Rancho shocks

[Cobra]

I'm looking into rancho shocks and I found that in addtion to the 9000 they have one listed as RSX. The 9000 is manually adjustable but the RSX is self adjusting. The RSX is less money, about 25 bucks per shock less.



I am wondering if the RSX is as good (probably not) so I thought I would ask this forum if anyone knows or has any experience with them.



This is the BEST forum i've ever seen for GOOD info.



Thanks guys. and Gals, for info.

 

[sewman]

I have had the RS9000 on for a couple of yrs & like them because I can adj the ride & don't want a truck that rides like one when empty I run the fronts @ 3 & backs @ 2 rides like a Caddy since I put the tires on,then when loaded & or towing I turn the backs to 5 & fronts to 4. All I can say is they work for me & I had the factory shocks on b4 these.

Bob

 

[ageorge]

I tried the Rancho 5000's and got less than 15000 miles before the ride went away. Before that I tried Gabriels, those didn't ride right from day one. Go with the 9000's, they are doing me fine.

 

[thepipe1]

Rancho RS 9000

I have the RS 9000's on my '95 4x2. What a huge difference!! Much better ride over all terrain. I don't remember what I paid, but it was a super sale and included free shipping. Anyone know of a sale on them now? My new '01 4x4 needs some smoothing out.

 

[Augustus]

I need a set of Ranchos, have you found any good deals on them at this time? I found a place in Austin that will sell them for $65. 00, installed, any better deals out there?

 

[ageorge]

I got mine @ Hotrod-offroad.com for $59. 95 each plus about 5. 50 each shipping. If your place in Austin will provide and install 9000's for $65. 00 each, I'd be sitting back watching them do it. I checked around local before purchasing online, and found the local dealers wanted from $85 to 129 each for the shocks. Just make sure it's 9000's, not 5000's.

 

[Cobra]

agustus

I plan on going to Arizona in Jan or Feb. I would be happy to go thru Austin and have those shocks put on my truck for that price. Please tell me what shop and give me some directions.

 

[RKelly]

Got my RS9000's a couple of months ago from 4x4 Parts, tel: (800) 421-1050 for $65. 95 ea plus $5. 95 handling. Of the three places I checked, they had the best price.

 

[k.vickers]

i had been looking at the monroes, but if this many people recommend the 9000s i will take their advice. i'm going to find the shop in austin and get some put on.



how hard is it to adjust them? i'm not familiar with the way the shocks work.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I have a friend who is the marketing manager at Rancho..... I have toured the factory and their shocks (rancho's) are made by Monroe... The 5000's are almost a full race throw it away after 500 miles of baja shock. They need to be ran in a dual setup. Two on each corner. That would be way too stiff for any of us. The R9000's are a "Compression" adjustable shock. The higher the number on the dial the more dampening. The RSX's are the leading technology in shocks. The have what is called variable rate dampening. Which means the more you need the more you get... ... ... ... The idea is that; it doesn't matter how much weight you are hualing but the speed the shaft moves in and out... . When you hit a pothole, it moves fast, then the valving only lets through a little dampening fluid (oil) When going down the road and there are alot of little bumps it will float like aCaddy.

The problem with the R9000's is they do not act as a spring. If you want variable rate springs: For light to heavy loads, Call National Spring Co (619)441-1901. They will build you custom springs that can do a number of jobs. The are where the pros go to get springs... ... . Simply the best! I have will be replacing the springs on my truck with them. They can set the front of your truck level with the back if you want... . It is only about $500 for the front and $500 for the back. That is nothing to a bombaholic... ... It will improve your ride way more than just shocks. Go with the RSX's. Cheap is better with shocks like a rancho. To get something good you will have to go with Fox's or a rebuildable Bilstien... ..... Sorry I am so winded

 

[Augustus]

Cobra, Four Wheel Parts Performance Center 512-459-4979, the free install is a special they are running right now. They may have stores located all over the nation.

 

[scott4glamis]

i have rs9000's on a FULLY bombed suzuki samurai, spend an extra 150. 00 on the in cab remote adjusting system. it's awesome

you can change the dampening rate on the fly, soft for the highway and hard for the corners, high winds etc. . turned my spring over axle,31x11. 50 shod fire breathing sami into a ***** cat on the road and a mountain goat offroad... . 87 samurai , spring over axle lift(@5 inches), 31x11. 50 goodyear mt's,Petroworks grsII transfer case gears(4. 83:1)thorley header, RS9000's w/in cab adjuster, petroworks rock sliders, Petroworks six point sport cage, Petroworks power steering kit,

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by Greg Boardman

... The problem with the R9000's is they do not act as a spring. ...

I should hope not. They are supposed to dampen vertical axle motion, not support the axle! A shock absorber properly designed and applied should excel at dampening motion, preferably within a half cycle (i. e. , within a single compression/rebound or extension/rebound stroke pair.



I'm going to ask a moderator to post a poll with many choices, so we can have a handy reference to shock absorber performance and life. This is a topic that keeps coming up on a regular basis.



Fest3er