Rancho shocks are toast, replace with ???

[CaliCruiser]

Hey guys,

I started messing around with my rear shock mounts today and when I pulled the Rancho 9000s, they didn't even have enough power to extend out. They are just under 2 years old. I am thinking of replacing with Bilstein 5125 (255/70 valving), what do you think? My cruiser is SOA with 3/4 ton chevy springs in the rear. I guess this is part of the reason my 60 felt loose in the back. . . Is this normal to replace shocks after 2 years, because I called Rancho and they said they could not explain it. Of course I am leaving for a trip on monday too

Dylan

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

old man emu

 

[PhilC64]

Try Kurt and see if he can overnight you at set of OME's.

 

[CaliCruiser]

I don't think OME have the kind of travel I need for SOA.

Dylan

 

[FZJ80ismybaby]

did you look to see if skyjacker had some, they do that kind of stuff...stupid american made pos'

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Aren't the 9000's adjustables? Are they maxed out on the firm setting? John

 

[CaliCruiser]

Ya they are maxed out and I can compress them with one finger. The weird thing is that they take a lot force to pull them back out. I am puzzled. . . .

 

[inkpot]

Ya they are maxed out and I can compress them with one finger. The weird thing is that they take a lot force to pull them back out. I am puzzled. . . .

Yea, that sucks. Probably a month or two out of warranty, huh? Sounds like the valves are fried. John

 

[dslcruzr]

i believe ranchos have a lifetime warranty.

 

[CaliCruiser]

Anyone else like the bilsteins on an SOA rig?

 

[Tvaldriz]

If the Ranchos have a lifetime warranty, get them replaced, otherwise, I'd use Bilsteins.

Marlincrawler sells them for the SOA kits. Not affiliated.

 

[weak-link]

Anyone else like the bilsteins on an SOA rig?

they look good so far thats all I know

 

[alex e]

Old
Man
Emu
!!!!!

 

[CaliCruiser]

Who is running OME on a SOA lift? Everyone keeps saying it, but I can't find any info on the combo.

Dylan

 

[chicago]

Hey D,
Ive been very happy with my Deotsch techs so far.
They are a little on the stiff side (which is why I wanted them to begin with since I nixed the sways), but they function very well over all and theyre not that expensive.
When I was in the market, lots of folks liked the Bilsteins because of their rigidity and as i was to understand....that is precisely what made them a good choice for the SOA'd rigs. The downside was the cost. Other than that, Ive never heard a bad word about the Bilstein's.
Without having the experience, Id say it would be a safe buy going with the Bils, and you know you can get em in variable lengths!

Good luck!

Chicago

 

[60wag]

Were you running the Ranchos upside down? Try them right side up.

I used to run Doestch Tech and liked them.

 

[CaliCruiser]

I had the Ranchos installed properly, tubes down. Sounds like the DT's or Bilsteins are a good choice.
Thanks guys.

Dylan

 

[RredFJ40]

I've heard good things about the DT's and for the price I'd give those a shot before jumping to the Billies

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! I've been running a set of Rough Countrys "upsidedown" for over 20 years. Shocks don't really know which way is up, just compression and extension. If the Ranchos are under warranty, then get them replaced for free, unless you really did not like them. John

 

[boots4]

I've got the exact setup your asking. 5125s (12") on the back with chevy leaves SOA and I like them. No sway bar and they control pretty good. Firm but not jolting. Feels like I good combo to me.