I installed the Zone Offroad 3 inch lift kit a few months ago. It has worked very well, but goes over bumps and potholes really rough. I currently have the shocks that came with the lift kit, but would there be a very noticeable difference between them and Rancho RS5000x shocks?
Zone Offroad kit rides rough
- Thread starter elkelsor
- Start date
Exactly what size tires are installed and exactly what tire pressure is in your tires?
First thing to do is check your tire pressure. Over inflated tires will have the largest negative impact on your ride. I've never run the Zone shocks but have used the Ranchos. The Ranchos are a good shock. The Zone shocks seem to have decent reviews so I don't know that you would see a drastic improvement by switching. If your looking for the softest ride the Black Max shocks are, in my experience, the softest riding bolt on shock. They are hydraulic so do have a different feel.
deserteagle56
TJ Enthusiast
4" lift on my 2006 Rubi. Don't know who made the shocks that came with the lift but they had the name "Extreme" on them...and the ride was EXTREMELY stiff! I ended up changing to Rancho 9000 adjustables, set at the softest setting. That helped - but the ride is still rougher than it was stock, even with the tires at only 22 psi.
I had the same experience with the 9000xl's. They were great for control but the ride was never very compliant. The 5000x were much better but my rear axle still felt like an old wagon. I have an LJ and this seems to be more of an issue with the longer wheelbase. I installed the Black Max on the rear and there was a huge improvement. I ran with the Rancho 5000x's on the front and black max on the rear for a while and it felt good. I eventually switched the front to the Black Max. Interestingly I didn't notice as drastic difference in the front as I did in the rear. I still feel that if I daily drove my Jeep I would have kept the 9000xl's. They felt the most responsive on the street and for a daily I would prioritize control over comfort.
Zone stopped selling the softer riding (white) hydro shocks a couple of years ago. Their (black) nitro shocks are stiff. I'd go with Skyjacker Black Max shocks if you want a smoother ride. FWIW, I went from crap riding RC N3 shocks to the Rancho RS5000X shocks on my old Jeep. The ride felt much better for about a month, then I got used to them and they felt stiff on the small bumps.
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Zone stopped selling the softer riding (white) hydro shocks a couple of years ago. Their (black) nitro shocks are stiff. I'd go with Skyjacker Black Max shocks if you want a smoother ride. FWIW, I went from crap riding RC N3 shocks to the Rancho RS5000X shocks on my old Jeep. The ride felt much better for about a month, then I got used to them and they felt stiff on the small bumps.
Probably gained weight.......
The Jeep or me? If it was me, the ride should've gotten better with more ass cushion.
The Jeep or me? If it was me, the ride should've gotten better with more ass cushion.
You and you probably had it squatted down......
no pink Jeep for me brother, but we know who would love it !
Im a fan of the Rancho 9000 series adjustable rebound shocks. I can set up my pickups ride for weighted and unweighted rides.
I did this on my TJ and to this day, the ride is amazing. The RC shocks sucked ass.
How about this.
Pink pearl mist?????
I changed from the Rancho RS5000x to the Rancho RS9000xl for my TJ because it was adjustable. I thought it'd be a better choice due to a lot of towing of my tent trailer through the mountains. Not only did the new RS9000xl shocks not make a difference in towing I could detect, it also rides significantly stiffer than I expected. Even on its least stiff #1 setting. I regret having swapped the RS5000x for the RS9000xl shocks. To me they'd be better for a heavier vehicle, they seem too stiff for they weight of a TJ in my opinion.
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