Rancho leveling, Bilstein, Rough Country or blocks?

[Nathan Barr]

Hi all. I'm looking to replace my current setup with something that is smoother riding and not as aggressive on angles. I currently have stock rancho shocks and 3 inch blocks in the front. I was considering the adjustable Bilstein shocks and setting them to max height but also wanted to get 2 inches of lift if I could. I know the bilsteins come in at something like 1.75 or so. The other downside to the bilsteins is that I will need to take them to a shop and have then swapped into my springs. 

 

My other option is the lifted Ranchos or the lifted loaded struts from rough country, or just going with 2 inch blocks instead.

 

I also have the rough country upper control arms installed if that makes any difference to anyone. 

 

Thoughts?

[dbs1]

A few months back I replaced my front magnaride struts with the rancho 2" leveling struts.  What a poor choice.  Rode like a pogo stick!  Just replaced with bilsteins that were not available when I needed new struts in July.

Avoid at ALL costs the ranchcrap!!!

[mikeyk101]

I ended up picking up a set of the Quick Lift Ranchos for an excellent price (open box $120 each) and decided to give them a try. I don't have the magna ride so that might be the difference. I also couldn't find the Bilstein 5100 in stock either. I was replacing the Rough Country leveling spacer as well as the stock Rancho shocks. The stock Ranchos had seem to do a good job for over 74k miles but at that many miles and 6 years old, it was time to change them out.

 

The RC spacer had worked out pretty good until it was time to remove it. Poor choice in the mounting hardware they use. The bolts had rusted solid into the lower control arm as well as snapping off when trying to remove them. It took a good 2 days of some choice words and creativity to get them out. But I got them off and the new Ranchos finally installed. 

 

I picked the Quick Lifts to have some adjustability. They are supposed to be a good choice if you tow travel trailers but I haven't got a chance to try that out just yet with my toyhauler. I tried running them at the factory "5" position which seemed OK. I then slowly worked down to the "2" but found that was a bit loose feeling. I am now running at "6" and that seems about right. I run a variety of slower local roads as well as highway speeds. The lower numbers are supposed to be better for running around town at slower speeds and higher numbers for better stability on highways. I just cant see adjusting that everytime I change up the road conditions so "6" is where it has pretty much stayed for now. The highest numbers are supposed to be for running heavier loads like towing camping trailers. So far the "6" since the break-in has seemed to work out for me. There is one set of railroad tracks that I cross that are pretty rough. This is also right before a turn I have to take. I find if I'm slowing down and foot is pushing on brakes, it is a bit jolting going across. If I slow down before the tracks and take my foot off the brakes, it is much better.

 

If I end up not liking these, I can always change them out later for the Bilstein 5100. I did install the Bilstein 4600 shocks on the rear.

 

One tip I did come across was to remove the 2 screws on small lower panel with dial and remove that. Pack the compartment with grease and then reinstall the panel and dial. It's supposed to keep any corrosion from happening and allow the adjustments to be made easier. Set it to "1" before removing.