Z71 Rancho Quality

durandetto · November 12, 2019

I just got rid of my 2004 Silverado Z71, which I had installed Bilstein 5100 shocks and now own a 2017 Silverado Z71, with the Rancho shocks. I personly feel that the 2017 is a much smoother ride, but the '04 was 13 years older and I had oversize tires, so there's that. That being said, I won't be replacing the Ranchos anytime soom, but when I do, I won't be replacing them with Rancho

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The 04 also had torsion bar suspension which isn't as smooth in my opinion. The 5100s are great shocks. I had them on my 04 and now on my 15. I've also installed them on numerous costumers vehicles who were unhappy with their factory installed ranchos and Monroe reflex replacements.

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dieselfan1 · November 12, 2019

I think it's funny that guys that don't or never had them think they are junk. Just because that's what they heard.

Lot of that on the www

Smoothbassman · November 12, 2019

I'm coming from a 2014 High Country to the Trailboss and I think the ride is fine.

When fully loaded with gear in the back it rides even better.

Just my thoughts.

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MaverickZ71 · November 12, 2019

Funny how most of the people on here seem to think the Z71 Ranchos are 'junk' because they're OEM equipment. They just can't wait to tear off relatively new Ranchos to replace them with Bilsteins.

If the OEM equipment (tires/wheels/struts/shocks/battery/brakes, etc.) is so bad, why buy a GM Z71/Trailboss/AT4 in the first place?

And I'm betting that if the General installed Bilsteins at the factory, the same armchair experts would then rate them as factory 'junk' and brag about how they replaced them with new Ranchos.

Edited November 12, 2019 by MaverickZ71

dieselfan1 · November 12, 2019

37 minutes ago, MaverickZ71 said:

Funny how most of the people on here seem to think the Z71 Ranchos are 'junk' because they're OEM equipment. They just can't wait to tear off relatively new Ranchos to replace them with Bilsteins.

If the OEM equipment (tires/wheels/struts/shocks/battery/brakes, etc.) is so bad, why buy a GM Z71/Trailboss/AT4 in the first place?

And I'm betting that if the General installed Bilsteins at the factory, the same armchair experts would then rate them as factory 'junk' and brag about how they replaced them with new Ranchos.

My 07 LTZ Z71 had Bilsteins from factory. They were not junk. I think they used them a lot in the past. Not sure when they quit and started using ranchos.

Cheverado · November 21, 2019

On 11/12/2019 at 4:07 PM, dieselfan1 said:

My 07 LTZ Z71 had Bilsteins from factory. They were not junk. I think they used them a lot in the past. Not sure when they quit and started using ranchos.

Speaking from experience, the Ranchos are pogo sticks

Nitrousbird · November 21, 2019

From what I've read, the Rancho's were redesigned for '17, so the '17-'18 trucks have a different feel to them and the shocks supposedly last longer.

They seem okay for my needs, though a bit floaty in the rear. My '02 Avalanche had Bilsteins from the factory. Rears were great, front were done and leaking by 70k miles. Rears are still going strong as my buddy bought the truck from me years ago, has around 180k on them now.

mikeyk101 · November 21, 2019

This thread peaked my interest so just for the hell of it, I went to the Rancho site to see what fits my 2016. Interestingly enough, they have struts that advertise an actual 2" level similar to what Bilstein offers but Bilsteins come in just shy at 1.8" IIRC. One thing that caught my eye though was that when installing them, there is also a spacer that is used where the sway bar mounts to the frame. I have not seen any other level kits or setup use any kind of spacer other than on top or the bottom of the strut.

http://www.gorancho.com/products/suspension-systems/chevrolet-gmc-suspension-systems/2018-2014-chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-1500-2-in-level-it-system-rs7000mt-front-shocks-rs66304r7.html

I also see that they offer lift kits along with shocks and struts that can be used with lift kits at 4.5" of extra extended length. I never see Rancho mentioned when lift kits are discussed.

So has anyone used the RS66304R7 leveling struts or can anyone comment from personal experience on the quality of the Rancho lift kits or extended length shocks and struts?

