Upgrading Shocks RS9000X

[GSaltzman]

I found these at Sam's 4x4 store on the internet for $218. 95 for four. Seems to be a good price. Are these shocks the way to go? I don't do alot of offroading on trails but my truck works on the farm and see's some towing. I just want to upgrade to a better shock. Thanks!

 

[y-knot]

Truth is most never go out road with there trucks, 4x4 or not. But good shocks are not just for off road's, there main benefit is there on road handling. Our trucks are heavy and high, this makes for alot of body roll, and handling issues. The better shocks provide a much better ride, they allow the trucks suspension to go through it's normal movement but dampen and control that movement. From pot holes to highway ride, the shocks are responsible for ride comfort and suspension control. I think Dodge has always come out with crap shocks, at least that has been my experience. Ford and Chevy on the other hand have been offering name brand aftermarket shocks for their trucks as an option, Ford has Rancho and Chevy has had Bilstien for years.

I have run many brands, the Rancho's have never lasted. Mine were RS 5000's, and leaked, you may have better luck with their RSX or 9000? I changed to the Bilstien OEM replacement shocks and loved them, they handled great and gave plenty of control. Down side is they are a little bit rougher (Firmer) ride. Now I run the twin 5150 cross over reservoir Bilstien shocks, they believe it or not ride smoother, then the single shock. I got them valved pretty soft.

You should look around for both style, brand and price. Go with what ever brand you feel comfortable with, and shop for the best price. Right now Rancho has a Factory sale that gives you 4 shocks for the price of 3, this might make a difference for you?



Good luck

 

[Jim McCarty]

I had Rancho 9000s on my '96 2wd and they didn't last and were worn out early. Put on my old Bilsteins off of my '95 v10 with 50,000 plus miles on them and the '96 is like a new truck now. More controlled ride, quieter, just tighter but not harsh. I think you'll love 'em if you get 'em. Jim

 

[GTani]

I argee,the Bilsteins are the way to go. I put 9000's on my Ford and they didn't last. KYB's are not a bad shock either.

 

[DE Jeeper]

FYI the Rancho's, if you go with them, are buy 3 get the 4th free from any retailer until 4/30.

 

[Bill Stockard]

The big advantage of the Ranchos 9000s is the adjustability to the load in the truck bed. I had them on my '00 3500 dually hauling a big Lance camper and they worked great. I could adjust them for the loaded condition or for running empty. I'm still waiting for them to become available for the 2-wheel drive 3rd gens... maybe someday.



Bill

 

[daytripper63]

Bilsteins

 

[Red Ramrod]

I have the Rancho RS9000 with In-Cab controls. Great set-up if you vary your loads alot. I have a 5600lb slide-in camper so am changing shocks settings alot. Unloaded I set the Ranchos on 4 in the front and 2 in the rear. Eliminated the surging I used to get in the expansion joints of the highway. With the camper I set them on 9 and 9 - rides awesome. On my last truck I had 75000 miles on my Rancho RS9000's and never had any problems. They were still acting like new when I sold the truck. Most guys with heavy slide-in campers use them.



The Bilstiens are probably a better shock if you do not need (or would not use) the adjustibility.

 

[wyosteve]

My . 02. On my 01 I initially installed Rancho 9000's all around. The front ones died an early death, but the rears continued to work fine until I traded the truck. Installed Bilstein's up front when the Rancho's died. I would go with Rancho's on the rear for adjustability and because I think the lighter load most of the time compared to the heavy front end will allow them to do the job for a longer period. Then I'd go with Bilsteins up front all the time.

 

[InThinAir]

Wyosteve that is a great idea. I have Rancho 9000 on my 01 and never adjust the fronts.



But as far as durability of the 9000s. I had them on my 96, put them on when the stockers died at 50k, traded it in on the 03 with the same shocks at 190k. Still drove like new. My 01 has about 35k on the 9000s and they work great. I have a slide in camper and a 3 horse trailer. I turn up the backs all the way, goes to 5 on the older versions, and really helps with the sway. I also have Firestone bags to level it out which make the sway worse but the Ranchos stablilize it quite alot.



I might try the bilsteins on the 03.



---Doug

 

[CumminsBu]

HOW ABOUT AN AIR RIDE SYSTEM? FRIENDS TRUCKS HAVE HAD THEM AND THEY FEEL LIKE THE TRUCK RIDES ON AIR.