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Rancho RS9000XL VS BILSTEIN 5100

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Jon1979, Mar 10, 2020.

  1. Mar 10, 2020 at 7:42 AM
    #1
    Jon1979

    Jon1979 [OP] New Member

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    I know it is probably a matter of opinion but I was wondering about which shocks and struts was the best choice. I was looking at the 4600 Bilstein's but the prices are almost the same as the others. I am kind of liking the idea of leveling the front but it's not absolutely necessary.

    The specs on the Ranchos make them seem like they are a little heavier duty then the Bilstein.

    Does anyone run either one and which seems worth the price. I don't do a lot of off-road but I do haul loads during the summer.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:08 AM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    I ran ranchos back in the day on a jeep and a ram, they were pretty firm. They were the 5000s, maybe the 9000s are softer?
     
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  3. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:19 AM
    #3
    TacomaLC

    TacomaLC New Member

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    I converted to a set of 5100 on my 2000 Tundra last May for level and a firmer ride. I only drove it a month before it was hit and totaled. I loved the level, but the bilsteins were kinda ...meh. Firmer for sure and flatter around corners (Owned my truck since new and it had 95,000 miles on it w/original shocks/struts and I never really loved the original TRD Off Road setup) but I think I was expecting a bit smoother on bumps with the 5100. In their defense, they didn't get a chance to break in and they were fairly inexpensive. I would recommend spending as much as you can afford. All that work to install and saving a few bucks on parts doesn't seem worth it to me. I'm looking for a suspension upgrade to my new truck now, not sure which direction to go (TRD Pro setup/fox, Kings, Icons, Bilsteins) Good luck on your search!
     
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  4. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #4
    1FSTREX

    1FSTREX New Member

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    I do not have experience on the Tundra but I have the 9000XLs on my Jeep Wrangler. I have used them for about 25,000 and they are still going strong. The adjustability is really awesome and I used it quite a bit for when the Jeep was off-road vs on road. My only gripe about them is the adjustment knobs get broken off, but that also might be because of wheeling.
     
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  5. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #5
    TundraMcGov.

    TundraMcGov. Your friend. Your foe. Not yo Ho.

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    What is this "T-town" you speak of in your avatar profile???
     
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  6. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:40 AM
    #6
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

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    SUSPENSION: Bilstein 6112 coilover (1.9") w/ Powder Coated Springs and Spring Perch (TRD Red), JBA Upper Control Arms, Bilstein 5160's w/Billet Aluminium Reservoir Brackets, +2 Coachbuilder Shackles, Diff Drop Kit, Carrier Bearing Drop Kit, Brakeline Extensions, ABS Extension, Poly Bushings for Leafs, Coachbuilder Shims (2 Each Side), Coachbuilder Bumpstop Extensions, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Front Sway Bar, Air Lift 5000 airbags w jounce bumpers, Daystar Airbag Cradles WHEELS AND TIRES: BF Goodrich KO2's 275/70/r18, BORA wheel spacers 1.25", TRD Wheel Caps,TRD Valve Stem Caps, Spare Tire Lock PERFORMANCE: Bullydog GT Tuner(Performance Tune), TRD Intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (with Modified Exhaust Hangers for Levelling Tail Pipe),TRD Brake Pads, TRD Oil Cap (US), TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Filter, Optima Yellow Top Battery,GP Battery Distribution Blocks, StopTech Slotted Cryo Treated Rotors, Goodridge G-Stop Steel Braided Brake Line Kit PROTECTION: PNP Engineering Type 4 Rock Sliders (With Full Dimple Plate) ,ADD Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper w Red/Blk Shackles and Custom Stomp Pad, TRD Skid Plate with ReadyLift Spacer Kit, Victory 4x4 LCA Skid Plates, JOMAX ABS Sensor Armor, Rear Diff Breather Mod, ARK splash guards INTERIOR: Husky Liners X-Act (Front and Full Coverage Rear and Front Weather Beater Trans Hump), Interior LED Bulbs, WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover(EuroPerf), Clazzio Genuine Leather Seat Covers(BLK/DRK GRYwith custom stitching and embroidered headrests), Clazzio Seat Heaters (Front and Rear), Entune Startup Screen MOD, Entune Off Screen Mod, Tinted Windows with Windshield Visor, AJT Key Fobs,Eagle Claws Floor Mat Clips, Bodyglove Visor Organizer,Custom Door Cup Inserts, Glass Break Sensor,AJT Radio Knobs, Custom Dior Cup Inserts EXTERIOR: Full Debadge, LED Brake Light Bulbs, LED Rear Turns, LED Reverse, LED Plate Lights, LED Cargo Lights, LED Third Brake Lights, LED Front Marker Lights, LED Fog Light Bulbs, Lamin-X Fog Light Covers (Amber),2018 OEM LED Headlights, iHacker harness, VLED Universal Puddle Lights, VLED Interior Footwell Lighting (Front and Rear),VLED Extreme Amber Fornt Turns, NSV Knight Rider Light bar, Baja Designs Sport Squadron Pods in Rear Bumper (Driving/wide), Painted Red Tow-hooks, Bed Rail System, Blind Spot Mirrors, Hitch-safe, Tail-gate lock, EAG Raptor Grille, Custom Grille Badge,Full Vinyl Wrap (Matte Black/Matte Pine Green Mettalic), Charvonia Designs Tie Bed Tie-Downs, Bull Ring Bed Rail Anchors, Line-X, Tundra Bed Mat, Bakflip F1 Bed Cover SOUND: Noico 80Mil Sound Deadening and Noico 170 Mil Thermal Insulation (All 4 Doors, Roof, Floors, Rear Panel, Dash). Hertz Uno K170's Component Speakers (Front Doors with Upgraded Sail Panels), Hertz Uno K170 Coaxial Speakers (Rear Doors), JBL C1-075ct Tweeters (Total 4) in Side Dash and Center Speaker, JBL Stadium 5 Amp w/Remote Bass Adjustment Knob and Amp Rack, 12" Infinity Reference Subwoofer in Custom Enclosure w/ “TUNDRA” Logo, Fast Rings Foam Speaker Rings System(4 Doors), Fix 86 DSP
    I was looking at the Rancho sand seen the adjustment knobs were a defect. Always breaking or seizing. Guys we’re having to coat the shocks to keep the corrosion from seizing the adjustment knob, and the knob is in a bad position for easy access. Otherwise I would have got them. 4600’s suck IMO.
     
