Thread: Calling all D21 and WD21 Gurus!

Nice, someone with more experience! Thank you. I got 4 of the Rancho 9000XL's and for an apples to oranges comparison I got the Bilstein steering stabilizer shock. I'll keep an eye on both the Ranchos and the Bilstein to compare. So will I be alright with the stock springs and the Ranchos or will the adjustability not be as noticeable/helpful?




Cool write up! I wasn't aware that the 95s and older didn't have variable intermittent wipers. I already have them obviously but if I didn't, I'd be following that write up. Finding some more positives about the truck. Main reason I decided on the 96 vs the 97 is because it was the last year with the bench seat. Something about bench seats and trucks that get me. I'd choose the truck over the SE-R as a date-mobile any day. Can't put yer arm around her with those bucket seats

Ranchos will work fine for you, they just won't hold up long term like the Bilstein's do. Keep us posted how things go with the truck.

Brent

One of the first things I did to my HB was pull out that god-awful bench seat and put in Pathfinder buckets and center console. I don't have anything against bench seats in general, but the one in mine was as uncomfortable as hell.

Get another daily FAST! I loved my hardbody and they are super dependable... but if it's a 4x4 get another daily simply for the gas. I rarely got over 16mpg in that thing. It is a great truck to haul and go offroad, but those motors weren't meant to sip this crap gas we are getting nowadays... it doesn't work well with the ethanol.

Ok update. I installed the Ranchos last night and all I can say is WOW. Night and day. I have the fronts set on 6 and the rears on 5 for mostly highway driving. The shocks are beefy too, in fact, twice as big as stock. I rode around all day today it is very composed over potholes and bumps. Of course, this is comparing to two blown shocks that were on it before. Good quality so far. My only problems with them are that the boots are too long for the fronts and get squashed easily. I might move the boot further down. Also the replacement bushings they give you look pretty cheap compared to stock so I just didn't use them.

I'll attempt the Bilstein install tonight. The shock looks very well built though. I can see how the monotube design just plain lasts longer. Funny thing is that it has a map of the Nurburgring on it haha. Maybe that means I now have a track truck . I'll let you guys know.

Installed the Steering Enhancement package from 4x4parts.com. I'm trying to post pictures of the steering stabilizer shock and the Idler Arm bracket but photobucket is being dumb, so there's a link to it. Pretty simple install but the shock was mounted opposite from the Pathfinders. So I guess the suspension in the front is different than the WD21.

First impressions: not much actually. Some have reported better stability from the sidewinds and over bumps but I didn't notice much. I know there's a mechanical difference though. Common sense that a shock is going to aid the power steering.

Truck feels great but doesn't fill the void left from the b13 .




Pictures by djb06002 - Photobucket

I lived on that site when I had my pathfinders.

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