Edited November 21, 2019 by mikeyk101

bcbz71 · November 23, 2019

5 years running them on my Z71. No issues. Some people just like to spend money.....

damnthetorpedoes · November 23, 2019

Our daughter would get carsick in my truck. It’s the only one of our four vehicles that she has ever yacked in, and it happened repeatedly. Switched to 5100’s and she hasn’t gotten sick since. The rebound when going over a bridge is so much better. I know this isn’t too scientific, but the cost of new shocks was well worth it to not have to clean up puke at random gas stations while on road trips.

typ0 · November 25, 2019

On 11/12/2019 at 2:31 PM, MaverickZ71 said:

Funny how most of the people on here seem to think the Z71 Ranchos are 'junk' because they're OEM equipment. They just can't wait to tear off relatively new Ranchos to replace them with Bilsteins.

If the OEM equipment (tires/wheels/struts/shocks/battery/brakes, etc.) is so bad, why buy a GM Z71/Trailboss/AT4 in the first place?

And I'm betting that if the General installed Bilsteins at the factory, the same armchair experts would then rate them as factory 'junk' and brag about how they replaced them with new Ranchos.

My "armchair" is the drivers seat. If Bilstein made an inferior model to sell to the truck manufacturers like Rancho did, then I agree, it would be very likely they would be getting replaced as well.

I've had Rancho RS5000's before. I was actually very happy when I saw that the truck came with Rancho shocks and thought I would not have to replace them. The Rancho 5000's I previously owned I put over 200k miles on and was happy with them. I drove this new truck for about 4k miles before changing these out (about 3k miles past due). I proved they are not suitable for me and are not like the previous Ranchos I owned. The rebound damping is just about non-existent. These are nowhere near the quality of the RS5000's I had before. It wasn't because they were OEM, I really didn't want to spend the money changing shocks on a brand new truck with 4k miles, it was because they SUCKED. If you like them, good for you, I wish I did.

Depending on how and where people drive, some people won't notice the benefits of any after market shock. No matter what type or brand.

SierraHD17 · November 25, 2019

It's no better on the HD trucks.. my 2017 2500 is a Z71 and the Ranchos are total garbage. Basically as good as bolting a 2x4 in there and expecting a good ride. I want KYB Monomaxes but they don't make them so I might try the Ranch 7000 series and see how they feel.

15 Z71 · November 25, 2019

On 11/20/2019 at 10:55 PM, Nitrousbird said:

From what I've read, the Rancho's were redesigned for '17, so the '17-'18 trucks have a different feel to them and the shocks supposedly last longer.

They seem okay for my needs, though a bit floaty in the rear. My '02 Avalanche had Bilsteins from the factory. Rears were great, front were done and leaking by 70k miles. Rears are still going strong as my buddy bought the truck from me years ago, has around 180k on them now.

I do believe that they were redesigned. My 15 z71 rides super stiff compared to my friends 18 z71. When I rode in it I could not believe it had the same Ranchos as mine. Night and day difference in ride quality.

L86 All Terrain · November 25, 2019

I enjoy a Z71 Rancho equipped GM more than a non-Z71 truck. They ride a bit stiffer, but there is (in my opinion) at least 50% less body roll than a standard 4x4 suspension. I have come to prefer the Z71 over any other offerings since the mid 90's. Yeah the shocks aren't great and are cheaply made and will rust fast but over all I appreciate the ride more than a soft trampoline-like suspension plagued by body roll. My truck corners very well with 12.5 wide tires and the Z71, my 14 non-Z71 feels like its going to roll if you corner at the same speed.

HeySkippyDog · November 26, 2019

I enjoy a Z71 Rancho equipped GM more than a non-Z71 truck. They ride a bit stiffer, but there is (in my opinion) at least 50% less body roll than a standard 4x4 suspension. I have come to prefer the Z71 over any other offerings since the mid 90's. Yeah the shocks aren't great and are cheaply made and will rust fast but over all I appreciate the ride more than a soft trampoline-like suspension plagued by body roll. My truck corners very well with 12.5 wide tires and the Z71, my 14 non-Z71 feels like its going to roll if you corner at the same speed.

I've grown to love the "Mema's Cadillac Deville" ride of my Z85, coming off a Z60 with 5100s. Parking lot speed bumps can be taken at 15-20 mph, and it won't knock my kidneys into my throat. In the Z60, your teeth would rattle right out of your head doing that, and your passengers would be cussing at you.

With that said, I already have another set of 5100s to put on when my cloud dissipates. It'll be a sad day, but I can't justify the cost of the OEM over the 5100/4600 Bilsteins.

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