Rancho RS5000 vs. Rancho RS9000
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JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,028
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From: California
Rancho RS5000 vs. Rancho RS9000
I am thinking about putting 3/4" leveling spacers on the front of my JK. While I'm at it, I thought I might replace the stock stocks with some Rancho's. My original thought was to go with the RS5000's in the front and RS9000's in the rear.
I plan on towing a 13' travel trailer in the future, so I thought the adjustable RS9000's in the rear might be a good idea, so I could set them stiffer when towing. I was thinking the RS5000's in the front because they're cheaper. But now I'm wondering if I should just consider RS9000's all the way around.
What I would like to know is which shock would provide the best ride on the road, and what the real differences are between these two shocks, besides the fact that one is adjustable.
I plan on towing a 13' travel trailer in the future, so I thought the adjustable RS9000's in the rear might be a good idea, so I could set them stiffer when towing. I was thinking the RS5000's in the front because they're cheaper. But now I'm wondering if I should just consider RS9000's all the way around.
What I would like to know is which shock would provide the best ride on the road, and what the real differences are between these two shocks, besides the fact that one is adjustable.
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 52
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I've had RS5000s on a full size in the past that outweighed my JK by 2000 pounds. Even with the extra weight, the ride was brutally rough. My guess is that the valving on the 5000s is the same for an F350 dually as it is for a subaru since they have so many applications and are on the cheap side. Aside from that, matching the shocks on all 4 corners has to be somewhat important. Cornering with unmatched valving could make for some interesting results. I personally like Old Man Emu shocks since they are valved by application. My fallback since they are not available would be adjustables like 9000s or MX6s.
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,028
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From: California
I had RS5000's on my '93 YJ with a 2.5" Skyjacker lift. It rode very stiff. I had always assumed that it was the Skyjacker springs (even though they were called softride springs), but maybe it was the shocks!
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
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I had the RS5000's first when I lifted my TJ a few years ago and could not stand the rough ride...so I switched them and got a set of the RS9000's and I absolutely loved the ride quailty and the fact that you can adjust each corner to your liking. Trust me, spend the extra money and get th RS9000's it will make a big difference in every day driving ride and offroad as well.