Ranchos

[VBVA]

Just installed my Rancho 5000s last night. I know what you are thinking, "Why didn't Brian get the 9000s?" I'll tell you why. Money and time spent off-road. Here on the eastern east coast (VB, VA), we don't see much more than mud or sand. No extreme rocks to contend with. So, I opted for the 5000s. Here's my story. Got them installed ok. Didn't take to long and not to difficult to make them work. The alignment on the other hand was long and arduous. I had to get it aligned, my truck was pulling hard right. So I thought, no better time than to do it right after a shock install. Went up to the Sears auto-center and they took me right away. Let me remind you, this was at 7 o'clock, they close at 9. I was there ti'l freaking 9:30 just getting my damn front end aligned!!! The tech was adjusting the bushings and the tie rods. When it wouldn't straighten out (the toe especially) he resorted to pulling and banging on my tie rods. It still wouldn't come into specs and he said that was the closest it was going to get. I told him it was ok and took off. I was expecting my truck to pull harder than originally, but it ws ok. still pulls to the right some, and I expect it to get worse over time and after hard usage, but at the moment it is ok. As for the shocks, I am very pleased. Rancho makes an excellent stiff shock and the warranty is very appealling. Thanks goes out to all on the board who gave prior information that aided my decision. Happy Trails!

 

[96ExplorerV8]

Hi there. I'm interested in getting the Rancho 5000's myself. Could you describe in more detail about the "firm ride"? Is it firm and harsh as in a sports car or...? Is it less comfortable than stock? I was hoping they were more comfortable since I heard one of the damping rates were lower.

Hmm, if these shocks are more appropriate for off-roading, I might just get the Monroe Reflex's then.

What's the warranty on these, by the way? And could you tell me the vendor and the prices you got for them? Thanks a lot. Bye.

 

[Fantasymon]

Hey thats why I'm saying go with the 9000. The 5000's are for a lot of offroad use. But just get the 9000's and put them on the firmest setting and your good to go.
(Well thats what I was told)
I'm having them put on on Wednesday.
I hear the Monroes are good too.

Grant

 

[96ExplorerV8]

Hi, Grant. Please do us a favor and please post a review of them. I think that you'd give us a comprehensive "feel" for the 9000's. I guess I'll give a few more days to see what some people like. I'll gauge your information quite a bit since you and I have similar driving patterns: most, if not all on-road traveling. Thanks. Looking forward to then. Later.

 

[VBVA]

The 5000's definitely made my X ride rougher, but thats my preference. I have been driving pickups too long and have grown accustomed to a rough ride. Although, the ride isn't unbareable, but the shocks were designed for off-road use. You may like a solid ride all the time or the ability to change ride quality, its all your preference.