Looking to replace my Fox shocks with Rancho

[parkclay]

I currently have a full set of Fox shocks on my 05. I have a 4 inch lift and 35s. I have been looking at all the shock threads and want to improve ride quality. Based on what has been said here Rancho is the best for ride quality. When I called them to order the correct models I was told the 9000s are better than the 5000s, which everyone here recommends.
My question is: are the 9000s a better shock or are they just trying to up sell me something I don't really need. They are twice the price.
Thanks in advance.
Clay

 

[L J]

I have been looking at all the shock threads and want to improve ride quality.

If you are looking for a bargain shock with good ride quality, the two main contenders I've read about are the Rancho 5000X and the Skyjacker Black MAX. I haven't run either so I can't give you any feedback.

Based on what has been said here Rancho is the best for ride quality.

A tunable shock set up by a competent shock tuner is the best for ride quality.

My question is: are the 9000s a better shock or are they just trying to up sell me something I don't really need?

I had the 9000 and IMO it's a lot of hype with very little "performance". Don't waste your money on them.

 

[parkclay]

If you are looking for a bargain shock with good ride quality, the two main contenders I've read about are the Rancho 5000X and the Skyjacker Black MAX. I haven't run either so I can't give you any feedback.

A tunable shock set up by a competent shock tuner is best for ride quality.

I had the 9000 and IMO it's a lot of hype with very little "performance".

Should I just work with Fox to get the ones I have tuned?

 

[L J]

Should I just work with Fox to get the ones I have tuned?

First, Fox doesn't tune shocks that I'm aware of. You have to have an independent shock tuner do that. Second, it depends on which Fox shocks you have. Not all of them are readily or easily tunable.

 

[imahnu]

Should I just work with Fox to get the ones I have tuned?

To my knowledge the general recommendation is to not tune fox shocks unless you outboard them as well.

For Rancho vs Blackmax's I have experience with both of them and I would tell you the blackmaxs are better IMO but id say they're relatively close enough in ride quality that I'd pick which ever gives the best split in travel.

If you do go with the Rancho's be certain to get the 5000X series and not the 5000

 

[Jerry Bransford]

X2 for the RS5000x recommendation. I much preferred that shock to my current Rancho RS9000xl shocks which don't ride nearly as well even when on their least stiffest #1 setting. Just say no to the older RS5000 which is a stiff-ass riding hydraulic. The newer much better riding RS5000x is gas-charged.

 

[06lj]

I have run both the 5000x's and 9000xl's as well as the Black Max on my Jeep. The Ranchos are both good shocks but feel different. In my experience the 9000xl's ride a little harsher but feel more controlled. If my Jeep was a daily driver I would still be using them. While the adjustability is available once I had them set I never adjusted them again. The 5000x's are decent and compliant. They seem to do everything well but nothing great. For an all around shock they are hard to beat. The Black Max shocks are hydraulic and feel like a hydraulic shock, if that makes sense. They are definitely the softest riding. I currently run the 5000x's on the front and Black Max on the rear of my LJ. I like the Ranchos but neither of the shocks ever felt good on the rear axle.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have run both the 5000's and 9000's as well as the Black Max on my Jeep. The Ranchos are both good shocks but feel different. In my experience the 9000's ride a little harsher but feel more controlled. If my Jeep was a daily driver I would still be using them. While the adjustability is available once I had them set I never adjusted them again. The 5000's are decent and compliant. They seem to do everything well but nothing great. For an all around shock they are hard to beat. The Black Max shocks are hydraulic and feel like a hydraulic shock, if that makes sense. They are definitely the softest riding. I currently run the 5000's on the front and Black Max on the rear of my LJ. I like the Ranchos but neither of the shocks ever felt good on the rear axle.

5000 or 5000x? There's a big difference between them.

 

[TRE3TOP]

I recently just ditched my fox IFP shocks for the skyjacker black max. I’ve only replace the rear so far I haven’t done the fronts yet but they are noticeably more compliant.

 

[jjvw]

To my knowledge the general recommendation is to not tune fox shocks unless you outboard them as well.
...

The reason to outboard is to get a longer travel shock fitted properly.

If the set he already has are easily tunable and he can find someone to do it, and who can do it well, then he should go that route.

 

[06lj]

5000 or 5000x? There's a big difference between them.

Apologies. I was referring to the 5000x shocks. I have corrected my post.

 

[hosejockey61]

I currently have a full set of Fox shocks on my 05. I have a 4 inch lift and 35s. I have been looking at all the shock threads and want to improve ride quality. Based on what has been said here Rancho is the best for ride quality. When I called them to order the correct models I was told the 9000s are better than the 5000s, which everyone here recommends.
My question is: are the 9000s a better shock or are they just trying to up sell me something I don't really need. They are twice the price.
Thanks in advance.
Clay

I have an extra set of brand new Rancho 5000X. I forget the part number but they are for a 4" lift. I will sell them to you cheap if you're interested. I'm in Parker.

 

[nondem]

I put a set of RS5000x on my TJ w/4" lift springs. Surprisingly it has a softer/better ride than it did w/stock springs/shocks. I've been very happy w/them.

 

[parkclay]

I have an extra set of brand new Rancho 5000X. I forget the part number but they are for a 4" lift. I will sell them to you cheap if you're interested. I'm in Parker.

PM sent

 

[Frankred]

PM sent

Can you give us a before/after review once you get these? I just talked to my local 4wd shop today and they were showing me Fox shocks...

 

[parkclay]

Absolutely!!