Anyone know which Rancho (or equivalent) shock comes on the FX4 package?

 

You'll probably get alot of negative replies regarding Ford's Rancho shocks. They are quite a bit better than Ford OEM shocks nonetheless, and in the package with the skid plates and steering stabilizer, it is well worth the extra money (it is not much).

I went from a truck with stock OEM to stock Ranch (FX4) and there was a significant difference in handling and off-road performance with the Ford Ranchos, even if they are not superior to the "real" Ranchos.

 

Thats exactly what I'm trying to determine. I am looking at putting 9000X's on my new truck with the in-cab adjuster, but didn't want to 'waste' money if the stock Rancho's were equivalent. Sounds like they aren't and I don't want to lose out on the current buy 3 get one free sale.

Thanks!

 

The Ford OEM Ranchos on my truck have an 18000 series model number (18045 front, 18080 rear), whereas the Rancho RSX shocks are 17000 series. Not sure what that means, but I'm guessiong the OEMs are probably about on par with the Rancho RSX shocks. The 9000Xs should be better than either the OEMs ore the regular RSXs.

 

Do the Ranchos on your truck say Ford or Rancho? Mine look just like the Rancho Shocks I have used in the past. I have an 2005 F350 CC LB Lariat.

 

"Rancho" in red letters.

 

Hey Michael,

I think its the FX4 package that gives you the Rancho's.

I talked to one of the engineers at Rancho last night and it sounds like the 'Ford Rancho's' were a ok basic oem shock. They also said that the 9000x's were a much better shock, so at $40 per shock I don't think I can pass them up ...

 

I tow a 5th wheel trailer and currently have the Ford/Rancho shocks on an 03 350 CC SB FX4 - they started out decent, but after towing last summer (maybe 6 trips maybe 200 each way) they started to let the rear end 'buck'. I think they are toast now. So, I am looking for new shocks - just trying to decide which shocks to invest in. My experience.

 

I've got the 9000X's on my '97, I have a 3500 lb slide in camper and tow a 5000lb boat behind that. I like the fact that I can adjust the shocks from in the cab based on what I'm hauling, I can firm them up when fully loaded and eliminate the bucking, I can get somewhere dump the boat and/or camper and adjust them down for driving around and back up when its time to leave.

I'm trying to figure out where I'll put the in-cab adjuster on the new truck... may just fit in the pull out storeage compartment drivers side, or may put in the glove box ...

 

My truck only has 1500 miles on it but I was thinking about replacing the shocks just to see if there would be an improvment in the ride. NOt that it ride poorly now, actually it rides very well for a 3/4 ton pickup. Did anyone see a substantial improvment in ride quality after changing???

 

YOU can save some money buy just ordering the skid plates and get some good shocks and good after market steering stabilizer, of course you dont get the FX4 DECAL.

 

LOL on the FX4 decal, the Ford Parts Dept. guys will sell you a set , if you can get the old ones off.

Yea I have the FX4 Package, Tow, Camper and whatever else made the sticker price 50K. Th ride is pretty good with the stock Ranchos, but it does bounce pretty good with about 1200-1500 lbs in the bed. At least it tries to bounce the LOAD out of the bed, so I have to make sure it's tied down real good.

I do hate the big mirrors and miss the running lights, though.

 

I've got the FX4 on the new truck, just thinking about replacing the shocks. After talking with Rancho, I'm going to do it, now trying to figure out a good place to mount the in-cab adjuster. It might just fit into the pull out storage box on the drivers side ... or I guess I could mount it in the glove box....

It makes a big difference on my '97, I can adjust the dampening/rebound according to the load I have. Really helps control the 'aftershocks' (rebound) when I have the 3500 lb slide-in on.

You don't like the mirrors? I really like them compare to the '97.