Rancho shocks and Remote Control System

[STEVEBROOKS]

I bought four RS 9000 shocks and got the dual-action remote control system free under Rancho's "Free 4 All" advertisement. I'm ready to install everything, but want to hear back from anybody who's already done this. In particular, I'd like to know where people have mounted the air compressor and where/how they wired it into and where they mounted the control panel.



Thanks,

Steve

 

[JCleary]

I have these on a '96 Ram 1500. Just make sure you have enough air line, especially in the rear at full articulation. If you don't, the air lines pop out and the truck goes back to the softest setting. It sucks to crawl under the truck in the rain/mud/dirt to re-insert the line every time you go offroad or take it in to have the tires rotated.

 

[GWaggoner]

I have that system on my 03. I mounted my compressor to the frame under where the drivers seat is. The junction blocks are mounted to the body adjacent to the compressor.

I looked at the interior for quite a while before deciding to mount the switches and gauges into a small black plastic project box that is not mounted. I ran all the lines and cables in 1 plastic loom to the box, making them long enough where I can put the box on the hump, under the seat, etc. I usually will set it and put it under the seat where I don't have to look at it.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

Thanks for the replies.



GWaggoner: did you have any problem mounting the compressor to the frame? I've been hesitant to do that because of the warnings I've seen about not drilling into the frame. Also, where you tap the power wire into?

 

[SilverFox]

I have the Rancho 9000's with in cab controls. I mounted the compressor behind the battery on the right side of the firewall. You'll have to remove the battery and battery box, plus the air box. You'll also have to take enough screws out of the wheel well liner to get to the fasteners on the under side of the battery box. Sounds like a lot of work but it's much easier than it sounds. Anyway there is a bracket behind the battery that you can use self tapping screws to fasten the compressor to. I wanted to keep the compressor out of the dust, wet and mud. Once the compressor is mounted, you can get to it replace a line if that becomes necessary.



I mounted the control panel and gages using powder coated black plate steel in the cubby hole that would normally be the location of the 4WD shifter. My shifter is electric. I used the same location and the same steel plate for the gauges and switches for my Kelderman 4 link system. I looks fine. No wires visible and I like all those gauges and switches.



Power comes directly from the left battery. That's where I had room for another wire to the battery.



The steel plate I referred to is about 3/32's thick. (Powder coating cost me 5 dollars) You can cut the gauge holes with a hole saw and clean up by hand with a file. Make a cardboard template and use a shear machine to cut the steel. (Any machine shop) You'll have to radius one end but that can be done by hand. Take your time and before 2 days are up you'll have a really nice setup. Love being able to adjust the shocks and air bags on the fly, especially when towing.

 

[GWaggoner]

Power went to the battery. Drilling a couple of 1/4 " holes is not an issue.