GOOD RIDDANCE TO RANCHOS!

[ISTOCK51]

Before I bought my 96 CrewCab 2x4 somebody had the brilliant notion to install Rancho shocks on all four wheels and turn them up to "9"
This caused the left rear upper shock bracket to get bent all out of shape the shocks were so overly stiff. My 4x4 enthusiast friend said that is standard when Ranchos are installed and set to maximum stiffness. Bonehead move because the truck never went off road or hauled anything when the previous owner had it. I turned the shocks down to about "3" but soon had to replace the front because one of them blew. Put KYBs on the front. Recently I went to replace the rear and found the right rear blown. Went to properly straighten the left rear upper bracket with a Porta-power and the post snapped off. I had to take my plasma cutter and cut a window out of the frame rail, drill out the broken post, put a bolt through the hole, weld the head of the bolt to the inside of the bracket and then weld the piece of frame back on. Royal pain-in-the ass! The good news is that the truck rides better than it ever has since I've owned it with 4 KYB shocks that cost me $37.00/each.

GOOD RIDDANCE TO RANCHO GARBAGE!

I also installed new XRF low friction ball joints -- which really ARE low friction I am happy to say. Took it to get it aligned and the alignment guru that my automotive shop sublets all alignments to agreed with me 200% about the Ranchos.

GOOD RIDDANCE!

[mtg]

I've had really good luck with the RX9000X shocks I've got. I really like the way I can soften the ride when unloaded and stiven it up when towing. Had them for a couple of years now and they are great!

[tubzz]

you have a link for them ball joints?

[AlH]

I guess I fail to see how the previous owner being a dummy means the Rancho shocks are garbage [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Maybe some people need the stiffest setting. I've been very happy with my Ranchos [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[rednck21]

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I guess I fail to see how the previous owner being a dummy means the Rancho shocks are garbage [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Maybe some people need the stiffest setting. I've been very happy with my Ranchos [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

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LOL...x2 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] ive also run them with good results.

[ISTOCK51]

They did not have a distributor in Austin so I ordered them direct from here.
I have used Moog on customers' trucks in the past and the stiffness produces a very disconcerting feeling in the steering and takes a LONG time to go away. These felt good immediately. <font color="red"> </font>

[ISTOCK51]

[ QUOTE ]
I guess I fail to see how the previous owner being a dummy means the Rancho shocks are garbage [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Maybe some people need the stiffest setting. I've been very happy with my Ranchos [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

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The fact that two out of four failed prematurely under light service conditions did not impress me at all. Truck has never gone off-road, or even on crappy roads, tows a 6k lb. trailer.

[mtg]

The truck must have been used in some sort of off road or rough roads or something that caused the bent brackets. That doesn't just happen on a smooth road.

[AlH]

S_C_H --Not to be argumentive but how do you know what the PO did? Or even if they were new when HE put them on...too many variables to condemn the Ranchos IMO.
Glad you are happy with your KYBs, I may replace my Ranchos with something else if they ever wear out or break but no sign of that yet, well over 100K on them with lots of towing, up to 14k trailers, and some off road and many miles of really crappy bucking interstate [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[ISTOCK51]

[ QUOTE ]
S_C_H --Not to be argumentive but how do you know what the PO did? Or even if they were new when HE put them on...too many variables to condemn the Ranchos IMO.

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When I bought the truck it came with a file folder full of receipts -- including for the Ranchos. The truck had been used as a commuting vehicle both by his accounting and confirmed by its overall condition.
At 190K it still has the original radius arm bushings in good condition.

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Glad you are happy with your KYBs, I may replace my Ranchos with something else if they ever wear out or break but no sign of that yet, well over 100K on them with lots of towing, up to 14k trailers, and some off road and many miles of really crappy bucking interstate [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

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