Lots of questions lately! LOL!

I have been looking into upgrading the suspension on my 98 Sport.. I travel daily to town in it and want to keep it in as pristine shape as possible since i got it with such low miles. The first leg of my drive is 30 miles of windy dirt roads with washboards, while the second leg is 30 miles of smooth highway.

These dirt roads can wreak havoc on all sorts of parts on vehicles. I have noticed the better the ride, the less parts are shaken to death! LOL!

I have been looking at some Rancho RS5000 series shocks and the Rancho RS9000XL shocks.

Which shock would be best for smoothing out very rough rides across abrasive terrain like washboards, ruts, and wash outs, while keeping some function on the pavement? I want to ensure that the Sport stays intact with best control ability!

Anyone here experimented with some performance shocks on theirs?

 

I had RS5000s on my 1999 4door XLT and they were ok, but not "soft". They definitely firmed up the ride. If you're dead set on Rancho, then I'd look at the 9000s strictly because of their adjustability.

If you're not dead set on the Ranchos, then I would suggest the Monroe options. I replaced my 5000s with a set of Sensatracs and was very pleased with the ride.

 

FWIW,
We run Monroe Sensatracs on all our vehicles (Dive Rescue), they see severe service (equipment weight, Very rough roads taken at speed).

We have over the yrs worn out several sets which warranty has replaced. Tire wear has been reduced using the Sensatrac and internal bead ballancing.... Philip

 

I have used Sensatracs multiple times before, as well as other shocks. All I can say is they are total bottom feeder crap. They are short lived, lack sufficient damping strength, especially on heavier vehicles. I do drive on washboard roads at occasionally. The shocks work great for the first week or so.

There is a reason that the Monroe brand is one of the cheapest choices out there, if you look at how they are constructed inside, everything about them is cheap. Cheap rubber, they even leave the weld seam from the tube forming process on the inside, can you imagine what that does to the seals?

I have run KYB shocks. If you want a new factory type ride, use the GR2 line. If you want a stiffer heavier duty ride, go with the Gas-A-Just or the Monomax. I have used both shocks, they just blow the Sensatracs away from both a functional standpoint (they just work better) and a longevity standpoint (I ran one set for 90,000 miles and had the opportunity to compare the ride to the same vehicle with newer KYBs, they rode the same). Bilsteins are a good choice, and Ranchos would work very well. Shocks with external reservoirs will be better.

If anyone disagrees with my assessment that Monroe shocks are bottom of the barrel, name a worse brand.

 

Interesting feedback from everyone! I really appreciate it! Choosing the set that will work in longevity and function is always a trick! Trying to find what would do best is not an easy choice!