I'm looking at replacing my shocks but I've heard alot of bad things about the supposedly "Rancho" shocks that come on the FX4. Hypothetically if I had a FX4 with the OEM "Rancho" shocks and I replaced them with non OEM Rancho shocks am I going to notice a difference? Or should I just go ahead and buy the Bilstein or Edelbrocks? Seems like the Ranchos are the best deal right now but I don't want to sacrafice price for quality. Any opinions???

 

Every aftermarket Rancho shock is better than the OEM Rancho branded shock. No worries about improving your ride quality and control with them. Bilstiens and Edlebrock are also great, but you are right, Rancho has the deal right now.

 

O.K. So are Rancho shocks just as good at Bilsteins or Edelbrocks? It seems the consensus in some other Forums are people prefer Bilsteins or Edelbrocks. I guess I'm just confused on what to put on my baby and need some other opinions....

 

You'll get alot of opinions.

Each of those 3 shocks are good.

Since you can get the deal on ranchos right now, I would suggest the RS9000Xs. Ive ordered shocks from samsoffroad.com, and Im happy with them so far.

 

Yea I know that is a good deal, but....After some research on these shocks I guess they are adjustable up to 9 levels or you can get the remote to do it from inside the cab. I don't know if I want to mess with all that. I just want a good shock that's going to give me a good ride. It just seems to complicated to have to get down under the truck and adjust the shocks everytime I do something different.

 

The Rancho RSX's are also buy 3 get 1 free from the same place. That's an exceptional deal for the RSX's as well.

http://www.samsoffroad.com/samsoffroadsto/rancho.htm

 

O.K. I've finally decided on the Edelbrock IAS Performers. Thanks for all the help. What a stressful decision.

 

The Edlebrocks will be a fine choice too. I have not heard anyone say anything bad about the IAS's.

 

I'm curious. For those of you that have changed out your shocks, especially on a 4x4 Screw, did you need to or just wanted to? Was the ride better, smoother, stiffer???? Wife says it's too stiff (BUT not in the mornings!!!! ) and would like a smoother ride. I tried telling her that it's a 4x4 and that's the way it is. So, being hen-pecked as I am, I am researching into it. Plus, she said she'd pay for it.

 

I changed mine out because a) It was time (about 35,000 miles) and b) the factory Rancho's rode like a floor jack. My new Rancho RS 5000's ride much better.

 

Rec'd my RS9000X's on Friday and installed them yesterday. That wasn't too bad a job. I had never changed shocks before and I thought it would be worse than it was. I was able to take a short ride yesterday and they felt better. The stock Motorcraft shocks had 43K on them, so it probably wouldn't take much to improve the ride.

 

Hey Ken... How was the ride???

 

Nice difference. I initally set them on 5 front/5 rear. That was very nice while driving around w/o a load or towing. I then hooked our camper up to the truck, put the shocks on 8 front/9 rear and the new shocks did a great job of reducing the bounce that was present when towing. When towing w/o the camper on, the shocks are very stiff on 8 front/9 rear. So, they will stay around 5 front/5 rear when not towing or off-roading. So far, I really like them.

 

Sounds good...

I was thinking of getting them for my wifes expedition. She just drives it back and forth to work and to get groceries.

Would the RS9000x's be over kill on hers??

I'd definately want them from my f150, which still have the OEM shocks installed.

 

I just ordered a set of Rancho RSX's. My screw is a 2001 with towing package which includes heavy duty shock's. I hope I made the right choice with these shocks.
Any thoughts?