Desert1667
MD
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Joined: 11/10/2008
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Hello All,
I am new to the TC Forum but have been along time class A owner. We just recently purchased a 2010 Lance 850. Nice change from a 33 ft Fleetwood. looking to upgrade my Chevy Truck. Its a mint condition 83 with the camper special package. Glove box sticker says its rated for 3231Lbs.
I have search and read may articles about shocks, still want to hear first hand stories of what you use and why. If you dislike a particular shock please let me know why. remember this will be one of many upgrades but I feel its critical being a single wheel truck.
thanks Michael
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jimh425
Western WA
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Joined: 06/11/2006
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Bilstein's are very good but nonadustable. The Rancho adjustables allow you dial up the shock depending on whether you have a load or not, and/or change the ride characteristics to suit you. I think the consensus is don't bother with the Rancho nonadjustables.
'06 F350 Lariat Supercab SRW, 6.0 PSD 4x4 Long Bed, Intake Elbow, Walker Big Truck Muffler. '06 Host Rainer 950 Double Slide, Fastguns. Firestone Air Bags, Rancho 9000s, Vision 19.5s with Hankook DH-01 245s, Energy Suspension bump stops.
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Super_Dave
Sacramento, CA
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Joined: 01/19/2007
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Other than stating "83, Chevy", you didn't mention which model (150, 250 or 350). I have the Rancho 9000's and love the loaded ride but hate my truck unloaded and stiff 3500 suspension.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
Camper: 2007 Eagle Cap 850
Boat: 2003 Jetcraft 2125 - Yamaha 150 HP & 8 HP Kicker
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bedrocker
lompoc ca
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Joined: 11/16/2006
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KYB monomax are very nice nonadjustable shocks 
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Yeah, if the truck is a C/K10, you'll need more than Ranchos or Bilsteins. Those trucks liked to go frame-on-axle with only a few hundred pounds as I recall. Lance 850 ain't no lightweight by any stretch of the imagination.
2002 Chevy 3500 DRW 8.1L/Allison
2000 Palomino B1500
...and the reason why I need a DRW to haul a Palomino:
2004 United 7x14 tandem axle enclosed toy trailer
2011 PJ 8x20 7-ton deckover equipment trailer
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tilemantim
Santa Rosa,Ca
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Joined: 10/31/2010
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If it's a camper special it's probably a C20. I have the Rancho 9000's on my truck and love the adjustable feature,but I have heard great things about the Bilstein's. I think you can't go wrong with either one. They can be pricey so shop around. We have a four wheel parts store that price matches so if we found a deal on the internet, printed it out, and got them from the store for a good price.
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Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
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I had Rancho 9000s on my 2003 Excursion, but 3 of the 4 failed after a few years. I ditched them and went to Bilsteins. Huge improvement in ride quality.
2011 Wolf Creek 850N/Polar Cub/240w Solar/2-6v Lifeline AGMs/Morningstar Sunsaver w/RM-1 & SureSine-300 Inverter
2011 Ford F-250/6.2L/3.73/Bilsteins/Air Bags/Torklift TD w/Fastguns
2004 Jeep Wrangler/4.0L/5-spd
US Navy Ret.
My Truck Camper Adventure Blog
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billyray50
Dallas
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Joined: 05/23/2009
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I just installed Bilsteins and noticed a huge difference.Had stock and edelbrock in rear and glad I changed. Heard they were preferred choice for Dodge trucks.
2006 Dodge 2500 Turbo deisel 4x4,Hellwig swaybar,Bilsteins,Bilstein steering dampener, add a leafs, and ride rite airlift 5000 airbags. 2012 Adventurer 86 FB
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DJK555
Penticton BC
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Joined: 04/11/2011
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I recently did a similar search for information before upgrading shocks on a '88 GMC K2500 that carries a 10' Adventurer. I ended uo going with the KYB Monomax. Can't comment on actual function of the others but can say that I am very happy with this shock as a replacement for the Monroes that the truck came with. Great but a little rough with the camper off. Perfect with the camper on.
David
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kerry4951
East Central Pennsylvania
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I see you are another PA resident. You are therefore much aware of how our PENNDOT loves to use salt and salt products during the winter. From what I have heard about the Ranchos, the adjustment knob can get corroded over time. I never wanted to go thru that hassle, so I went with Bilsteins. Im sure it depends on where you live, and what a person subjects them to. I am happy with Bilsteins and would buy them again.
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually D/A, Supersprings, Stable Loads, Bilstein Shocks, Hellwig Sway Bar, Front Timbrens.
2010 Arctic Fox 1140 DB, 220 watts solar, custom 4 in 1 "U" shaped dinette/couch, 59 interior and exterior mods to date and still adding
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