Does anyone have thoughts on the Rancho shocks -vs- Factory shocks on a ram 2500?

Also, I've noticed Rancho has 3 types I would be interested in..the 5000's, RSX, and the 9000's. Any one experience these?

Thanks

Phil

 

Surely Ranchos are a better shock. Having said that, my Ram has 96K on the original shocks and they're still tight. I figure to put some Monroe Reflex on when the time comes.

 

There are only 2 brands of shocks that I've purchased for my trucks in the last 20 years and they are Rancho and Bilsteins. I've had the Rancho 5000 and currently have the 9000x on my '04. It's hard to say just how much better they feel than stock though, as they went on the same day I did the 4" suspension lift. I've blown two shocks in my life, one on my '02 Chevy Z71 and a stock one on my Hemi. Both were replaced with the same under warranty. I've never blown a Rancho. I swear by 'em...

 

I had the RS5000's on my 01 F150 4x4 and had no problems. They were a little stiffer than stock, but not a bad ride.

 

That's good to hear. I have a 2500 which I believe may have tighter factory shocks. I'm trying to make the ride better as my wife hates the truck.

Of course this is a self inflicted wound that I caused by putting 315 x 70 x70 KO's on as well as a loud muffler (put a new one one that wasn't as loud but still loud to her).

I have a rancho 5000 steering stabilizer coming in that I hope will help some and I've also heard some GREAT things about the Bilstein (so) shocks.

I believe I'll replace the steering stabilizer first. If that doesn't help it enough, I'll then place the new shocks on, then I'll consider a quiter muffler.

As a family, we've gone from 4 vehicles to 3. The truck isn't sitting in a very good position with my wife. Of course to "sel"l it to my 9 year old daughter (who takes after her mother in hating the truck) I told her I can pull an 8 horse trailer with it. She likes it all of the sudden

In regards to a 2500, does anyone have experience in what I can expect in ride quality going from factory shocks to aftermarket shocks?

 

Bilstein's are great shocks but often make the ride a little stiffer. The Rancho 9000 series shocks are adjustable, so you can set them for a bit softer ride. But I think your problem isn't going to be completely solved by shock (or a steering stabilizer). Truck suspensions are getting stiffer & stiffer so they can advertise higher and higher load ratings and towing capacities, especially in the 3/4 ton and up segments. The 1500 segment isn't so bad as they still have to cater to the "soccer mom" crowd, hence the move to IFS in them. But 2500/3500 trucks are "work trucks" and their load capacities play a larger role in sales & marketing.
You may have to replace your springs to make the wife happy. Try to drive her around once or twice with a good load over the rear axles, a couple hundred pounds should do, so the rear is not as stiff. The front end will still be pretty stiff, but I bet a load just in the bed will make a big difference...

 

I haven't put any ranchos on my ram, but we do have some ranchos 9000x on our blazer. They are adjustable, and they are great! I wouldn't replace stock shocks with anything else than Bilstein's or ranchos. Ranchos are even better in my eyes since they are adjustable.

 

I put on the Rancho 9000x and totally recommend them. As for the Bilsteins, I've never heard any problems, but Rancho's are easier to get in Ontario

 

I put Rancho 9000's on my 1500 and have loved them. They are really great if you tow, set them a stiffer and you won't be bouncing around, done towing just soften them back up.