So apparently the shocks decided to go all at the same time. So after doing some research and asking around at work, I've decided that I'm going to go with Rancho RS5000 Series shocks as replacements. My decision is based on reviews and price. I am moving out of state to go back to college so money is tight but I didn't want to skimp out and just get the AZ special and have to replace them in a year or less. So anyways my question is that I plan on doing a small lift on my truck within the next year, probably next summer, 2" blocks in the front and removing the factory rear blocks and putting in 4" blocks in the rear giving me a 2" lift all around over factory height while still keeping the stance. I do some hauling and towing but nothing over the top. I do some off roading but again nothing over the top. So back to my question, a guy at work suggested getting shocks for a bigger lift then what I plan on adding by an inch that way the shock will never over extend or reach its max extension. Would that be ok? Would that work with factory ride height until I get the lift? I thought the shocks might bottom out being as the truck won't sit as high it would mostly rest in a more compressed state rather then normal extension.
So which should I go with? The Ranchos that are for 0"-2" lift or "2 1/2-4" lift? Also anyone's opinions on the Rancho RS5000 Series would be nice, how long they last, did they rust after a few months, how was the ride quality, handeling, towing/hauling, etc.
Sorry it's a long post and thanks for your help!

 

I put RS5000's on the front on my 250, stock height.

I can't complain, I bought them on Amazon with free delivery, was about $100 CDN for a pair to my door.

I can't help with the lift bit, but I am in salt/snow country and there is minor rusting on them after 9 months, but I made no effort to protect them.

I removed older Rancho shocks and they had some paint on them.

 

Thanks for the info. I've decided to get them just wanted others opinions and experiances on them. I found them on Amazon for $50 a piece, free shipping, plus a rebate. Just wasn't sure about the lift thing. Again thanks for your help.

 

Check out auto anything. I just bought a set of bistein 5100's through 4 wheel parts on eBay for $280. While shopping however, I came across the ranchos you mentioned on auto anything for $50 a piece plus 10%off and free fedex shipping.

 

I don't know when they do it but I think that Rancho does a buy 3 get 1 free deal every year. I bought a pair of Rancho RS9000XL shocks for my stock height 2003 F-250 4x4 and love them. I don't know the valving on the model you are looking at (how stiff they are), but I am very happy with the construction and performance of mine.

 

I'll have to check that out. I'm waiting till Wednesday when I get paid again so I don't completely deminish my monopoly money (that's what I call my extra money to play with). I had thought about the blistens but after reading more negative reviews then the Ranchos I decided to go with them, plus they are cheaper.

I know right now Ranchos promo is you get x amount back depending on which shocks you buy, for the RS5000 series you get like $56 back. So it basically is buy 3 get one free...

 

DO NOT PUT BLOCKS IN THE FRONT! DO IT RIGHT OR DON'T DO IT AT ALL.

 

By 2 inch block are you referring to a standard leveling kit?

 

Rust is the only reason I went with the stainless Bilsteins. White Ranchos will be brown within a couple of years here. If you live in Phoenix then its just a preference of one brand vs the other. Why not call their tech line and ask about the lift. You could be ok with the 2" lift?

 

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