Rancho RSX/Bilstein & OME ride quality question

Atrus · **Joined:** Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:24 am **Posts:** 48

Can anyone elaborate on what the difference is in ride quality for upgraded (Rancho or Bilstein + OME) suspension vs the stock setup?

I’ve seen comments like “rides like a Caddy”, “rides firm but not harsh” and “soooo much better”, but nothing to really explain the difference in feel over stock.

I have 45k on my OEM springs and shocks. From my perspective…
- KJ does tend to nose dive a lot on hard deceleration, and squat back on acceleration.
- Body roll doesn’t seem awful, but it could be better.
- I don’t get the oscillation typical with totally blown shocks (you know, the ones you see on the freeway where a bump takes 5 or 6 iterations for the vehicle to stop bouncing).
- On these amazing (sarcasm) pothole-and-patch-plentiful MI roads, I feel that the suspension is still fairly stiff on harsh bumps – I often wish it was softer in that regard.
- On more smooth “wallowy” bumps and transitions, the suspension feels very soft and floaty.
- I don’t seem to get too much “bucking” front to back yet like you’d have in a Wrangler.
- I do feel like the rear end wants to hop on harsh bumps too.

What do the OME/upgraded shocks really feel like? I’m considering the MD as I don’t have a winch/bumper (and no plans to add) and I am thinking the HD would make the ride that much more stiff and harsh.

I’m assuming it’s good since everyone seems to go that way and I’ve never seen a complaint, but I also want to make sure it’s very comfortable for daily commuting. I have a feeling most of the people who have upgraded run these offroad more than I manage to, and would be willing to live with a more rough ride to facilitate better performance when it’s time to play. I spend 99.9% on the road driving to Detroit and back home every day (55 miles round trip). Understandably, I don’t NEED a lift for my usage, but I’d like the vehicle to be capable when I need it to be. I DO need shocks, so I may as well improve the springs to height/ride quality while I am in there.

Additionally, is there anyone in the SE MI area that has a Rancho RSX (or Bilstein) and OME setup that could take me for a spin? I’d like to see/feel how these things are before to drop a lot of cash on the setup.

Lastly – Rancho RSX vs Bilstein - is one shock better suited to my needs? I know I may not even be able to find the RSX’s anymore, but I can try.

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:08 pm

When you FINALLY go to OME springs you will not even think it is the same KJ
for example one road I used to cross daily before lift I had to slow down to 25/30 after lift it would glide over it at 50/55 and no problems. Ride on the road is much better due to being stiffer springs , no wallowing etc stays flat on curves, I take turns at the same speed or faster lifted than before lift, no nose dive etc, thats all from springs that are worn out and weak
Daily Driver yes most are, my first OME lift was on for over 100,000 miles so I call that a DD its been everywhere from off roads to DC/Boston/ New York City etc.
I have the OME 790s installed with Frankenlift gasser parts now and still cruise down the interstate with no problem. For you I guess mediums would be ok but I really liked the Heavy Dutys ride!
The Rancho RSXs were I think a perfect shock and valved great for the heavy pigs we drive. OME shocks ( I ran the 132Ls for a short time) were too soft for me, felt more like a worn out shock than new
If I couldn't get Ranchos I would go Bilsteins

Atrus · **Joined:** Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:24 am **Posts:** 48

Thanks for the input, Tom...

...so, it's not like you're "bouncing" over the bumps with the higher spring rate? I picture it feeling like my Grand Prix after I lowered it. When you hit a bump, you felt it. I know this is the opposite because we're lifting the vehicle, but the spring rate is still going up from stock.

Billua · **Joined:** Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:05 pm **Posts:** 64

Atrus wrote:

Thanks for the input, Tom...

...so, it's not like you're "bouncing" over the bumps with the higher spring rate? I picture it feeling like my Grand Prix after I lowered it. When you hit a bump, you felt it. I know this is the opposite because we're lifting the vehicle, but the spring rate is still going up from stock.

No, it is like the body stays in one place and the suspension absorbs the bumps. Just like it is supposed to be...

The Libby with the OME/Rancho is one of the most dramatic improvements over stock that I have ever felt!

Cheers, you are on the right track!

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:33 pm

All good info so far. And here is my :2cents:

on the shocks alone. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=46838

I'll let you know about the OME springs when I get there...

Atrus · **Joined:** Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:24 am **Posts:** 48

Good to know LTT -

Make no mistake, shocks are the #1 thing being replaced. I am kind of going in the opposite...I know I want new shocks, but I may as well throw in the OME's while I have it apart

Just want to make sure that:

1) The OME MD (or I suppose HD) won't really stiffen the feel a ton and make the KJ bounce all over
2) Make sure I choose the right shocks that won't be too stiff, or too loose.

Rancho RSX/Bilstein & OME ride quality question

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