2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Have Rancho 9000's you haven't installed yet? Read this.

[jlccc]

The following pertains to the Rancho RS9000 shocks for the FRONT axles on the 4WD trucks (p/n RS9197). Many of you know that unless you REALLY TIGHTEN the lower shock bolt you will get a clunking sound in your front end and will feel it through the floorboard. Well, my truck was no different. I suspect that Rancho may be supplying the incorrect size bushing insert for our trucks. I have measured the dimensions of the OEM spacer insert and the bolt. I need someone to measure the same spacer dimensions on their uninstalled RS9197s (wish I had thought to do this BEFORE I installed mine).



The lower shock bolt diameter is 0. 544" (13. 8mm).

The spacer length is 1. 675" (42. 5mm).

The spacer I. D. is 0. 565" (14. 4mm)



I betting that either the I. D. or the length of the metal insert on the Ranchos is significantly different than the OEM shock. Can anyone with a set of calipers confirm? I really don't want to have to remove one of my front shocks, but I will if I have to.

 

[jlccc]

TTT (sorry, urgent)

 

[Crazy Horse]

The length is probably where the difference is. I just got finished pulling the 9000's off of my 2000 Dodge 2500 and putting them on my new 2002 2500 Quad Cab. They did require retightening to get rid of the clanging or loosness you feel in the floor boards. I think the only reason they were showing signs of being loose was due to the fact I used an electric impact this time instead of an air impact.





Just a note: these shocks were originally on my 2000 3500 so they have been on 3 trucks now. When I put them on the 2000 2500 they never showed any signs of looseness. I have run into this over the years (since 1969) changing shocks on different cars and trucks.

 

[Dr.Kayak]

If you think this is a big problem, you can easily take the bushing out of the factory shocks and use it with the Rancho. One of my Rancho 9000s did not come with the bushing. I used the one from the old shock.

 

[Rip Rook]

here ya go.......

Rancho # RS9197

spacer length 1. 645"

spacer id . 575"

 

[jlccc]

Re: here ya go.......

Originally posted by rrook

Rancho # RS9197

spacer length 1. 645"

spacer id . 575"

Thanks, Rip. I also spoke with the folks at Rancho and I believe they have the dimensions correct.



Note that Rancho has superseded the 9197 shock with the 9221 shock for the RAM 2500 4x4 with the 8800 GVW rating. Apparently there is another inch or two of travel on the 9221 shock versus the 9197. Supposed to prevent the shock from "topping out" under certain conditions. I was given this info by "Chris" at the Rancho tech line, 800-574-6257