Just a heads up.


Sept 1 through Oct 31. Rancho will give you a free in-cab controller by mail with the purchase of a set of 4 9000x'sEdited by: max camper

i was actually reading about that today...

Where's the best place (via web) to get the Rancho 9000's? I'm going to get either Rancho's or Bilstein's, but I'm waiting for one or the other to go on sale.


I distinctly remember a "3 for the price of 4" sale this spring at some website or other, which I missed out on of course!

Kennedy has Bilsteins on his sight. Other vendors around here may also.


http://www.kennedydiesel.com/


Go for it.
Dennis

Here's where I got mine about one year ago but I paid 209 back then Plus 139 for the remote kit. But this is a better deal know, for 290.00 you get four shocks and the remote for free.


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

You can get them on E-Bay for $270 plus $15 S/H


I found mine locally for $284 (same price only I didn't have to wait) http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

Better than the Bilsteins?

How much will the ride improve when you want it soft?

Not sure, I will let you know. Installing tonight


I went with the ranchos only because I can get more dampening with them crancked up for the camper. Not too worried about ride when empty, ITS A TRUCK !!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif Edited by: max camper

Well, got the RS9000X's installed on all four corners. First drive was set at 9 and I though I needed a kidney belt (truck empty), then a second drive set at 1 like driving dad's caddy.


I'll play more with in between numbers plus we are using the camper this weekend so they will get the full test. So far so good !!!!!


I have no experience with the bilsteins so I can't compare

I hope the new remote is better than the old one . . .mine leaks all the time even though I have made several different gaskets . . .

I hope the new remote is better than the old one . . .mine leaks all the time even though I have made several different gaskets . . .


Maybe thats why its being offered for free Deadeyehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif.

I wonder if there is a difference between these and the bilsteins....

I dont care if it rides like a truck, but where I live the roads are really bad b/c of the avocado trucks, and you really take a beating.....

I wonder if there is a difference between these and the bilsteins....

I dont care if it rides like a truck, but where I live the roads are really bad b/c of the avocado trucks, and you really take a beating.....




From the comments I have read from both GM and Ford owners, you cant go wrong with ether brand of shocks, because of the improved ride form removing the junker stock shocks, it seems like the Ranchos 9000 because of their adjustably have a slight lead, truck owners that tow and haul heavy loads (slide-IN-Campers) like the fact that they can adjust the comfort level, one other thing about the in cab controller that their offering, when I called a distributer he flat out told me they were junk because they eventually leak, unless they have improved them, he recommend just buying the shocks and play around with the adjustments until you find one you like, this is the first time Ive seen them offer the free in cab controller usually they run a buy 3 get the forth one free deal.

If anyone wants a deal on an in cab controller PM me. I am planning on getting one with some Rancho shocks but don't need the controller, will sell for best offer to save on the shocks deal.

the pump that comes with the kit, whats that like? what kind of psi does it see?? last i had seen they are using the push fit fittings or something like that. to me looks a little cheesiehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif let me know what you think of the pump at least

How does the controller work? Are these shocks adjusted by air pressure? How do you adjust them without the controller? Questions questions questions


Thanks

the controller uses a pump and adjusts the shocks incab via air pressure. the shocks come standard with knobs near the base of the shock that rotate, you can choose 1 of 9 settings, 1 being softest 9 being the stiffest.

Well the verdict is in hauling camper .... The shocks drasticly improved the jounce on big dips and the side rocking on driveway entrys. But as I suspected the highway frame flex po-go stick feeling did not change http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif . Crew cabs just have too long of a frame.


As far as the in-cab controller, from what I have read they know they screwed up on their first design with all the leak problems and complicated installs. Now with a whole new design, leak free (we'll see) and simplified install they are trying to win some confidence from the consumer by giving it as a promo. Well all I can say is IT'S FREE so I'll bite and give it a try, if it leaks I can just go back to the dial. But for me its a big plus if I can make it work since I have to change settings everytime I remove/install camper.

Max


will be loading our new Artic Fox (Silver Fox) next week and have already installed the 9000's. Where is a good starting point on the settings. It is also a 1150. Thanks


Genohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

I just got the brochure for the new silver fox line and the floor space looks nice, havn't seen one in person yet.


I set the shocks at 9 for carrying the camper and didn't even try changing, with that much weight I think we want the most dampening. Hopefully you wont have as much frame flex with the Ext. cab. I have read on R.V. forums that cab struts help a lot with that but I am not crazy about installing them.

I'm in the process of researching shocks versus air bags, both appear to have their plus's and minus's. Will the Rancho 9000's set on 1 really dampen the "kidney punch" affect on the 3500 dually's? When I put 4k pin weight on the ass end the truck rides level and bumps smooth out in the rearend. But when empty it is painful to say the least. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


I like the adjustability of the Rancho's over the Bilstein's. Any guys have experience with both? If so which do you prefer and why? Appreciate any feedback. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Hug.gif

Clarification: Experience with both to mean air bags versus Rancho's or Bilstein's. JJ

First shocks and air bags have completely different purposes. Air bags are like helper springs for levelling larger loads only you can "air down" when empty while you can't with springs.


And shocks are for dampening bounce.As far as bilsteins vs. ranchos, my opinion (for what its worth http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif) if you are going to be carrying consistant loads than bilsteins are good because I think they cost less? But if you will be completely empty one time then have 4-5k lbs. next time the rancho w/adjustability is the way to go. IMHO

Max Camper, so do the air bags replace the springs or just supplement them? I like the idea of being able to soften the rear end when not towing heavy.


The Rancho's are likely the best application for my purposes. Thanks for the intel. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

JJs DuMax, the air bags are a supplement. They help to keep the rear end up under heavy load, also control sway. They are adjustable so you can air them up when loaded and let air out when empty. With the dually you may not need them but they might help a little. The adjustable Ranchos may be your best bet. I am about to call Kennedy and order me up some Bilsteins and an air bag kit. I have been researching for a while and think this is what I need for my 2500HD as I have a new 16k toybox 5er on order.

The dually rides perfectly level with the 5ver attached and I haven't had any swaying issues. I just drove through very bad weather with Hurricane Frances (40-50mph gusts) and my bubble butt rear end on the D/A was planted firmly on the road.


I'll go with the Rancho's to start, then go from there. Thanks for the intel. JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif