After reading a few negative things about these "Rancho" shocks on my truck I have decided to replace them here in the near future. Weather they are really Rancho shocks or ford shocks with Rancho stickers I dont really know. I do however want to stay true to the whole Fx-4/Rancho thing so I am staying with Rancho shocks. I guess the 9000x is the best thing right? Please post any negative or positive comments in reference to the 9000x's.
FWIW I cranked the torsion bars 4 1/4 turnes and got about 1 1/2 inches in the front with no I'll effects. Its still right at a 1/2 higher in the rear but it looks alot better IMHO. After pricing suspension lifts I think just new shocks and the free 1 1/2 up front will satisify my needs right now and it will be alot cheaper too :-) Pluss I need to save money for the Micro -tuner next month ;-)

 

The OEM Rancho shcks are indeed made by Rancho, but they are made to Ford specs, not Rancho's aftermarket specs.

Rancho is currently running their buy 3 get 1 free campaign until the end of April.It looks like Sams Offroad has the best price at $218 shipped. I purchased the RS9000 (predesessor to 9000x with 5 instead of 9 settings) for my last F-150 and liked them a lot more than the OEM ones for the trutck or my new Screw FX4. I wanted to try Edlebrock IAS this time, but may just get the RS9000x because of the promotion.

 

I love the 9000s. To really get the full value you need to purchase the incab remote. It's very nice to adjust on the run. I run the single adjuster in my Jeep.

 

Can we order a Lariat crew with the lift kit and rancho shocks set-up and have them ship it to say Alaska where I'll be moving to? Has anyone heard if Ford builds them if we ask for it? I'm sure states may vary as a dealer in AK said yes.

 

First let me clarify that the Rancho shocks on the FX4 are NOT made by Rancho...also confirmed by a rep at Rancho. I just took off all 4 from my 02 Screw because of cupped tires. I had heard/read that the Rancho's were made by Ford. I can confirm this. At 24K miles the front shocks were totally trashed. At the bottom of the shock there are code numbers and embossed in the tube was Motorcraft with a Rancho sticker on it. The boot used is also hard plastic and not rubber, like on the legit Ranchos. I put the Rancho RSX's on and what a difference. The only reason I didn't go with the RS9000 was, I could not see me ever crawling under the truck to change the settings, I didn't want to spend $85 a shock and I did not want to spend the extra $100 plus for the remote control. RSX's are $45 with the buy 3 get on free a SummitRacing.com. I got mine for $145 delivered.

02 F150 Super Crew Lariat FX4 White over Silver
5.4L 3.55 LS
Roush Performance Cold Air Intake with K&N Filter
Flowmaster Cat Back Kit
Rancho RSX's /Steering stabilizer
Hellwig Rear Sway Bar
Hella 550's
Outland Sport Bumper Guard
Silverstars

 

Ranhco makes them for Ford. They are not a Rancho aftermarket part like the RSX, RS5000, or RS9000x line. They are a unique OEM line for Ford, even with a Ford part number. Yes, they are inferior to any of Rancho's aftermarket shocks.

The RS9000x are easy to adjust. I can do all 4 in a minute. No crawling under the truck, just on my knees reaching behind the wheels. It helps to crank the wheels for adjusting the front, though. Still 1 minute tops to adjust all 4.

The RSX are a great shock too, but a little stiff from what I hear. If you don't haul a lot of weight, then they are fine. I like that I can soften the ride up when not towing, yet still have the controlled ride when I need to to or carry a heavy payload.

 

Got the 9000X's on my FX/4 and they are way better than the ones that came on the truck!