2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 25k mi and my rancho 9000 is shot !!

[shendren]

my right front rancho 9000 is shot... ... i guess..... has no shock absorption left as compared to the left... . yes, i have checked the settings. both are on 2. no off-roading. called the 4x4 off road warehouse where i purchased these and they said that they would replace both of the front shocks with the new 9way adjustable (way too much adjustment for me !) for $30. basically an upgrade.



has anyone had bad experiences with the rancho 9000?

thanks. scott.

 

[vc]

I would call Rancho - I think they are lifetime warranty. Why pay for the upgrade. I think if Rancho replaces the shocks it probably will be the new style - I think the old style is not made anymore and once the stocks are gone then only new style.

vc

 

[Pit Bull]

For a few $$ more you can just install Bilstiens and forget about shock problems.

 

[DennyDay]

Mine too!

My first set of Rancho 9000s lasted 80k miles. Have 30k on the new ones and they are shot. I thought it was me. There is a Warranty, but I don't know if I want another set.

 

[shendren]

the problem is the don't sell the 5 way adjustable anymore. 9 ways now!! i won't buy any more after this... ... .

 

[pathaymond]

You did better than me My ranchos lasted 15K and were shot I replaced them with the best Monroe has to fit our trucks and I have had no trouble after 25K miles. every thing else has torn up but not my shocks. I see alot of really rough Gravel roads on a daily basis for my work. 15K. . The factory shocks did better than that. Good luck on your next set.

 

[dresslered]

It doesn't matter if they don't make the shock any more. A lifetime warrantee must be honored if that is what they advertise! I have the Rancho's only because I haul heavy loads and need the adjustable settings, otherwise I would have gone with the Bilsteins. I replace my Bilsteins on my car (for free) every 100k with no questions asked!

 

[Extreme1]

Bilstein 1 - Rancho 0

Originally posted by dresslered

A lifetime warrantee must be honored if that is what they advertise! I have the Rancho's only because I haul heavy loads and need the adjustable settings...

Agreed!



I bought my 9000's at a mail order 4 x 4 place that is nearby (I bought them over the counter). When I came back and wanted a warrantee replacement, they said "We don't do that, you'll have to deal with Rancho". Guess what Rancho said? "We don't deal direct, try another dealer". I finally found a place to do the exchange but now they were sold (changed names) and I can't find the reciept from that exchange.



I got my wife a set of front shocks for her Dakota (junk when new). Guess what? NOT RANCHO. Bilsteins! And they work very well. The warrantee card has you returning them to Bilstein for warrantee consideration!

 

[Rogue Ram]

Any good places we TDR folks get deals on Bilsteins?



My rig feels like a charter boat... ...



Thanks in advance,



Rogue

 

[InThinAir]

It is suprising that so many people are having problems with the ranchos. I have a set on both trucks. 115k on one set and 55k on the other. I wouldn't have anything else. Being able to adjust them is great for me. I go from empty to over loaded. I can't image a shock could handle that much of a change without being adjustable. I have ridden around town empty with all shocks set on 5 and the airbags with 100PSI in them. It hurts my kidneys it so rough. But when I have 3000 lbs in the back it is rides like a dream on those settings.



If one shock of the eight that I have installed goes bad I would replace the one and keep on going!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Rogue Ram

Any good places we TDR folks get deals on Bilsteins?



My rig feels like a charter boat... ...



Thanks in advance,



Rogue

You get a TDR discount at Off road warehouse. Bob Wagner TRD member set it up, you can save a couple of $$ going there. I bought mine at a local Auto Zone. Had them the next day and I like a local place to deal with. They cost me around $60 a shock.

 

[Rogue Ram]

Hey Pit, saw from search you appeared to have just gotten yours and were wondering to do them yourself or have them done... ... . what ended up happening with the install? Easy or a b@#$% ??????



TIA



R

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Rogue Ram

Hey Pit, saw from search you appeared to have just gotten yours and were wondering to do them yourself or have them done... ... . what ended up happening with the install? Easy or a b@#$% ??????



TIA



R

I had them installed on my 2000 3500QC 4x4 and loved them. When I bought the 2002 I just bought them for the front-end (where all the weight is) I don't tow or haul much with my truck, daily driver (Mall Queen :-laf ). I figured that if the truck was rated for 7500 lbs in the rear and it weighed less than 3000 lbs unloaded that the OEM rear shocks should be able to handle the load I was giving them. I was right, rides and handles great with the Bilsteins just on the front. Saved $$$. I had a local guy install them. He charged me $20 a shock. Not worth getting my hands dirty for that kind of money. Good luck you will love them.

 

[vc]

Extreme,

since they have a lifetime warranty, what's the difference on having a receipt or not. It should be honored. And you should consider telling Rancho customer service that the power of the internet is immense and give them a link to this thread so they can see the negative feedback their customer service is getting, especially the "not dealing direct" part when their competitor Bilstein is taking better care of their customer. On a boating/fishing website I frequent that is large like this one there have been several issues resolved between consumer and manufacturer/service provider due to the power of the internet and negative exposure to the thousands that browse that website.

vc