shocks?

[cbo]

Need some advice on shocks for a 76'. I am thinking about the Rancho 9000XL. I have a 4.5" suspention lift from BC. Any advice?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Bilstein

 

[cbo]

What is the difference?

 

[onebadd73]

I run cage shocks ($36.00 bucks a piece) but I would definetly get bilsteins the next time around. Bilsteins are just a better quality shock with specific valving for your needs.

 

[hose101]

onebadd73, What didnt you like about the cages. Just curious to help me decide.

 

[gravy]

I just started running them- dual in the front single in the back- 9 position adjustable and the new large shock body- I love them so far. I have 5.5 deaver coils and leafs with cage arms and long travel shock mounts. On the street they ride really nice on 3 in front and 2 in the back- offraod I have to crank them up but the adjustablility is nice- I recommend them

 

[Socal Tom]

Why are Bilstiens better:
1) They are high pressure gas shocks, so when they get hot, the oil doesn't foam, and they continue to work. Low pressure shocks will foam, and then the pistons just flop around like they are in air.
2) They are sort of self adjusting. The Patented Bilstien design senses how fast the piston is moving if its moving slow ( smooth road) then is softer, if its moving fast ( rough road) then it firms up for more control. The "adjustable" shocks, would require constant adjustment to match the Bilstiens
3) If you heat up the other shocks a couple of times they no longer work, I've run Bilstiens so hard that I burnt my hand touching them, and they still work fine.
4) the 7100 series is rebuildable. so if you do have problems with it, it can be rebuilt.
5) You only need 1 Bilstien per corner. 1 Bilstien is cheaper than 2 Ranchos , and 1 Bilstein rides way smoother than 2 Ranchos.
Tom

 

[onebadd73]

I like my cage shocks, I'm running duals in the front (14") and singles in the rear. For the money you can't beat them. Next time if money permits I'd run a single Bilstein 7100 all around.

 

[Skiddy]

I like my cage shocks so far haven't had them on very long, far better than what ever cheap brand was on there

 

[bmc69]

I have had good luck with the Skyjacker Platinum 9000 series on my EB. Love the ride. They are nitrogen pressuized and are similar in many design respects to Bilsteins..and they are BEEFY. Bit pricey at 100 bucks each.

I have one that is leaking after 5 years..they are 'rebuildable' but have a lifetime warranty too so I'm going to just replace the leaky one.

 

[gjrock]

I run the old 5 way 9000's and they do good all around.A lot of Bilstein supporters here.

 

[cesco]

I'm running the Bilstein 7100 series, one at each corner.. the shock bodies on all 4 of them rusted up with in 6 months. I do like the ride of the them but I had a major problem with there customer service about 2 months after I bought them. I think they only come with a 3 month warranty... that's my 2 cents

 

[FASTERDAMITT]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123561


If you have not run Bilstien yet. You need to try them out. I have not found a better riding shock in all my years.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I always thought the Rancho 9000's were good. Then I rode in a rig with the same springs and general set up but with the Bilstiens. That was an eye opener. Now I know how good it really can be. I think one of my Rancho's is finally starting to go