Rancho shocks in-cab controller

[red1ton]

I started getting air leaks with the in cab contorller for my Rancho 9000 5 speed shocks. First it was the rear shocks. It turned out to be a bad O ring in the air bleed line. Next it was the front shocks. They would leak down to zero in about 30 minutes. I tried replacing the O ring but they still leaked. The soapy water test showed the air bleed valve is leaking. I talked to a service person who said they typically leak and as a result, he will not install them any more.

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2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

 

[rotohead]

I had the same problem and I replaced the flat gasket the goes between the shock body and the fitting that replaces the knob. I used old inner tube rubber from bike tires and my shocks never leak. Email me if you want more info.

Chuck

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'98. 5 2500 QC ISB 4x4 SLT, Auto w/Transgo shiftkit, JRE 4" exhaust w/5"Tip, DD II's w/Module&Elbow, VA box, Rancho 9000's w/in cab adjust, Mag-Hytec trans&diff covers, Jacobs E-Brake w/BD autoloc, trans temp, boost & EGT gauges, 2Low Kit, Brite Box, Steel Horse Billet Grilles, AirBullDog hood induction system

 

[red1ton]

rotohead, thanks for the information. My problem is the bleed valve in the in-cab controller leaks, not the shocks.

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2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

 

[ftb87]

red1ton,

When did you purchase and what is the warantee?

 

[red1ton]

I added the shocks last summer. Rancho says they are warranted for 2 years. The shocks have a lifetime (mine or theirs?) warrantee.

I had a camper shell dealer install the shocks. Aside from shells, they also install suspension parts and stocked the in-cab controller. I did not like the installation (after they installed them) although they were $100 under the next best installation price.

I called another "official" dealer and he will no longer install the controller. He loves the shocks and doesn't trust the remote. He said, "The remote is a bad design and I don't want unhappy customers. " Can't blame him. I like an honest answer.


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2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

[This message has been edited by red1ton (edited 02-28-2001). ]

 

[ftb87]

red1ton,

If the system is less than a year old, will they replace it?

Frank

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01 White, Quad Cab,Short Box ,Sport SLT+,5 speed 3. 54 Ltd-slip,4X4,line-x ,Nerf bars,fiberglass tonneau cover

 

[red1ton]

Rancho is very good about offering free replacement parts. The problem is the truck owner has to do the troubleshooting or pay $80/hour to have an "authorized" dealer diagnose the problem. I don't know if Rancho would be willing to replace the entire module. I expect they would repair it as needed. I never got ANY of the paperwork when I picked up the truck after the shock system installation. I know, dumb on my part.
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2001, 3500, 2X4, QC, SLT, Auto, 3. 54 gears, camper and tow packages. Lance model 1130 camper. Rancho 9000 5 Speed shocks. BD Brake, autoloc, pressureloc. Hadley air horns. OEM bugshield w/eyebrows and dash cover. Member San Jose Ram Runners.

 

[Extreme1]

Been there, done that.
The valve is just a schrader like your tire valve stems have. Get a new one at the hardware store. Once the leaks stop, you'll love it.

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'94 3500 4x4, 209,000 miles, Never had a cat, Auto w/shift kit (thanks Dave G), 3. 54 Gears, TST #5 plate, 235-85-16s, Rancho 9000s w/remote, Isspro gauges inplace of cupholder & Amsoil Air Oil & Bypass Filters & Lubes, AWOL intake boot (put the silencer ring after I pulled the boot-too loud!?!). NRA member. Blue Ribbon Coalition member.
"Warrantee? We don't need no stinking warrantee!"

 

[Extreme1]

They will refer you to the selling dealer. Been there done that. The shocks have a 2 year warrantee. If you look in the ads, it says lifetime. #ad
I replaced two of mine after 1 1/2 years. The seal they use on the knobs lets water in. They will corrode and not be adjustable. (Mine did) The remote adjust seals tight-no corrosion. Your cancelled check might help you out if they resist. Hey, your truck is almost new-it can't be more than a year from when it was installed.

Rancho includes a bunch of extra o-ring seals in the kit (for the air lines), see if you can get them just in case.

The leak in the air bleed is an easy fix. Get new valves at the hardware or auto parts store. You need to buy an extra long valve stem tool to get the original out (they are deep). $2. New valves: $2. Disassembly is straight forward. Remember to bleed the air off before you take it apart.

I'VE DONE THIS, IT'S EASY, YOU CAN DO IT!

It's easier to do this than to drive to a dealer, make phone calls and wait for parts.