I understand where you are coming from as well.
This has been mentioned before. . . Rancho Shocks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
From: Colorado foot hills
I had Bilsteins on my '00 and they just lasted forever! Had nearly 200k on the truck when I swapped and the shocks were still keeping the tires on the pavement!
Regardless, this thing needs some new dampeners!
jammer
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 64
Has anyone seen proof that the factory "Rancho's" are not the same as the aftermarket?
Far as I'm concerned, if I feel the need to replace my shocks on a new truck to what I think is a better product, it most likely will not be the same brand.
As mentioned above, if Rancho does have a made to spec shock that is being supplied to Ford - then that is a mistake.
But to the 10's of thousands of people who buy these trucks and never look on a forum it might be a cost effective balance to all the bad ink that is here on the many truck forums.
Far as I'm concerned, if I feel the need to replace my shocks on a new truck to what I think is a better product, it most likely will not be the same brand.
As mentioned above, if Rancho does have a made to spec shock that is being supplied to Ford - then that is a mistake.
But to the 10's of thousands of people who buy these trucks and never look on a forum it might be a cost effective balance to all the bad ink that is here on the many truck forums.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
I agree with Porthole, if they cant make OEM good, why would I think their aftermarket would be good? I had put Billsteins on my '07 and the difference was significant. It really eliminates that bouncing after the bump, and gives you confidence your tires are on the ground. I have 6k on my '11 and they feel shot already.
BTW product suppliers...some of us buy these trucks to look good too. Paint that rusts after 6 months like mine is not a confidence builder in your product.
BTW product suppliers...some of us buy these trucks to look good too. Paint that rusts after 6 months like mine is not a confidence builder in your product.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Since someone from Rancho is monitoring our response to their OEM product and suggesting we upgrade, can I ask "What is your product testing for the 9000s? Do you expose them to use and the elements and can you show pictures of paint holding up any better than the OEM you supply?" Someone put Ranchos on my 2000 before I got it. They looked near new when I bought the truck, but were rusty brown after two years. Not sure if they were 9000s. Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Good luck finding any Rancho shock more than 2 years old that isn't rusty. They aren't very generous with the low cost paint that they use on their product especially around the bottom weld. The weld not holding paint is likely a lack of proper prep on the weld itself.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 28
From: Hot Springs
Someone should do a comparison test,cut them down the middle and lets take a look at the inside compared to the stock 4X shocks. I myself have always ordered the FX4 pkg for the other options it carries other than the shocks.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I take a different route. Make them warranty them. That is how you get there attention. Like you said they are junk! Especially for what we paid for these trucks. But it takes some time dealing with the dealer. Why would Ford put a better shock on them if we pay to replace them? I am going to a least try to get a replacement set out of them, before I spend my money to put a truely worthy shock on the truck. Thoughts?
Tim
Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
I take a different route. Make them warranty them. That is how you get there attention. Like you said they are junk! Especially for what we paid for these trucks. But it takes some time dealing with the dealer. Why would Ford put a better shock on them if we pay to replace them? I am going to a least try to get a replacement set out of them, before I spend my money to put a truely worthy shock on the truck. Thoughts?
Tim
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I wish but we know it will be more junk, but it might make them think twice if enough people get replacement shocks. I know its a long shot but something has to wake them up. This has been a pet pev of mine, right there along with the tires they put on these trucks.
Tim
Tim
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
You mean drive it off the lot, worn and torn? Even Ford replaced them with the factory ones, we would still be where we are in 5k miles. They just are not very good shocks from day one. For those of you that have upgraded, you know what I mean.