You should be able to get them out of there. You might have to compress them a bit to get them out, and you'll have to compress the new ones to get them in, but it shouldn't be too hard. That being said, taking the tire off would make everything a bit easier to get to, but if it were me I'd try with them on first and then take them off if needed.

 

I replaced my OEM shocks with Bilstein 5100's after a year on the originals. I'm one of those who doesn't have a nice garage to work in - did it crawling around under the truck without taking the wheels off. Piece of cake for me. If you have any mechanical ability (sounds like you do) you shouldn't have any trouble. Access is easy, just crank the front wheels left, then right to do the fronts. Rears are super easy.

 

The 9000xls are great! This is the 3rd vehicle I've used them on and completely satisfied. Unloaded on 2 they are very compliant and minimize the freeway expansion joints. Turning them up to 8 or 9 does a great job controlling the trailer when towing. Best of both worlds!

 

Thanks guys. I should be able to do it.

For you guys with the 9000s, do you find you always have to adjust when unloaded vs loaded, or is there a set it and forget it happy medium setting? I like being able to set, but don't want to have to every time. Thinking about a non adjustable, I figure they are set to that happy medium permanently.

 

Just one more thought - I have no experience with the Rancho 9000's and I believe they are probably a great shock but I have seen comments on a number of forums that here in the land of salt and brine the adjustment valve is prone to problems from the crap they put on the roads. Since you are in Cow Hampshire where they still use salt and brine you might want to conmsider that...not my experience so I can't vouch for what I have read, just reporting (repeating).

 

Fair point. I had a set of Rancho RS5000s on an Armada and after 2 years they still looked really good. One of the only aluminum options are the Fox 2.0 performance. Unless there are others I'm not aware of??

Last question from me too (yeah right!), after they are installed, is an alignment necessary? I wouldn't think so, but thought I'd ask.

 

No alignment needed after replacing them.

 

Shouldn't be necessary. Doesn't change the front end geometry unless you are lifting.

The issues with the valve are that the thing seizes up. Could probably be avoided with liberal application of lube.

 

Nice, thanks! I'll give it a but before ordering to let some of the folks with them to comment on your concern about salt, and adjustments. I read something similar on a different shock, vs the 9000s, but can't remember what it was now.

 

I put KYB's on my F350 and couldn't be happier. I have run Bilsteins and Rancho's in the past and think the KYB's are as good if not better and they are cheaper. Check them out on RockAuto.

 

Most people in salt areas just take the adjuster off, pack it with grease and are good. Here in sunny california, Ive never had an issue.

 

When you guys say to pack it with grease, what do you mean, just around the dial or something? I don't have them, so can view when I'd be looking at when I pull the **** off.

 

Not sure when you are doing this, but if it's in the next week or so, I'll be interested to know your thoughts.

I am between the 9000 and fox. Planning on going the 9000 route at the end of the month when I have time to tackle it.

 

Likely within the next couple of weeks. There is a $100 rebate right now on 4 9000s.

 

Yes, you can change them in your driveway. I installed the Rancho 9000's on my truck a couple years ago. All four wheels on the ground. I did remove the spare to make access to the rear shocks easier.
I had a bit of a problem removing the front shocks. The nuts (both sides) on top were rusty and I could only turn a wrench a millimeter or two at a time (very long threads). I ended up using a Dremel tool with cut off wheel to cut the studs off the old shocks. Saved a lot of time and effort.
Be sure to torque the bolts correctly.
I set my shocks to mid range and haven't touched them since. Once you figure out how firm (or soft) you want them, they are pretty much set and forget.