Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Rancho Shocks Reviewed: RS5000, RS9000XL, RSX

By Steffen Jameson

Rancho shocks are popular upgrades and there are several choices available so it's pretty common to hear customers ask about the difference between the Rancho RS 5000, RS9000XL and RSX shocks. They're all reputable products, yet each is built for different uses and driving experiences. The Rancho RS line of shocks are geared toward the Jeep, truck, and SUV markets especially if the vehicle will be used in off-road conditions.

The entry-level is the Rancho RS5000 shock absorber. The RS5000 is a general-purpose shock. It is most often installed as a factory replacement for vehicles with worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It's also recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The RS5000 was engineered for use ranging from street to mild off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that's often bumpier than what the factory shocks provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street comfort.

An upgrade from the RS5000 is the RSX shock. The uniqueness of this shock is the incorporation of an automatic "impact-sensing" valve that opens and closes depending on how quickly the piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to aggressive off-road.

The greatest aspect of the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle for which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle's weight. The Rancho RSX has a downside in that it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (not at this time, anyway). This isn't to say that the RSX can't handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles.

The RS9000XL is a step up from the RSX. The RS9000XL features a manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver complete control of the softness or firmness of the piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing.

RS9000XL have nine possible settings so a quality ride can be had by even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers). In addition to manual tuning, there is an auxiliary wireless myRIDE remote control unit that allows the shocks to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the vehicle is parked or moving. RS9000XL shocks were designed with modern-day, full-size trucks in mind. In addition to the typical 2-3/8" and 2-1/8" body diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is also available with a 2-3/4" body for select full-size applications.

When choosing the Rancho shocks that are right for you, a couple things you should consider are your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. RS5000 shocks cost the least, RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than that. If you're looking to save money or merely replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000's will work adequately. If you're still on a budget, but want a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the RSX is recommended. If budget is not an issue, or if you want the best shock available without getting into the "extreme" off-road shocks, then the RS9000XL is recommended.

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