OP
Shock Comparison: Rancho RS5000X vs Skyjacker Black Max vs KYB Monotube
- Thread starter TJim
- Start date
when did Skyjacker hire somebody that actually knew suspensions? lol
dang though. I wouldn't mind my ride being a little softer (even though as I stated in another thread, it seems softer already than most of my buddies rigs). But their length offerings are wonky up front. Who goes to the lengths required for a 12" travel shock in those lengths and then buys a $55 skyjacker product to put there?
So as it stands, the 8525 would eat 2" of my downtravel, and the 8549 would eat .75" of uptravel and add 2" of downtravel I don't need (or want) with my shortarms. Maybe I could do some minor customization of my mounts to effectively shorten the 8549, like getting the bar pin underneath the lower mount, since they mount shaft-down.
The rear lines up pretty well with the RS55256 that I run. A little better even, though 1/4" doesn't really justify pulling the springs to adjust the bumps unless things are already apart. Then again, some BPE's in the rear might keep my current 5" of uptravel and put the extra length on the downtravel instead, which would move me more in favor of 50/50.
dang though. I wouldn't mind my ride being a little softer (even though as I stated in another thread, it seems softer already than most of my buddies rigs). But their length offerings are wonky up front. Who goes to the lengths required for a 12" travel shock in those lengths and then buys a $55 skyjacker product to put there?
| Shock Length | ||
| Comp | Ext | |
| RS55239 | 14.43 | 23.84 |
| RS55255 | 15.8 | 26.53 |
| B8525 | 14.52 | 24.3 |
| B8549 | 16.56 | 28.75 |
So as it stands, the 8525 would eat 2" of my downtravel, and the 8549 would eat .75" of uptravel and add 2" of downtravel I don't need (or want) with my shortarms. Maybe I could do some minor customization of my mounts to effectively shorten the 8549, like getting the bar pin underneath the lower mount, since they mount shaft-down.
The rear lines up pretty well with the RS55256 that I run. A little better even, though 1/4" doesn't really justify pulling the springs to adjust the bumps unless things are already apart. Then again, some BPE's in the rear might keep my current 5" of uptravel and put the extra length on the downtravel instead, which would move me more in favor of 50/50.
| Shock Length | ||
| Comp | Ext | |
| RS55241 | 13.51 | 21.67 |
| RS55256 | 15.01 | 24.67 |
| B8528 | 14.82 | 24.84 |
Is the length of the front shock measured from the bar pin centerline to the top of the can where the bushing washer sits? If so then the lengths are apples to apples with rancho. I learned the hard way that measuring between the shock mounts includes half of the upper bushing which is not included in the published measurements.
This is all very helpful, and it’s fun to see the reviews of the skyjackers coming in. I’m eager to hear how they feel on washboard roads.
Also, I’m surprised by the wistful references to stock suspension. I ran stock until just recently, so now I’m wondering if maybe I already had it as good as I ever will, in terms of ride comfort?
Also, I’m surprised by the wistful references to stock suspension. I ran stock until just recently, so now I’m wondering if maybe I already had it as good as I ever will, in terms of ride comfort?
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
If you want to spend lots of money, you can have great handling shocks. But, I think this will work good for budget minded folks.
Just got back from my first drive with my KYB mono max shocks. First, a disclaimer. They are too long for my application. But aside from that, I took them for a short drive around town. They are drastically different than the Ranchos. With the ranchos, the rear end didn't seem to be following the front end. I couldn't predict what the Jeep was doing and it was very unsettling. The tail was wagging the dog, so to speak. The KYBs have eliminated that issue. The Jeep feels predicable again. To me that was the worst thing about the ranchos, so I'm happy that it's fixed.
These shocks are stiff though. Hopefully they loosen up a little. They felt bouncy in the driver's seat. Not uncontrolled, like the springs were overpowering, but more like the compression stroke has too much valving. It could be too little valving... I'm trying to learn how to speak shock tuner.
Dynamically, they are pretty good. High speed corners feel good, RR crossing pass with a solid thump, thump without causing the chassis to do a house of pain impersonation (jump around, anyone?), Braking doesn't cause a big nose dive, etc.
At this point, I'm going to change my springs and reset bump stops to give these a fair shake. I have a set of spring sitting here that are reported to give a 3.5-4 inch lift height. I think they'll be about a perfect combination with these shocks, so I'll give it a go. The bounciness I felt could be the Jeep hitting the jounce bumpers...I should probably install some zip ties next time I drive it. It reminded me of those fast and furious cars that are slammed to the weeds and they bounce when they go over speed bumps. I'm sure it's not that drastic, but that's just what popped into my head while driving.
