Does anyone have first hand experience on the difference in ride quality of new Rancho RS5000x compared to my old OME Nitro Chargers? I have no trouble with the OME but I would like to have better small bump compliance. A bit softer cruise you might say. I do have a heavy rear bumper and carrier, a winch and compact bumper up front. No armor. Soft top. Two inch of actual lift on OME springs.
Rancho RS5000X vs older OME shocks?
- Thread starter TeeJohn
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MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
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Do you mean the older model OME shocks or the newer OME Nitro Charger Sport shocks? I don't remember what the older versions were called.
I've heard the older shocks were comparable to the RS5000x shocks.
I had the newer Nitro Charger Sport shocks and then changed to the RS5000x's. There was a noticeable difference when hitting things like small pot holes, expansion joints in the road, man hole covers, etc.
I've heard the older shocks were comparable to the RS5000x shocks.
I had the newer Nitro Charger Sport shocks and then changed to the RS5000x's. There was a noticeable difference when hitting things like small pot holes, expansion joints in the road, man hole covers, etc.
I dug out the old box label. They are N66C and N67 Gas Pressurized 4x4 Shock Absorber. All metal. A web search shows them with a Nitro Charger label.
I have been happy with them for years but with all the Rancho talk I am curious. I will likely stay with OME since they had rave reviews back in the day.
I have been happy with them for years but with all the Rancho talk I am curious. I will likely stay with OME since they had rave reviews back in the day.
I've run both. The Rancho RS5000X rides far, far superior to the OME Nitrocharger Sport shocks. It's night and day.
The old OME shocks were great, but the new ones ride very stiff, whereas the Rancho rides nice and plush.
EDIT: Sorry, I misread.
The old OME shocks were great, but the new ones ride very stiff, whereas the Rancho rides nice and plush.
EDIT: Sorry, I misread.
Last edited:
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
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I think those are the older ones that are comparable to the Ranchos.
The Nitro charger sports that I had were 60047 and 60048.
The older OME Nitrocharger I used to run had a very similar ride to the newer Rancho RS5000X. I couldn't tell the difference in ride from before my OMEs blew out.
Unfortunately that great riding OME Nitrocharger was replaced by the much stiffer riding Nitrocharger Sport. If there have been any favorable comments on the Sport's ride on a TJ I haven't seen them.
Unfortunately that great riding OME Nitrocharger was replaced by the much stiffer riding Nitrocharger Sport. If there have been any favorable comments on the Sport's ride on a TJ I haven't seen them.
Ahhh, sorry, I missed the part about the older OME.
The older OME shocks were great. The newer ones ride very harsh. I wouldn't run the Nitrocharger Sports.
The older OME shocks were great. The newer ones ride very harsh. I wouldn't run the Nitrocharger Sports.
Old OME shocks are really nice, new OME shocks feel like a dump truck. Rancho all day long.
I swapped out my Nitro Charger Sport shocks for the Rancho 5000x shocks.
The Ranchos are smoother on the smaller daily road conditions. The Sports did better when bigger potholes and speedbumps come into it. And offroad was similar. The smaller or slower conditions are better with the Ranchos, while the bigger or faster events I felt were better handled by the OME shocks. So, overall, the way I drive the Rancho shocks work best for me. A more aggressive driver may prefer the OME Sport shocks.
The Ranchos are smoother on the smaller daily road conditions. The Sports did better when bigger potholes and speedbumps come into it. And offroad was similar. The smaller or slower conditions are better with the Ranchos, while the bigger or faster events I felt were better handled by the OME shocks. So, overall, the way I drive the Rancho shocks work best for me. A more aggressive driver may prefer the OME Sport shocks.
I have the Nitrocharger Sports. While they are stiffer than my old OMEs, in my situation I think they are just fine. My LJ is pretty heavy and I rarely drive it on pavement, I feel like I have a lot of control on the trail. My other ride is a RAM 3500 so take my recommendation for what it's worth. If I was used to a smooth riding passenger car my opinion might differ.
I don't think there is a wrong answer here. Both give a decent ride. They are valued slightly different, but not enough (now that I've done it) to swap 1 for the other. If I didn't have them back to back I don't know if I could really tell the difference. Both work well. I just like the Ranchos a bit more.
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