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  7. Mar 10, 2020 at 9:42 AM
    #7
    TacomaLC

    TacomaLC New Member

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    It's a looong way from Babalama! T-town is just a bit south of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Seattle
     
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  8. Mar 10, 2020 at 11:23 AM
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    TundraMcGov.

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    Ahhhhh. Yes Sir. I lived there for 2 years (1988-1990) when I built a big hospital at the Madigan army base.
     
  9. Mar 10, 2020 at 11:25 AM
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    TacomaLC

    TacomaLC New Member

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    I've seen it --- it is magnificent! I was stationed at McChord for 16 years.
     
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  10. Mar 10, 2020 at 2:22 PM
    #10
    41bigdawg

    41bigdawg Let the BIG DAWG Eat

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    I have the Rancho 9000's on my truck and like them, the adjustment is nice but the knobs can be an issue from what I have heard. Haven't had any problem with them so far, they ride nice on the road and will adjust for firmer ride if needed.
     
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  11. Mar 13, 2020 at 7:51 PM
    #11
    Torque

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    I had Rancho RS9000X on my old Ram. Being able to adjust the firmness was great. I installed the remote air system in the cab to adjust them so I never had a problem with the knobs seizing up. Was great being able to make them firm for towing or offroading or soften them for a cushy highway ride. After about 50K miles (~7yrs old), I had one on the front start leaking. Rancho replaced BOTH fronts after I sent them a pic of only one of them leaking. I thought that was good service.

    I haven't found anyone running the lift coilovers on a 2014+ to know how much lift they actually provide, just posts where some people tried them on a TRD or Rockwarrior and didn't get hardly any lift. If they provided 2.5-3" of lift, they'd be on my short list for upgrades.

    I put Fox 2.0 on the rear of my Tundra to replace the blue/yellow Bilstein, pretty big difference. Back feels more controlled and damped without the jarring movement the original shocks had on small sharp bumps. Can't wait to get some Fox on the front.
     
  12. Mar 13, 2020 at 9:25 PM
    #12
    docfnky

    docfnky New Member

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    Had the RS9000 on four corners of my 12 Tundra and the ride was a little better than the blue/yellow TRD Off-road. As far as lift it did level the truck out so I was happy. The one thing that really made a difference was the CB bushing that I replaced on the stock leafs. Those bushings allowed the bed to be more controlled and eliminated the bed bounce from stock. Might just be my imagination but the stock setup on the 3rd gen sport does feel a little like the RS9000.
     
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  13. Mar 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM
    #13
    Jon1979

    Jon1979 [OP] New Member

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    I have another question. If I go for the 5100 Bilstein's should I get the entire strut and string assembly or just the strut?
     
  14. Mar 14, 2020 at 5:05 AM
    #14
    BIGUGLY

    BIGUGLY I the SheepDog. I have the capacity for Violence.

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    Depends on if you have access to a spring compressor to remove your current factory spring. If you do you can reuse your factory spring and just reinstall it on the 5100. If you dont and just want a more simple swap, purchase your 5100's assembled set at your desired lift height.
     
  15. Jun 28, 2020 at 10:35 AM
    #15
    ldvknight

    ldvknight New Member

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    can you expand a little more on the CB bushings you used to reduce bed bounce? What did you replace the stock with?
     
  16. Jun 29, 2020 at 12:14 AM
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    docfnky

    docfnky New Member

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    It’s the bushing that’s @Coachbuilder1 got made by Energy Suspension. You’ll basically press out the rubber bushing from the leafs and install these urethane ones.
     
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