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 best feature of the RSX is that each shock is specifically engineered for the vehicle upon which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in conjunction with the vehicle's weight. Unfortunately, there is a downside of the RSX shock -- it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and full-size SUVs. Does this mean that the RSX can't handle off-road use? Absolutely not, it is very capable off-road. It just can't handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. Perhaps Rancho will address this in the future.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL features a manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver complete control of shock firmness setting. This provides the widest range of control across the driving spectrum from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing.
There are nine possible settings so a quality ride can be had by even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers). In addition to manual tuning, an auxiliary RS999705 remote control unit is available that 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 selecting the best Rancho shocks for your needs, you'll have to consider your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. As expected, RS5000 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 "hard-core" off-road shocks, then I recommend the RS9000XL (and the myRIDE wireless remote)!
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 best feature of the RSX is that each shock is specifically engineered for the vehicle upon which it will be installed. This provides optimal performance in conjunction with the vehicle's weight. Unfortunately, there is a downside of the RSX shock -- it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and full-size SUVs. Does this mean that the RSX can't handle off-road use? Absolutely not, it is very capable off-road. It just can't handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. Perhaps Rancho will address this in the future.
An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL features a manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver complete control of shock firmness setting. This provides the widest range of control across the driving spectrum from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing.
There are nine possible settings so a quality ride can be had by even the pickiest drivers (or their passengers). In addition to manual tuning, an auxiliary RS999705 remote control unit is available that 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 selecting the best Rancho shocks for your needs, you'll have to consider your budget and what kind of driving they'll be used for. As expected, RS5000 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 "hard-core" off-road shocks, then I recommend the RS9000XL (and the myRIDE wireless remote)!
About the Author:
Steffen Jameson writes about product reviews and releases for the offroad marketplace. His work covering the Rancho 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 and other off-road parts.
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