How do you guys like these? Are there really noticeable differences in the different setting? How do the adjustment ***** do in the salt and snow? Thinking about going with these plus they have $100 rebate when you buy 4 right now. Are they worth the money, I snowplow in the winter so it would be nicer to run a little stiffer in the winter. Also looking into the my ride wireless system. Just wondering if I could just get the parts to make this work and add it to my exsiting compressor get it a little cheaper instead of getting the whole system. Probably not but worth a shot.

 

So your talking air-shocks? I thougt, all shocks do is prevent the springs from contious bounce?? I would appreciate clarification here as my f250 HOP-SHAKES ON REALLY BAD CITY ROADS. Would better shock help this situation???

 

I don't think they are air shocks, I think they have adjustments for the fluid dampening.

 

The Ranch 9000 shocks have a variable valve that changes the softness/firmness of the ride.

The dial does make a difference, but most people dont bother changing them. Find a setting you like and keep it. Unless you get the MyRide system which allows you to adjust them in the cab.

 

I know there are guys with these, where are you guys at??

 

I'm on my second set. The first set I had on the 250 for about 6/7 years. Had an adjustment **** freeze up on 1 shock, but think that had something to do with the de-icer they put on the roads here in the NW. Maybe should have rinsed them off once in a while, I don't know.
I now have them on the 350 and they (and the other set) work great for my application. I have a slide in camper and adjust the shocks to a stiffer setting, 8 or 9,when loaded. Run at 2 when I'm not. The difference in the ride is like night and day. There is no bucking and bouncing like I had with stock. I don't have the in cab controller, but thinking I might get that later. Can't tell you or not if you can get the parts to make your own.
All in all, even with the 1 **** going bad on me, I still would recommend them.

 

I had a set on both my 03 and 04 Excursions and really liked them. They were the last shock on both Ex's... over 100k miles when I traded them in...

Depending on the load, I set them either @ 2 or 9 - and there IS a difference !

IIRC, I got them for about $80 per shock after rebates, etc... but can't help you with salty conditions as very little of that done in da sowth where I frequent

still learning this 12 f250 and so far have only done the roadmaster active suspension (ras) and about to do the mbrp filter back exhaust...

 

Sounds like so far everybody has positive reviews. Another question, I have leveling shackles on the front, should I get shock for stock ride height or get the ones that are for a leveling kit? I don't do any offloading, just plowing in the winter. What are your guys thoughts?

 

Anybody have any thoughts on the length of the shocks question?

 

If all you have is leveling kit with no lift stock shocks will work fine. I have the ranchos and once I found the setting I like I leave it alone. I also put 6000# springs and a 1" spacer. As for salt...its like anything exposed to the elements...you need to spray something on them once in a while. I use chain lube 2x a year and they work just fine.

 

I just installed some for my rears about a month ago. You can definitely tell the difference when you change the adjustment. So far they ride well for me on setting 4 and the **** has no problems turning. Of course, that's only about 4 weeks in.

As far as leveling and whatnot. Rancho has a shock selection guide on their website that allows you to select a lift height. Check it out here:

Rancho Suspension: Shocks » RS9000XL™

 

With a level you will be okay with stock height. Once you get 2.5" or more of lift is when they start offering different lengths.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I am hoping to order these tomorrow at work. My truck have been riding like major crap lately. That's what happens when you buy cheap Monroe's I guess, these are 5 yrs old right now.

 

You are going to like them. I have been very happy with mine. I haven't had any issues with the adjustment ***** in MN. The only issue I have had is that I had to modify my B&W hitch a little to clear the larger shock.

 

Replaced my crappy factory shocks with a set of 9000's, much better ride. I have the fronts set to 6 and the rears at 3 when empty, both get bumped up a notch or 2 depending on what I'm towing.

Word of advice, get a bottle of PB blaster at your local auto parts store and hit the bolts a couple hours (or repeatedly every few hours if they're really bad) beforehand. My truck had 10k when I replaced them, the front drivers side took just as long without PB as all 3 other shocks did with it. When all was done, I soaked 'em in Fluid Film to keep the winter elements out.