Rancho shocks - adjuster

[WOT]

An adjuster on one of my Rancho shocks died. It's rusted. They way the seem to work is behind the adjuster knob is a piston and as you turn the knob it pushes the piston in. My best guess is a spring pushes it back as you reduce the shock level. Anyone had any dealings with Rancho and how friendly they are on exchanges?



Thanks!

 

[dresslered]

Your correct on how they work. I always thought that this was a flaw in their design. Everyone with the manual adjusters must move the adjusters from time to time or they freeze up (you might even want to squirt a little extra oil in there). I've got the incab adjusters which replace the twist knobs on the shock. An air tight fitting is installed in the original adjuster's place and then air pressure moves the piston inward or outward. The kit includes an air tight seal which prevents moisture from ever entering this area. The incab option is almost worth it in itself just for the better seal. I've heard both good and bad about their customer service. Good luck.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I had one stick on 5 just on a short 4x4 trip. I ran it this way for a long time and finally got it replaced at the dealer where I got them. I had no trouble getting a replacement. The strange thing was that I saw no rust or anything in there but the piston was good and stuck and the spring was unable to push it back out.

 

[dresslered]

Even with my incab adjuster, I often exercise them a bit to keep the piston free.

 

[WOT]

I ordered mine from Hotrod Offroad in Longmont, CO (phone order). Unfortunately, I can't find my receipt - need to call them & hope they keep good records! Either way, I'm not sure I can do without the truck while I am waiting for new shocks to get here!



I did think about drilling a little hold in the center of the "piston" and tapping it. Then trying to pull it out. Not sure what's behind it though!



WOT

 

[dresslered]

Have you tried calling Rancho directly?



At least with the Bilsteins on my car, you don't need a receipt. You just purchase the new one(s) from them with a credit card and when they get the old one(s) back, they credit you the purchase price. Great company, but they don't make an adjustable for our trucks.



P. S. I seem to recall that there was a ".pdf" file over at the Rancho web site that showed an exploded view of the shock which might give you a clue as to what is behind the piston.