Rancho Shock Reviews: RS5000, RS9000XL, RSX
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.
The Rancho RSX shock is an upgrade from the RS5000. The RSX is unique in that it incorporates an automatic "impact-sensing" reflex valve. This valve automatically opens and closes depending on how quickly or slowly 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 best feature of the RSX is that each shock is specifically engineered for the vehicle upon which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in conjunction with the vehicle's weight. Unfortunately, there is a downside of the RSX shock -- it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and full-size SUVs. Does this mean that the RSX can't handle off-road use? Absolutely not, it is very capable off-road. It just can't handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. Perhaps Rancho will address this in the future.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL has a manual operated valve system. This gives the driver 100% control of the firmness of the shock piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and driving control ranging from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city, and firm for off-road and 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 selecting the best Rancho shocks for your needs, you'll have to consider your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. As expected, RS5000 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 "hard-core" off-road shocks, then I recommend the RS9000XL (and the myRIDE wireless remote)! - 21393
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.
The Rancho RSX shock is an upgrade from the RS5000. The RSX is unique in that it incorporates an automatic "impact-sensing" reflex valve. This valve automatically opens and closes depending on how quickly or slowly 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 best feature of the RSX is that each shock is specifically engineered for the vehicle upon which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in conjunction with the vehicle's weight. Unfortunately, there is a downside of the RSX shock -- it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and full-size SUVs. Does this mean that the RSX can't handle off-road use? Absolutely not, it is very capable off-road. It just can't handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. Perhaps Rancho will address this in the future.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL has a manual operated valve system. This gives the driver 100% control of the firmness of the shock piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and driving control ranging from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city, and firm for off-road and 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 selecting the best Rancho shocks for your needs, you'll have to consider your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. As expected, RS5000 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 "hard-core" off-road shocks, then I recommend the RS9000XL (and the myRIDE wireless remote)! - 21393
About the Author:
Steffen Jameson writes about product reviews and releases for the offroad marketplace. His work covering the Rancho RS999705 has received much praise throughout the offroad community. More information about Rancho's full line of myRIDE parts can be found at MY4BY OFF ROAD, the internet's premiere resource for Rancho and other off-road parts.
posted by X - Men @ 2:20 AM
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