Opinions wanted on Rancho Shocks: RSX vs RS9000x

[V8BoatBuilder]

I want to purchase some Rancho Shocks for my 97 AWD mountaineer - It's strock height right now but will soon get a 1.5" TT/Shackle Lift.

1) From searching, i hear it is best to stay with the original shock length. Correct?

2) What rancho #s should I buy for the front/rear

3) Is it worth spending the extra hundred dollars upgrading the front shocks to adjustible 9000s, or should I just do RSXs all around?

4) If you have Rancho 9000s - how often do you adjust them?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[410Fortune]

It is worth every penny.
There is a HUGE difference between setting 9 and 1

I keep them on 5.

9 is too stiff even for towing
1 is awesome off road

I adjust them anytime I go fromt daily driving, to off road, or from daily driving to towing.

It is so easy it takes like 2 minutes total, takes longer to disco the sway bars.......


The shocks made a HUGE improvement in the handling/ride of my truck

I would definatley consider the extra $$$ for the adjustable, it allows you to "dial" in your ride and it makes all the difference in the world............if you use it right........

 

[Alec]

I have 9000s up front and love them. You'll have to get stock length for the front. For the rear, you can get ones that are longer if you want.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Well I went ahead and placed the order for my shocks today, I decided on Rancho 9000Xs for all four corners.

Front: RS99229: Stock Length
Rear: RS99185: Stock Length

I ordered them from Summit Racing, for a total of 250
for all four. They are selling both the RSXs and the 5000s for 37 bucks - i felt it was worth it to get the 9000s for all corners, since I tow and haul a lot.

I may upgrade to the in-cab control - if i can find it cheap enough on eBay.

If they get to my place by friday, I'll install them this weekend. The truck needs shocks SO BAD!

-Aaron

 

[410Fortune]

SKIP THE IN CAB CONTROLLer, the air lines just get in teh way and it is just not worth it unless you are driving a Superduty that tows frequently...........

for the amount of times you will be adjusting them its not worth it.......just more clutter and more that can go wrong.......

 

[Alec]

Originally posted by 410Fortune
SKIP THE IN CAB CONTROLLer, the air lines just get in teh way and it is just not worth it unless you are driving a Superduty that tows frequently...........

for the amount of times you will be adjusting them its not worth it.......just more clutter and more that can go wrong.......

I agree, no need for the controller as long as you mount the shocks with the knobs easy to get to.

 

[Fhantazm]

Quick question on the Ranchos, while we are on the subject.

I, too, need shock and was looking at the Rancho line. I was thinking of doing 5000's all the way around. I dont do ANY towing, and will be doing light-medium duty four wheeling. Will these be acceptible? I had them on my 78 blazer, and they did wonderfully.

 

[Alec]

I hear the 5000s are good, but there is nothing like being able to tune your shocks for best ride and performance.

 

[Fhantazm]

Originally posted by Alec
I hear the 5000s are good, but there is nothing like being able to tune your shocks for best ride and performance.

Roger that! Its gonna be a month or so before i put new shocks on, so mabye ill look into the 9000's. Thanks for the opinion.

 

[Alec]

I absolutely recommend 9000s on the front cause that's where your ride and handling matters most. However, if you're thinking about running without a rear swaybar 9000s in the rear would compensate for that.