Looking for some aftermarket shocks

[TomCat_Ford]

As some of you might remember, I had a thread a while back on some air shocks that I was considering getting. Now that some of you have changed my mind on those, I am in the market for some new shocks.

Right now, I am planning on purchasing some Rancho RS5000 shocks for the front and rear. JCWhitney has what looks to be a good price on those shocks (a place locally wants more than $20 more per shock!). How many people are using these on their Explorers? Do you like them? Do they come with the dust boots?

Finally, is there a difference shock for a comparable or slightly different price that you would recommend?

Thanks for the help!


-Tomcat

 

[TomCat_Ford]

I have read about the Pro-Comp ES900 shocks. Are those any good?

More info: I drive mostly highway miles, but I will be doing a fair amount of rough two-tracking as well as towing smaller trailers (Sea-Doos and snowmobiles).

EDIT: It looks like Rancho RS5000 shocks will cost $164.95 from 4 wheel online. Pro Comp ES9000's with royal blue boots will set me back another $10 compared to the Rancho shocks. What would the difference between those shocks be? Ranchos have the boots from the factory (but they're not blue... I suppose I'd live).

 

[Paraphoe]

I've got Rancho 9000X adujustables. They've done a good job, no complaints here. I'd recommend Rancho..

 

[aldive]

I've got Rancho 9000X adujustables. They've done a good job, no complaints here. I'd recommend Rancho..

Same here.

I highly recommend Rancho goods.

 

[jims99]

if i go with the rancho rs5000s, will i run into any problems swapping out the rear air ride system for regular shocks? and/or could i take that whole system out . Thanks in advance

 

[V8powerbaby]

Parapoe iv always wanted to know how those adjustables were. Tomcat i have always heard good things about Ranchco and Pro Comp being very good shock.

 

[gijoecam]

I won't put the 5000s on mine. I've currently had a set of RSX's on it for about 60,000 miles. They're shot and have been since they were about 20,000 miles old.

As with all things automotive, you get what you pay for. A $50 shock is a $50 shock. Will it significantly out-perform a $100 shock when it's new? Probably not. Will it be better than the beat-up worn-out ones they replace? Probably. Will they last? Not likely.

-Joe