2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rancho 9000X shocks

[SRehberg]

I just installed Rancho 9000X shocks on the rear of my '96 3500 dually, along with new stock tires by BFGoodrich (Commercial tires they're called) 215 85R16's load range E. The side walls are 1/2 to 3/4" less in height, but same size as called for by D/C.



Question; has anyone experienced the ride getting harsher with the installation of the Rancho 9000X's? As far as I can tell, the setting on them is sitting at "1". I rotated the dials CCW to the stops so I assume that's "1" the softest setting.



Thanks

 

[TboneMan]

I have relatively new Ranchos (installed in November). At setting "1" they were definetly too SOFT. Especially the front,



Given that the knob goes from 7 o'clock to 4 o'clock, I have my front set at 12 o'clock and the rears set at 9 o'clock (empty).

 

[KennethS]

I have Rancho on my 95 class C Mootr Home

When I got them I got the air compresser . You had to do away with the knob setting. I have had trouble whem leaking. I am going to go back and Install the knobs on them which I think Is better for me. When they were pump up they were great but been having trouble with them leaking off.

 

[SRehberg]

I bought the controller as well, and of course right afterwards I found out about all the leaking problems. I'm trying to decide what caused the ride to stiffen, as I 1) changed tires to the stock size, highway tread, and 2) installed the Rancho's. It is like the suspension really firmed up causing every pebble to be felt in the cab. It didn't ride like a touring car before, but this is worse. The tires in question as I mentioned, are B. F. Goodrich Commercial tires sold by Costco. They are slightly shorter in diameter than the Goodyear Wrangler's that came stock.

 

[TboneMan]

What pressure are you running the tires at?



Based on my exerpience with Rancho's, they are more likely to be dialed-in to be too soft. But then that's the object of an adjustable shock, you can set the level of stiffness. If it is too stiff, they shocks setting isn't correct, or it is actually the tire causing the problem.

 

[nps]

My fronts stay at 4 always. My rears are at 1 (soft) empty and 9 (hard) towing.

 

[SRehberg]

I'm running 32lbs in the duals so I'm actually under pressure. By the looks of the dirt on the tires, I could probably let more out! The edges are clean and the majority of the tread is dusty. The shocks are at "1. " Thanks for the help.

 

[DODGEDADDIE]

What the heck are you running for tires on your truck??... (it is a DIESEL isn't it??)

I'd check the side wall if I was you for the proper pressures. .

I NEVER run under 50#'s 8-10 ply tires!!!!!

 

[SRehberg]

I'm running the stock 215-85/16's load range E. I know, I know, the pressure seems extremely low, but unloaded and four tires carrying the bed basically, it still doesn't give a full tire foot print. I won't go lower than 32psi unloaded but 50 psi etc seems like I'm riding on steel wheels when going over these segmented freeways. I probably get good rear tire mileage, as it hits a bump, then skips the whole next section of highway!



The truck is a '96 3500 CTD but the engine is in the front LOL

 

[DMillard]

Freeway ?

I'm glad you mentioned the freeway. I have 75 lbs in all 6 of my tires with the 9000's set on 4. Doesn't bother me in the least. But I do remember driving out to see my relatives in L. A. and I thought I was going to get beat to death. The 6 speed manual wasn't much fun in stop and go either.

But, with the camper in the bed and 28 ft inclosed trailer in tow, the freeways aren't bad at all. In fact, that's why I got the Rancho 9000's. They sure did calm things down ( 19000 lbs ) when I was going through some woopdy do's that had my truck bouncing all over the place with the stock shocks. I think I will change the rears to a higher setting next time because that tongue weight that far behind the wheels needs a little more help.

Getting back to the freeway, good luck. Even the newer cars with their stiffer suspensions aren't all that smooth. I had an old Catalina that sure did ride nice on the freeways. Got worse mileage than my dually.