Rancho Shocks?

[Lacky01]

well, another one of my shocks bit the dust again.
I was driving on a bad gravel road for a while and the bottom bolt on my drivers rear shock fell out. It told me about it by dragging on the road for a couple hundred feet. I took it off and drove it home and it didn't feel like I had a missing shock!!

right now I'm running cheap KYB GR-2s and they dont work for crap.

I'm thinking about shelling out for a pair of Rancho 9000 adjustable up front and Rancho 5000 in the rear. would this be ok to do?

 

[damarble]

I have 5000's in the front and like them. When I have the cash I'll replace my bad factory rears with 5000's too. I've been told Monroe Sensatracs work pretty good in the rear for cheap.

 

[stangman82]

just threw some gabriel air shocks in the back and put them up to about 100 psi. rides 100% better than the worn out stockers (original with 82k on them haha). also cured the dreaded saggy explorer butt

 

[mrboyle]

I've run 5000's on both my Explorers and would recomend them to anyone. One of the best shocks for the money out there. If I had the extra $ (who does these days) I'd be running Bilstien's, but for the price the 5000's can't be beat.

 

[Lacky01]

well, I'm feeling kinda cheap right now.

I've been looking at shockwarehouse.com and I like the pricetag on the Monroe Sensatracs a LOT better! the only thing I'm concerned with is the softer valving.which leads me to my next question:

Lets say I were to put stiffer springs on my vehicle than came from factory. for instance, leaf-packs and torsion bars from a V8 four-door on a OHV Sport (like I did). would I want softer valving than stock, or firmer?

At the moment, it rides like a truck, which is what I expected; a firmer ride. however, it seems REALLY harsh. Railroad tracks and gravel roads are very uncomfortable!

in my mind, I would guess that a really stiff spring would require a soft-valved shock to keep a smooth ride. am I thinking correctly?

 

[damarble]

From what I've seen the Sensatracs are the ticket. Only reason I am getting the Ranchos is they are the same price for me.

My friend with a lifted and armored XJ that weighs about as much as a stock Explorer used the Monroes on the rear and hated them, very stiff. Then he added his load of tools and now raves about the cushy ride.

 

[Lacky01]

Thanks for the replies guys! i'm leanin towards the sensatracks at the moment, but can't make a decision until payday.

until then, lets see if we can't learn me some shock tech!!

All I really know is that its a gas-filled tube that expands/contracts at specific rates to dampen the effects of vibration and "jarring" caused by driving a vehicle.

but my main question is:
On a heavy spring, is a comfortable ride going to be achieved via a soft shcok or a firm shock? and why?


I think I will consult the all knowing "Wiki", BRB!

 

[shockguys]

I have 5000's in the front and like them. When I have the cash I'll replace my bad factory rears with 5000's too. I've been told Monroe Sensatracs work pretty good in the rear for cheap.

I've run 5000's on both my Explorers and would recomend them to anyone. One of the best shocks for the money out there. If I had the extra $ (who does these days) I'd be running Bilstien's, but for the price the 5000's can't be beat.

Both are a decent affordable twin tube shock, but will be softer than the Bilsteins. Additionally the 5000's are basically a rebranded Reflex (which is a new design of the Sensetrac). Monroe manufactures Rancho.

Also remember we offer a 5% discount to forum members and free shipping for orders over $95. I'd be glad to answer any questions.

 

[Lacky01]

cool info!

I've been doing some searching online and can't find the answer.

Am I looking for stiff shocks or soft shocks?

 

[shockguys]

cool info!

I've been doing some searching online and can't find the answer.

Am I looking for stiff shocks or soft shocks?

What do you use your vehicle for? Towing? Off-roading? etc, etc.

 

[rjcooperss396]

From what I've seen the Sensatracs are the ticket. Only reason I am getting the Ranchos is they are the same price for me.

My friend with a lifted and armored XJ that weighs about as much as a stock Explorer used the Monroes on the rear and hated them, very stiff. Then he added his load of tools and now raves about the cushy ride.

I ran a set of the Sensatracs and hated them. They were too soft for me. I change to a set of 5000's and couldn't be happier with them.

 

[LBarr2002]

Rancho is running a deal on the RS9000XL adjustables that with the purchase of 4 you get their wireless MyRide system free as mail in rebate. I just ordered a set for my 2500HD.

 

[shockguys]

Rancho is running a deal on the RS9000XL adjustables that with the purchase of 4 you get their wireless MyRide system free as mail in rebate. I just ordered a set for my 2500HD.

That is correct. Actually it's any combination of any 4 9000XL or Quick Lifts. We carry both. The controller is $180 value.

 

[Lacky01]

my trucks mostly a street queen, daily driver, with a few backwoods trails every few months.

 

[shockguys]

my trucks mostly a street queen, daily driver, with a few backwoods trails every few months.

Then it's really a matter of preference. Here's the results for your vehicle:
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3990&selected_year=1998

Here are some suggestions starting in cheapest in price:

1. Monroe Reflex
2. KYB Monomax GasAdjust
3. Bilstein HD

 

[Lacky01]

just finished installing a pair of Monroe Reflexes in the back.

going from one KYB GR-2 and nothin, to these was a noticeable improvement. for the price (bout 50 ea.) theres no complaints.

I'll probably order another pair for the front in a couple months

 

[UtahX]

I'm running the Rancho 5000s, very nice shocks. I also heard the Pro-Comp ES9000 are very nice and cheaper than the Rancho's.