Ranchos hard to adjust...

[jkern]

I installed Rancho RS9000's at all four corners about 2 years ago, so far they have helped my truck immensely as far as handling and ride goes. But, they are rusting badly and the knob is getting so hard to turn that i have to use tools to adjust them. i usually leave the front set on 3 or 4, but i do adjust the rear occasionally for hauling and towing and then running empty on trips. the roads that i travel are not shock friendly at all nor is the road salt in the winter... any suggestions to free the adjustment knobs? is this a common problem? and why are my knobs not calibtated the same on all the shocks... this makes it hard as well!!



just frustrated that all the $$$ for them and i have an extremely hard time using them to their full potential!



Jeremy

 

[Dave MacArthur]

Mine don't work at all anymore. I think it is pretty common. Get them set where you want them because after a while that's what you will be "stuck" with. Maybe someone knows of some preventive maintenance method that works so that other people can avoid this problem.

 

[M Barnett]

Join the club. Mine started sticking after a couple months. I live in Az where we don't know what rain and/or rust is. Next time buy Bilsteins.

Michael

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by Dave MacArthur

Mine don't work at all anymore. I think it is pretty common. ... ... ... ... ... . Maybe someone knows of some preventive maintenance method that works so that other people can avoid this problem.

This is best done when they are brand new. I had one replaced under warrantee for the same thing and I didn't want to end up replacing them all. Remove the knob assembly by removing two flat head machine screws with an allen wrench. Discard the gasket. It does not seal. Apply a small bead of Locktite gasket maker to the circular shoulder on the knob assembly mounting plate and reinstall. I also put a drop of light oil on the metal plunger in the shock portion, wiping of the excess before reinstalling the know assembly. If you have the compressor option, always maintain at least some pressure in the system to prevent moisture from entering.



For the price of the shocks, you would think that they would do a better job of quality control.



Casey

 

[dresslered]

When adding the remote adjustment control, an O-ring is added to the inside of the assemblyso that it can hold air. This O-ring is installed in addition to the original card board gasket. It seems to me that the addition of this O-ring would prevent the knobs from sticking as well.

 

[nascar mark]

Had the same problem. The place i bought them from gave me a new set of 4 adjust knobs and o-rings, told me to put some white grease in hole and install new knobs and move knob from time to time to keep them from seizing which will keep them lubed. I've now had the shocks on for 7 years or so with no problems.



mark

 

[Dkevdog]

Mine got stuck only once, now I adjust them about once or twice a month (when I tow) and they move like silk. I think the key is moving them often enough they don't get stuck? Seems to work for me.



Kev

 

[M Barnett]

nascar mark: The new knobs they gave you, were they different? Or were they the same? Would be nice to do this fix if we could.

Michael

 

[jkern]

thanks for the info... i think i might try the replacement knob route for now. i guess i just need to mess with them more often.



Jeremy