Bilstein 5100's vs Rancho RS5000

[1flyfisher]

Anyone have them? or know anything about them?

I want to replace my stock mushy shocks with something better suited for the offroad conditions I regularly drive. Washboard roads and beat up off roads/ rocks, gulleys etc for the most part. I am not going 4 wheelin or muddin just getting myself into the boonies over rough roads and I want a firmer ride and I don't need anything fancy like adjustables.

I am leaning to the Bilsteins because they match the color of my rig. Lol

[1flyfisher]

anybody know anything about shocks?

[mfleetwood]

I'm not mechanically inclined re: shocks or have much experience with them, but I did do some research on them for myself a while back. The majority (on many websites, professional and forums) seem to prefer the Bilsteins 5100 over the RS5000...but sorry, I do not remember all the reasons why.

On a side note though, if I remember correctly I think that the 5100s are used in conjunction with adjusting height (i.e. larger tires, leveling kit, etc). I think that if you are just going to replace your OEM size shocks and keep the same height that Bilstein makes a HD (Heavy Duty, I think) version. However, my memory could be way off, so you should look into (or someone please correct me if I am wrong). Based on your comments on why you were wanting to change shocks, I did not think you were changing the height, so I thought it would worth mentioning as you are doing your research.

[1flyfisher]

No I won't be changing height. I don't know anything about shocks either and I am just starting my research on what I need and what I should get. I have been to both manufacturers websites. I will go and look for these heavy duty Bilsteins you mentioned.
I thought these 2 shocks were basically a replacement OEM shock? I mean a much better shock but generally close to an OEM one and what people get to replace their oem ones with a slight upgrade.

[mfleetwood]

I just googled and found some info pertaining to the Bilstein Heavy Duty. I pasted the link below as well in case you want to check out the site yourself as it seems to contain some other info that may help too.

The Bilstein Heavy Duty is a high pressure monotube shock that will give you a firmer, more controlled ride while towing, hauling, offroading, or just highway driving. The 5100 series is a stiffer monotube shock designed to be able to level your truck by lifting the spring seat between 0.5″ and 2″. With a leveling kit already installed, you’ll want to use the Bilstein 5100 shocks, the front is logner than a standard unit to compensate for the suspension lift. You can see those parts here:
http://blog.shockwarehouse.com/2010/...100-explained/

[1flyfisher]

Thanks
I have been all over bilstein and rancho's site. I am afraid that neither the 5100's or the rancho's will fit a Savana. Atleast that is what the guy at Summit Racing just told me. I have emailed both co's to see if they make shocks for a GMC savana. Initially I figured they would fit. We shall see.
Thanks for your response.

[mfleetwood]

You're welcome...sorry to hear the news. I hope you find something that will work soon, as a great set of shocks will make a difference.