Monroe equivalent to Rancho 9000?

[jlccc]

Since Monroe is the actual manufacturer of the Rancho RS9000 shock, does Monroe make something similar under their own brand name?

 

[lschultz]

I guess you need to ask Monroe(email). I don't know. They might be like some of these riding mowers you buy. MTD makes alot of them under different names(quality,price,etc). You get what you pay for most of the time.

 

[jandtjil]

jlccc

I did a quick scan through the Monroe site and the listed products, I didn't see an adjustable shock listed (other than a adjustable overload type shock (uses springs)).

Hard to believe, Monroe seems to be limiting themselves to the more general veh owner who is out to just replace the OEM with something offering above avg performance with good reliabilty and a warrantee. While Rancho is focusing on delivering the product we truck owners demand, a shock that works, without being replaced at each oil change. I've got a hair over 20,000 miles now on my truck and the front shocks have been toast for at least the last 4000 miles. I spent the cash on a set of KYB's for a Ford Ranger a few years back and was NEVER sorry, I think the investment for the best shock is well spent, kinda like tires, spend the extra 15-20 per tire and get what you want. Boy have I had too much coffee or what today, this started as a short post.



JJ

 

[jlccc]

Originally posted by Jandtjil

jlccc

I think the investment for the best shock is well spent, kinda like tires, spend the extra 15-20 per tire and get what you want. Boy have I had too much coffee or what today, this started as a short post.



JJ

I agree, my own RS9000's are on order (have been for the last month). But I was curious enough to ask the question anyway.

 

[DBazley]

Monroe mfr of Rancho's ??

Gentlemen:



How did you determine that Rancho's are made by Monroe ? I installed a set last summer, and thought I read every word, but nothing about them being made by Monroe.



Just curious.



In any case I'm pleased with their performance and the conveninece of choosing what type of ride & dampening is just great. No longer do large loads overcome the suspension, together with the Rickson 19. 5's, it's always under control.



David

 

[jlccc]

Re: Monroe mfr of Rancho's ??

Originally posted by DBazley

Gentlemen:



How did you determine that Rancho's are made by Monroe ? I installed a set last summer, and thought I read every word, but nothing about them being made by Monroe.

The owner of Sam's Off-Road Warehouse told me so. I had no reason to doubt him. In any case I'm confident that Rancho does NOT make their own shocks. Too small of a market to invest that kind of money in shock-making equipment. Rather, they get a big shock making outfit, like Monroe, to build shocks to Rancho specs.

 

[DBazley]

idea.........

That's not too unusual or hard to believe.



I think I recall that the warranty card or instructions said "made by Tenneco" (sp?) If that's correct then perhaps Tenneco is the 'umbrella' company that also owns Monroe.



Our company does speciality aftermarket manufacturing, and I can testify first hand that it's quite common.



The best example I can think is the fact that there is about a zillion (probably 30-50) brands of laundry detergent, but only about 4 manufacturers nationwide.



That way it gives the appearance of different brands competing for our business, without the reality.

 

[JR2]

Re: idea.........

Originally posted by DBazley

That's not too unusual or hard to believe.



I think I recall that the warranty card or instructions said "made by Tenneco" (sp?) If that's correct then perhaps Tenneco is the 'umbrella' company that also owns Monroe.

You are correct... here is a list of what Tenneco makes:



Monroe

Walker

Rancho

DynoMax

Clevite Elastomers

Gillet

Kinetic

Thrush



www.tenneco-automotive.com/

 

[DBazley]

Bingo !

There you have it, JR2, good research. I still love my ADJUSTABLE Rancho's, even if made & marketed by a huge conglomerate, so long as they fulfill their promise..... Oo.



So far 1 year & 15 k miles of heavy towing, they have do so admirably. Comfortable on lower settings, very stable on # 4 or 5, when towing super heavy.



So much, so that I wondered, what would happen to me if one of em took a dump in the middle of a long trip... ... . hope not to find out the answer to that one !!



Happy hauling,



David B.