RS9000's have a set but got a Question.

[Kyle K.]

Hey all, i know suspensions and i understand shock absorber science but i have a question about my RS9000's . All the shocks i have installed and seen new have a cord holding them at mid length. when cut they spring out to full extension. My brand new RS9000's have no cord and came fully compressed i can pull them all the way out and push them all the way back in by hand, granted takes more work on five than on one. What it is about the valve design that negates the necessity for a cord, and the sprining out? any help would be appreciated.

dodger

 

[S.Matsushige]

Kyle-I have a set of Rancho RS5000s on my '91XLT. They are the same way. When taking the OEM ones off, they expanded. I think this is what makes the Ranchos different from the OEM shocks. They dampen the suspensions movement letting the springs carry the load. I think if the shocks expanded when compressed, you would get that rocking motion that the OEM shocks had because each time the shock were compressed it wants to expand back to its setting. I think you made a good choice in shocks because of the adjustability. I'm thinking of going to the 9000s as well. I was sold on their performance when I rode with two of my friends which have them along with the in cab adjustment. Hope this helps.

 

[Kyle K.]

okay, i get ya on that i wasn't sure about other better quality aftermarket shocks, the RS1000's do have the cord and spring out . i guess it's only the higher performance shocks. i weighed all my options when considering my modifications and decided that since i had a second vehicle to drive to work a little $600 rice burner, that i should save myself the extra money and work and do it all correct and big the first time around instead of going small and then having to take it off sell it and then go bigger. i decided on a custom 1" bodylift, and a custom 6.5" susp lift. national coils, superlift drop brackets, custom radius arm extensions and a spring over in the rear. the rancho 9000's were reall the only affordable choice. i got the longest ones they make the 9012 at all four corners, it will still take some fab work to get those in there and not limit the suspension travel. i am hoping to travel about like Gloria Zimmermans 93 eddie bauer. she gets about 20" at each corner. the shocks only travel about 13-14", but you're right they are a good shock and i will get the in cab controll when i buy the last few pieces to finish the lift.

anyone else have any info on the valve release lack of tension ont the high end ranchos?

dodger

 

[SteveVB]

The answer is gas. The RS 9000s are not gas charged like the stock shocks and others. The gas pressure "preloads" the oil in the shock and causes the piston to extend the rod. That is the big difference between the RS 9000 and the most all others, you trade the gas features for the adjustability. The shocks are strapped to keep them short for shipping/storage.

Steve
91 Navajo w/Rancho 2.5" + RS9000s

 

[Extreme4x4]

If you do not have the travel, you will limit your suspension with those long shocks. Shocks do not need to travel the same as the suspension because they are inboard of the tire, thus are at a lesser angle of travel than the outside edge (the tire). For the rear I only use 9010's. The reason is that we moved the lower shock mount up (to get it out of harms way, and angled the shock severely. This gives it more available trave. However, it also reduced its damping ability. This is why I am going to get the second set for the rear. The mounts were designed with duals in mind. Yes, this is Gloria.

 

[Kyle K.]

Hey GLORIA great to see you on again!!!! have you straightened (read... killed ) your insurance agent or did you get him to pay up on the truck wreck? Do you have it put back together yet? Yeah i know they don't have to travel 20" beause of the location. i have a few ideas about mounting so i can keep the 9012 at all four corners. once i have the whole suspension finised i am going to run it up a ramp to gauge forced travel then locate shock mounts. anyway i thought maybe it was a gas pressure thing but wasn't sure, i appreciate the confirmation. in your experience do you think i need duals up front or will one be enough? i haven't decided on how to mount up front but if i need two i will have to use a hoop, maybe .... till i get it together i'm a little wishy washy. THanx again.

dodger

 

[Extreme4x4]

No Kyle, the insurance has never paid, am still in lawsuit. I almost have the truck back together. Has been a slow and pricey project. The trans had a lot more damage than what we thought. The main shaft was bent, and the forward planetary cage was exploded. As far as your shocks go, yes I would recommend duals on the front. Even with the stock Superlift kit, we were killing shocks fast. Nice to see you too. Dead Link Removed)