the ranchos and the Bilsteins?

Also what height setting do you have them on? I read that height adjusted shocks rode pretty stuff with the spring seat in the top position. Which is what I would be going with the Bilsteins. But rancho offers a little over 2" of lift? More like 2.25?

fuse36 · January 6, 2015

Will you guys post pics of the ranchos and the Bilsteins?

Also what height setting do you have them on? I read that height adjusted shocks rode pretty stuff with the spring seat in the top position. Which is what I would be going with the Bilsteins. But rancho offers a little over 2" of lift? More like 2.25?

I have the ranchos. Love them. If u set the front and rear to 3 that's oem setting. So if u go to 1 it's really soft not stiff at all. I leave front at 6. And change rear as needed. Here are rancho 4 top settings.

Rancho

RS999901 quicklift

RS999297 rear shocks

Highway front 6 rear 3

Sport front 8 rear 6

Tow/haul front 6 rear 8

Off road front 4 rear 4

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fuse36 · January 6, 2015

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5RWill · January 6, 2015

Looks great! Lifted the front 2"? Ride is better than stock?

The one thing i don't get is that loaded strut is available for the 2014 chevy but not the GMC. Though i read it should fit.

FormerFordGuy · January 6, 2015

I have a question/clarification. The rancho comes with new springs and the Billies re-use the stock springs, right? A spring compressor would be required to change the stock springs over to the Bilsteins? Is that correct?

5RWill · January 6, 2015

I believe so, it's not recommended to compress the spring without a compressor. I know the Ranchos come with springs and the Bilstein's use the factory ones.

pt1911 · January 6, 2015

Looks great! Lifted the front 2"? Ride is better than stock?

The one thing i don't get is that loaded strut is available for the 2014 chevy but not the GMC. Though i read it should fit.

I think mine rides better than stock with the Rancho Quicklift and that's with some load range E tires at 50 lbs. too.

5RWill · January 6, 2015

I didn't realize the quicklift loaded just had a single higher spring seat that wasn't adjustable like the Bilstein 5100.

There are also pro-comp ride height adjustable which is basically a new shock with a collar that you can flip over for 2.5-2.75" of lift.

I'm eager to see the 1.8" the bilstein adds. I currently sit at 36.5" in the front & 39.5 in the rear. 1.8" Would net me at 38.3 and leave roughly an inch of rake.

GMCaholic · January 6, 2015

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How high is it sitting in the front after the rancho quick lift?

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fuse36 · January 6, 2015

How high is it sitting in the front after the rancho quick lift?

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i bought truck brand new from the dealer with 2" rc leveling kit changed it out with rancho quicklift and now sits about 1/2" higher and rides much better

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GMCaholic · January 6, 2015

Thanks for the response, I currently have the 2" RC on mine and it sits at 38" in the front so, I'm guessing yours is sitting at about 38 1/2" in the front then, I've been thinking of removing the RC, and going with either the rancho quick lift or the bilstein, (I'm leaning towards the ranchos for the extra bit of lift)

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GMC-AT · January 6, 2015

Guys - I have a 2in level in the front end. If I get the bilstein shocks I can keep the level - and just keep the shock adjusted to the factory setting?

Or should I remove the 2in level and adjust the shock longer? I'm guessing it would ride better keeping the 2in level in place and shock at factory height.