Rancho shocks in cab controller

[SRehberg]

I ordered a in cab controller for the Rancho 9000X shocks, but have since learned they may be plagued with leaking issues. What has been your experience with this controller? I am ready to ship the controller back if it causes more problems than good. Thanks

 

[BGlidewell]

not to scare you off from trying it, but I've heard nothing but bad things about them, and that was from dealers that sell them :--) . No first-hand experience here.

 

[SRehberg]

That's what prompted the post here on TDR, I got wind of the problems AFTER I had ordered the controller. I think I'll just return it unopened. The dealer that sold us our camper said I should buy a dual controller from them that controls both airbags and the shocks. It is an analog unit, but the price is $698, a little pricey for me. It takes the thrill out of wanting one for sure.



Thanks for the reply, I think you confirmed what I had been hearing.

 

[highgear]

i have the rancho 9000 in cab controler and i also have a leeking problem , the shocks leek back to 0 in 3 day's . if i was to install them again i would use a good sealer where the air lines connect to the shock's that is where my system is leaking. but i would say other than a little inconveniance thay are great.

 

[WestTN]

I don't have the controller on mine, but I did have airshocks on a motorcycle years ago. The installation instructions said to carefully screw the connectors on until they contacted their seat and then tighten NO MORE than a half turn, or they would leak. I thought that felt awfully loose, but I did as told and they never leaked. Those air shocks developed a reputation for leaking, so I figured most people failed to follow instructions. Mine remained leak free until I sold the bike about seven years later. Ckeck those lines with soapy water or a good leak detector. The control system is pretty small, so it may take a long time to see foam at the connectors.

 

[SRehberg]

Good points on the instructions and tightening. I've been guilty myself of overtightening things like that and paid the price of problems. The sealer, is there a gasket or something that needs to be sealed?

 

[JCleary]

My pop has one on his '97 Ram. It worked great for about 7 years, but just in the last year it's been leaking down in a day or so. I haven't been able to get under it to find which shock it is, but overall I think it's a pretty good system.



I will mention that it's a low-mileage truck, only 50k. But half of that is on dirt roads.

 

[SBettencourt]

I've had the in cab controller on my 1500 for 4 years and the only problem was the first unit had leaky check valves. Replaced under warrantee (within a week of install) and has been fine since. I did melt one hose when it moved out of position and touched the exhaust but have since replaced w/o problems.

It was a handy gadget when I had my truck camper because I could tweak the shocks but I noticed I didn't need the shocks as stiff with the fifth wheel so not as much of an advantage.

Seeing as you already ordered it you might as well use it and if you have an unexplainable leak, look to the pump mounted check valves. They will replace the whole controller if needed.

 

[dresslered]

I've had the Ranco 9000's with incab controller for several years now. I don't think that they're the best shocks, but I've never had a leaking problem. Route your lines carefully, don't overtighten, and use silicon grease on the seals.

 

[Rman]

I was going to post a URL for you, but the guy closed his store. He made a kit that replaced all the cheesy components in that system and made it solid. It wasn't that expensive either. Extremely well designed and machined components. He was a great guy, but I guess he's on to other adventures now his site said he closed his E-store for good



I designed a system with a pump and air tank, valves, in cab switches to control everything. I have most of the parts, I'm still saving for a good air pump, they're not cheap. I don't really want to go mechanical, www.onboardair.com has some great mechanical pumps.



If you put it together carefully, it should offer leak free service for a while, problems occur after time because of the cheesy components failing.



If you have any questions ask away, I've researched the heck out of onboard air. I'm pumped to finally install my system.

 

[SRehberg]

I'm encouraged to hear there are successfull installations out there. I wish the mfg's would put a little more quality into their products. It wouldn't cost that much more to do it right, but some of the controllers are really expensive. The guy who had the E-store, is this the one with the machined brass components at the shocks? I checked out his site, but like you said, he was shut down, to bad.



I appreciate the tip on the silicone grease, would dielectric silicone work? I have a tube of it. If not I'll search around for the right thing.



I bought an ARB compressor for my air seat; it wasn't cheap, but it looks like it'll last a while. Some of them look like they're good for balloons and then would burn out.

 

[Rman]

Yes that's the guy. He machined some awesome copper battery terminal lugs as well, the best I've ever seen. I bought those, and the system for the shocks, and the sturdy tubing he supplied. Excellent stuff, he helped me on some questions I had about fittings to use as well. He was going to machine me a manifold, but he advised that they were available and for him to make just one would be costly. Nice fella.

 

[dresslered]

I think that I purchased the silicone grease at an auto store. The teflon grease might even be better. You just want to prevent the rubber gaskets from drying out. I was concerned with the plastic components as well, but have talked to several local members with the same incab controller, and all have not had any problems with leaks. Just be sure not to overtighten them or they will distort. They just have to be snug. When I'm not carrying my camper, I usually have a mid setting which seems to hold the same pressure for a couple of months before I notice it down a little. I might add a little more air from time to time but nothing terrible. Also, it is a good idea to excercise the settings from time to time. If moisture gets into the shocks, they can stick. The rubber o-rings you get with the incab controller replace the paper o-rings that the shocks come with--this is a HUGE improvement in itself!

 

[SRehberg]

I wouldn't think a couple of months would be considered a "leak," if it were, we'd all be replacing our tires! I will definetly try the silicone lube. You mentioned the teflon grease, is it better? As long as I have to get one, might as well get the best to use.

 

[Rman]

K&N makes a silicone grease for sealing there air filters. I have a tube that I use for my dirtbike filter. That stuff would work great.

 

[SRehberg]

I never thought of that, easy to get as well, thanks.

 

[dresslered]

I will definetly try the silicone lube. You mentioned the teflon grease, is it better? As long as I have to get one, might as well get the best to use.

My memory must be going. Now that I am at home, I looked at the actual containers that I used. For the Rancho shock application, I used a White Lithium Grease rather than a Silicon Grease that I had previously stated (now I've got you thoroughly confused ). This was purchased at the local auto store and I believe recommended by Rancho. The brand was CRC (arbitrary). The Silicone Grease that I was thinking of was for a water softener rubber gasket application. I was really impressed with this stuff as it was sticky as well as a lubricant. But then again, it had to hold up to water flow. I wouldn't worry too much about the lubricant that you use. The main purpose is to fill in any imperfections and keep the rubber from drying out. With a heavy slide-in, it is tough to beat an adjustable shock to allow for the changes in your load (from empty to extreme). With the incab controller, you can finely tune the firmness for any road conditions without having to crawl under the truck and experiment. PM me with your email address and I can send you some install pics. Now install that bad boy!