Needing new shocks/struts on the Silverado

[K20FA5]

I’m starting to bounce on the factory Ranchos quite a bit. I’ve narrowed it down to either the Bilstein 4600 or the Rancho RS5000X. I can get the Rancho struts in a factory ride height fully assembled front strut, which would make swapping them out so much easier. Are there any issues with the loaded struts? Would I be better off reusing my springs?

Secondly, if I reuse my springs, which parts should be changed? Is it safe to reuse the top plates and insulators?

 

[DriveHard]

You might want to consider KYB MonoMax. If not, I would pick the Bilstein every day and twice on Sunday over Rancho shocks.

 

[atikovi]

Loaded struts are a compromise on the spring rates. GM might have half a dozen spring choices for that truck based on engine, weight, sport suspension, options, etc. Aftermarket might have just one or two to cover all those factory possibilities. Buy one that isn't exactly the same, and truck might ride too high or too low.

 

[bdcardinal]

I vote Bilstein

 

[Kira]

I'd swap your springs to new struts.
Try grabbing a video or two to see if some kind of queer spring compressor is required.
I'll bet normal tools will be enough do the job.

Do you do any of this work yourself or do you have to go out and find a guy?
If you wrench, check the condition of the sway bar links. You may have "bolt style" or "jointed style".
They're frequently trashed when removed...so be prepared.

edit:
Do you have alternative transportation? If so you can get into the job and see if your bearing plates are rusted or not.
You can then drive to a brick & mortar shop / dealership and pay.
Or you can order ahead...stay on schedule...and return product if you don't need it.

All I can say to confuse you is that my bearing plates with 150K on 'em looked all but factory new...it was amazing.
I lubed them and reused them.

 

[K20FA5]

I’m leaning towards them too. I had them on my old Frontier and really liked them a lot.

I vote Bilstein

.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

another vote for Bilstein

 

[meep]

Rancho shocks are made by Teneco, same as Monroe. They are mediocre shocks at best. Some like them because you can get some features like adjustability for not a lot of money. The Monroe reflex was about the only Monroe shock I truly liked, but they wore quickly. The sensatrak line 15 years ago was also decent.

Bilstein has better quality, but their tuning can be a little odd. They generally use digressive valving, which in practical terms mean they are stiff until pushed past a point and then let go. The vehicle feels planted until it is upset, then the axle is open to move until the moment it settles and then locks in. When the valving is just right for spring rate and load, it’s beautiful. We just put a set of rears on my son’s 4R and man, bilstein nailed it.

On the other hand, if the load varies, such as a truck rear axle, they can become very floaty very quickly with a load over them.

Over the front however, where the load is pretty constant, they are probably a safe bet.

Over time, I settled on linear shocks (fox) on the back and the stock (probably digressive) up front and it’s been very nice.

 

[John105]

Yes reuse your springs and get Bilsteins…

 

[dogememe]

Rancho sucks IMO.