Quick clarification on Rancho RS5000X RS55241 shocks

[jimstj]

Hey Everyone,
I just received a set of RS5000x shocks for my 02 TJ. As these are gas shocks the front shocks have a ziptie that needs to be cut so the gas charge can extend the shock. interestingly, the rear shocks rs55241 do not have a similar ziptie to compress the shock. the model number on the shock is correct but wanted to understand why this is the case. i was thinking both the front and rear should be compressed before installing them.

I was not able to find an installation instruction on the Rancho site so hoping someone can shed some light.

thanks guys,
Jim

 

[InOmaha]

Mine came with a white piece of plastic with loops on each end to compress the shock so it fit in the boxes. I compressed the shock all the way and took that off then connected one end of the shock and compressed the shock until I could connect the other end.

There were black zip ties, but those were for the shock boot if you put them on.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

That's indeed strange. The set of 4 rs5000x I bought in April were all compressed and held by a white piece of plastic with loops at each end, and all 4 extended to full length when the plastic was removed.

 

[pagrey]

They are gas, they should extend when not held down. Who cares how they were shipped? Press them down, if they feel okay they are okay.

 

[jimstj]

thanks guys, yea that is what i ended up doing. The front were as expected and the rear I just needed to manually compress them as i was installing them.
finished and the ride is as everyone says... excellent. I had replaced RS5000s. I think i read someone said Rancho should not have given them the same name as the difference is so significant.

thanks again