These shocks are stiff though. Hopefully they loosen up a little. They felt bouncy in the driver's seat. Not uncontrolled, like the springs were overpowering, but more like the compression stroke has too much valving. It could be too little valving... I'm trying to learn how to speak shock tuner.
Dynamically, they are pretty good. High speed corners feel good, RR crossing pass with a solid thump, thump without causing the chassis to do a house of pain impersonation (jump around, anyone?), Braking doesn't cause a big nose dive, etc.
At this point, I'm going to change my springs and reset bump stops to give these a fair shake. I have a set of spring sitting here that are reported to give a 3.5-4 inch lift height. I think they'll be about a perfect combination with these shocks, so I'll give it a go. The bounciness I felt could be the Jeep hitting the jounce bumpers...I should probably install some zip ties next time I drive it. It reminded me of those fast and furious cars that are slammed to the weeds and they bounce when they go over speed bumps. I'm sure it's not that drastic, but that's just what popped into my head while driving.
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There isn't much out there that really fits a 3" lift. I've been looking, and looking, and looking, lol
Yep, it's the red headed step child of lifts. I've been using that description way too much lately, lol!
OP
So, I think I am going to go just with the longer Ranchos. Skyjacker BlackMax availability is not great in my area, and KYB MonoMax are not a good fit for my ride height, so that leave Ranchos as the only choice for my budget/use. Unless anyone has any other alternative to suggest. I will pull the trigger tomorrow.
Thanks everyone for documenting their experience with those shocks. I bet it will be useful for many members.
Thanks everyone for documenting their experience with those shocks. I bet it will be useful for many members.
Ok, that sounds good. And as helping you decide was the main purpose of the thread, I guess we can count this one closed. But, for others who visit it, I wonder if we could have a final summary of our findings. I'm a little behind on the thread, but I think we've learned that BlackMax shocks are softer than Ranchos, and offer 180° options for mounting. And KYBs are a bit stiffer than Ranchos?
EDIT: Whatever the moral of the story is, maybe the original post could actually be updated with a "spoiler alert", so that others don't scroll through all these comments to get the insights.
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This was exactly my experience. I literally spent hours researching shock options, including bar pin eliminator combinations. What I discovered was building a capable Jeep, with maximum shock travel, is very difficult in the 2 - 3 inch lift range. Much more difficult than when you hit the 4+ range. This is due to limited shock choices, because the springs put ride height lower. It's obvious once you try to do, but not so much when you start down this path. Overall, it was a very good learning experience!
This is basically what I've done. KYB's in the front and Rancho in the rear. I have a pair of Shyjacker's ordered to try on the rear that should be here any day. Pretty happy for the time being with the current setup though.
Installed longer springs this weekend. No real difference. I'm using about 2" of travel up front and about an inch and a half in the rear, according to zip ties. I only have about a hundred miles on them, so I'll give em another half tank of fuel to break in... They are better than the Ranchos. Pretty stiff in compression though.
Also, the new springs make my tires look small...I wonder what I should do about that?
Also, @Irun or @MountaineerTom, how are those black max shocks working out? Got any travel reports?
Also, the new springs make my tires look small...I wonder what I should do about that?
Also, @Irun or @MountaineerTom, how are those black max shocks working out? Got any travel reports?
Thanks for this update. Although you may have said it in an earlier post, could you remind us what you were hoping for, so that we know what you mean when you say you like them better than Ranchos, even though they are still pretty stiff in compression?
And yes, I'm eager to hear more about the Black Max results.
It is above, but basically, the ride is still rough, but the KYBs have much more control than the ranchos. With the ranchos, the rear end felt like it had a mind of it's own. It was disconcerting, plus they were stiff and didn't handle that well. The Jeep felt unstable in corners, esp a decreasing radius curve. That is all fixed with the KYBs. They handle well, the rear feels planted, it's doing what I expect it to do. They don't absorb bigger bumps though, but they are stiff in a different way than bilsteins are stiff. They aren't jittery... But they lift the body on bumps. They don't react quickly enough when the payment raises, so the whole Jeep lifts up.
I think that means the high speed compression is more stiff than I like, but I'm still a newb at this stuff. Again, I'm hoping they loosen up with a few more miles on them. I don't know how reasonable an expectation that is though.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I'm still liking them but I've still only driven with them on road though. But, Wednesday I'm taking the Jeep to the trails at Uwharrie National Forest, so I'll get to see how well they do there.