Shocks - Why Rancho 9000

[Mpoland]

Knowing nothing about shocks, I need some help.



I see that the most popular seems to be the Rancho 9000. Why?

Rancho 9000, seem to be what the 4-wheeler's like and they came in at about $20. 00 more per shock.



Talking with a dealer, Bilstein single tube design was suggested. The dealer said that these shocks are rated for over 100K miles and just what I'd need, pulling a 9K TT. (But of course he sells them!)



Any information or opinions would be helpful.



Thanks

 

[barrfishe1]

I'm happy with my Bilsteins! However, I have never had any thing else (other than stock) on the truck--maby I just don't know what I am missing

 

[Bob Wagner]

here is some good reading

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6248&highlight=Bilstein

 

[B.G. Smith]

The Ranchos are adjustable so you can set them for the most comfortable ride when empty and when you hang the trailer on or put the slide in camper on you can adjust for the extra weight. I found that the stock shocks were a little on the stiff side empty and a little mushy when pulling the trailer. Happy with the 9000's. bg

 

[Crazy Horse]

I also love the way my 9000's handle. With the 4,800 lb camper in the bed I set em to #4 setting and it handles great. It has never bottomed out even running down the road over frost heaves that we have on our paved roads up here. Empty I keep em at 2 and the truck ride's better than stock.

 

[DocStressor]

Yes, it is the adjustment feature of the 9000s that make them so popular with folks who pull heavy 5vers or hual slide ins. IMO, Bilsteins, Edelbrocks, and for less money, Monroe Sensatracks give slightly better performance than 9000s with an UNLOADED truck. I believe they have a more sophisticated valving system that increases the amount of fluid flow resistance depending on how hard and fast the shocks are compressed. But with a heavy load, none ride as well as the 9000s set at the 4 or 5 position. This only really matters in the rear. It would be interesting to try Edelbrocks in the front with a set of 9000s in the rear. But the ability to tune the suspension to the actual load conditions is the big plus of using Rancho 9000s.

 

[Eventer]

What about Rancho 5000 (or even RSX)?



What do you get on the 9000 over the 5000 except adjustablity. I don't tow that much and don't mind a rough ride. If I buy the 5000 over the 9000 I can save about $25 per shock and put that toward something else for the truck.

 

[CCahill]

I think thats were I'm headed..... 5000's in the front... 9000's in the rear... The front weight changes very little, compared to the rear... And I do like the adjustability!!



Colin



PS... 24K miles, but I think the shocks were crap by the time I got home from the dealer.

 

[DocStressor]

That should work out pretty well, Colin. The 5000s are valved to give the same resistance as the "3" setting on the 9000s, according to Rancho and my own SOTP experience. I never need more than the "3" setting in the front even with 3000 lb + in the bed. The ride when empty is ok with the front shocks set at "3".

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Keep in mind that the RS5000's do not have as good a warranty as the RS9000's. The only way you can get an RS5000 replaced is if it's leaking oil out the seals, they'll replace an RS9000 if it's just worn plain worn out. On my Sonoma I had to buy 2 sets of front RS5000's because I wore a set out in approximately 40,000 miles - and it's nowhere near as heavy as our trucks. Now with the 9000's I can just go into my dealer and ask for another set and he'll hand em right over !

 

[Crazy Horse]

Just remember the front end of the vehicle is subject to alot more(approx. 10%) abuse from bumps and chuck-holes than the rear end. This is mostly due to the steering geometry, the constant weight over the front syspension, and the fact that you have more time to react, to clear the rear syspension from impact or the severity of impact due to slowing down.

 

[CCahill]

Good argument on the weight, and warranty issue...



Checking on the Rancho's, I found that the same shock is called out for both 5. 9's... . Ours, and "theirs"... . The extra weight of the ISB, over the 5. 9 gasser is a force to be reckoned with... I'm goin' with the 9000's all around. .



PS... . Where, and how much is now the ? ... . Any ideas?



Colin

 

[SlyBones]

I have the RS9000's. If I never towed and was always empty, I think I would try the something different. I do like when the trailer is hooked up I can dial up more shock.



If you can afford it I would look for the best ride empty. I hear those new Edelbrocks are really nice. Then use air lift things in the rear for when towing. When empty let the air out and keep the great ride. When towing pump up the back to keep down the bouncing and smooth out the ride.

 

[Bob Wagner]

when funds allow

I'm going to roll the dice and go with Bilstein's