I've been reading numerous posts on Rancho shocks and the R9000 seems to be the shock of choice. I was thinking about gettning a set of RSX's, but am not sure what the difference is besides the adjustment capabilities. Then I read something about RSX's and a towing issue? I do moderate towing and am thinking about getting a travel trailer down the road somewhere, but I don't want the shocks to be an issue. I'm also not excited about crawling under the truck every time the load distribution changes and have to think about what setting I need to have them on. Are the RSX's really that much of a problem when it comes to towing and what are the issues? Is there much of a ride difference between the two, and will there be much of a difference in what I have now (stock "Rancho's")? I have a 2002 FX4 supercab 5.4 with Class III trailer towing group if it makes a difference. Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

The RSX is a fine choice. It'll ride better on the highway empty than a 5000, and possibly a 9000. It's stout enough to handle moderate loads as well. What you get in the 9000 is a heavier shock with manual adjustability. The adjustable part is what you pay for. The RSX has a valve in the shock that senses shock travel and speed and adjusts accordingly.

When I replace the shocks on my 2002 they will be replaced with RSXs or the Monroe Reflex.

-jeff b.

 

Then, would it be fair to sayt that the stock "Rancho's" that come on the FX4's are heavier duty than the RSX's since there doesn't seem to be any concern about towing issues?

Mike

 

I wouldn't think the stock Rancho's that are on the FX4 are heavier duty than the RSX. I wold think he RSX to be a much better shock. The only place you can buy the "stock" Rancho shock is from Ford. Rancho does not have them They OEM them for Ford to Ford spec's.

Here is something that I picked up on a while back. Monroe used to OEM the "heavy duty" shock on Ford's ORP. When they switched the ORP to the FX4, is when Rancho's appeared. You know what......Tennaco owns Rancho and Monroe. Wanna bet it's the same shock painted white with a Rancho sticker, and a new part number.


-jeff b.

 

Rancho RSX's work fine for me. When placed side by side with my stock shock there is no comparison. The RSX was bigger and heavier. Good Luck!

-Brian

 

I have not seen any problems reported using RSX and towing. As mentioned, the RS9000(x) just have the ajustability for switching between heavy (such as towing) and light loads. Many people would find the RSX too stiff for 80-98% of the driving they do. It is a compromise, stiffer ride unloaded, but plenty capable for heavy loads. The adjustability of the 9000 series means they can have the soft ride around town, but is not underdamped when loaded up.

 

I ordered a set of RSX's today and will see what happens when they get put on. The wife doesn't like the ride from the stock Rancho's that are on there. I love the truck, but am hoping I didn't get a lemon as there's only 9400 miles on it and the lighter and accessory socket power has crapped out and there is a sulfur / rotten egg smell that comes from the exhaust. Sounds like the dealer is going to be busy for a day

 

I bought Monroe Reflex shocks last year, and like AJRagnos' experience, mine didn't last too long either. I put them on last year, and they seem to be shot already? I can feel everything in the road, and it acts like it's bottoming out on even medium sized bumps. I just ordered a set of the 5000's for the front today, and we'll see if they do any better. My tires have very slight feathering going on too, which I've heard is one of the first sign the shocks are bad. The tires were new last September, and the shocks went on two weeks before that.,,,,98