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Much depends on what type of front suspension you have, haw much lift, how many leaves etc. I have been satisfied with Rancho rs9000 adjustable shocks on trucks up to 4" lift. However, for trucks with more lift, even at the lowest setting, they are a little stiff. For higher lift applications I use King shocks with remote reservoirs, and very light compression valving, but aggressive rebound. This helps keeps the tire on the ground on the freeway (high speed) bumps. Very expensive for rebuildable racing shocks. If the truck is on 35" or less my vote is th rs9000.
Any of you guys that run Rancho Rs9000 have the in-cab controller? If so, is it worth it? I am in need of replacing my shocks as well, and have been going back and forth between RS5000 and RS9000 w/ in-cab controls. I do a decent amount of off-road (not severe or baja, but off road none the less), and was wondering if the in-cab controls are worth the extra $$. Also...cheapest place to get them?
sofdchief: I have found that much care has to be taken with the lines for the controler. If they become disconnected, it will render the shock semi useless. The controller is more of a "cool" factor, rather than a usefull piece of equipment. Once you have the settings where you like it, you may never touch it again. If you adjust for off road, it only takes a second or two. I usually did this while I aired the tires down. Most people will even leave the setting for on & off road alike.
I have the Bilsteins on mine. With my suspension the softer shocks tend to make my truck way too bouncy on the expansion joins on concrete roads. With the Bilsteins, I have less "Jeep bounce" while driving. Yes they are stiff, but hey my truck weighs 8000 lbs so it's actually a pretty decent ride.
I have the RS9000x's... love 'em. I had Rancho 7000's (front) and 5000's (rear) in my '74 highboy, they lasted 15 years and never had a problem with them.
The RS9000x's, I have the fronts at #5, the rears at #7, and on or off road, they are a dream.
I considered the in-dash controller, but in reality, if I want to change the settings, it's always a good time to get underneath and check for leaks, broken leaves, anything ...
I can change the fronts' settings by crouching by the tire and reaching around back. Easy. The rears are harder, but I hardly ever change them unless I am carrying a lot of weight in the back and I'm going to be on the highway a long time (family trips).
This subject is almost as volatile as diesel vs. gas, so I hope this doesn't turn into a flame-fest
BILSTEIN I have a 2005 F-250 6.0 and also as a hobby i like to rock race. competing in xrra and urock. with our rigs we use the Bilstein Rock Crawler series and my truck Bilstein 5100 series. Great ride
The advantage to any adjustable shock, is the abilit to "dial in" extra control / comfort as loads increase, and decrease. Rancho rs9000 would work, especially here.