Rancho Shock Reviews: RS5000, RS9000XL, RSX
Being in the aftermarket automotive parts business with a focus on Rancho shocks and suspension, customers often ask, "What's the difference between the Rancho RS9000XL, RS5000, and RSX shocks?" All three are reputable products, yet each is built for different uses and driving experiences. The Rancho RS line of shocks were engineered for the Jeep, truck, and SUV market and ideally used in off-road conditions.
The entry-level is the Rancho RS5000 shock absorber. The RS5000 is a general-purpose shock. It is most often installed as a factory replacement for vehicles with worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It's also recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The RS5000 was engineered for use ranging from street to mild off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that's often bumpier than what the factory shocks provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street comfort.
The Rancho RSX shock is an upgrade from the RS5000. The RSX is unique in that it incorporates an automatic "impact-sensing" reflex valve that opens and closes depending on how quickly the piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to aggressive off-road.
The greatest aspect of the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle for which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle's weight. The Rancho RSX has a downside in that it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (not at this time, anyway). This isn't to say that the RSX can't handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL has a manual operated valve system. This gives the driver 100% control of the firmness of the shock piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and driving control ranging from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city, and firm for off-road and towing.
There are nine settings to choose from so even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers) can find a suitable comfort level. In addition to manual tuning, there is an auxiliary remote control unit called the RS999705 myRIDE wireless remote control. It allows the shocks to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The RS9000XL was designed with today's bigger trucks in mind so in addition to the typical 2-1/8" and 2-3/8" body diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is also available with a 2-3/4" body for select full-size applications.
When choosing the Rancho shocks that are right for you, a couple things you should consider are your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. RS5000 shocks cost the least, RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than that. If you're looking to save money or merely replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000's will work adequately. If you're still on a budget, but want a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the RSX is recommended. If budget is not an issue, or if you want the best shock available without getting into the "extreme" off-road shocks, then the RS9000XL is recommended. - 21396
The entry-level is the Rancho RS5000 shock absorber. The RS5000 is a general-purpose shock. It is most often installed as a factory replacement for vehicles with worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It's also recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The RS5000 was engineered for use ranging from street to mild off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that's often bumpier than what the factory shocks provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street comfort.
The Rancho RSX shock is an upgrade from the RS5000. The RSX is unique in that it incorporates an automatic "impact-sensing" reflex valve that opens and closes depending on how quickly the piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader range of comfort and control across the driving spectrum from street to aggressive off-road.
The greatest aspect of the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle for which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle's weight. The Rancho RSX has a downside in that it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (not at this time, anyway). This isn't to say that the RSX can't handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL has a manual operated valve system. This gives the driver 100% control of the firmness of the shock piston movement. This provides the broadest range of comfort and driving control ranging from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city, and firm for off-road and towing.
There are nine settings to choose from so even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers) can find a suitable comfort level. In addition to manual tuning, there is an auxiliary remote control unit called the RS999705 myRIDE wireless remote control. It allows the shocks to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The RS9000XL was designed with today's bigger trucks in mind so in addition to the typical 2-1/8" and 2-3/8" body diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is also available with a 2-3/4" body for select full-size applications.
When choosing the Rancho shocks that are right for you, a couple things you should consider are your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. RS5000 shocks cost the least, RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than that. If you're looking to save money or merely replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000's will work adequately. If you're still on a budget, but want a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the RSX is recommended. If budget is not an issue, or if you want the best shock available without getting into the "extreme" off-road shocks, then the RS9000XL is recommended. - 21396
About the Author:
Steffen Jameson writes about product reviews and releases for the offroad marketplace. His work covering the Rancho RS9000XL and RS999705 has received much praise throughout the offroad community. More information about Rancho's full line of myRIDE parts can be found at MY4BY OFF ROAD, the internet's premiere resource for Rancho shocks, suspension, and other off-road parts.
posted by X - Men @ 3:23 AM
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