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.
An upgrade from the RS5000 is the RSX shock. The uniqueness of this shock is the incorporation of an automatic "impact-sensing" 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.
Something unique about the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle which it will be installed. They're not a one-size-fits-all solution. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle's weight. The downside of the RSX is that it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (at least not at this time). This isn't to say that it can't handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles, mostly the heavy-duty ones.
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 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.
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.
An upgrade from the RS5000 is the RSX shock. The uniqueness of this shock is the incorporation of an automatic "impact-sensing" 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.
Something unique about the RSX is that each shock is engineered specifically for the vehicle which it will be installed. They're not a one-size-fits-all solution. This provides optimal performance in concert with the vehicle's weight. The downside of the RSX is that it's not available for heavy-duty (HD) and super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (at least not at this time). This isn't to say that it can't handle heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't handle the extreme weight of certain full-size vehicles, mostly the heavy-duty ones.
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 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.
About the Author:
MY4BY.com is an authorized Rancho retailer and proudly boasts the internet's largest selection of Rancho RS9000XL and Rancho quickLIFT shocks. Save time and money. Click here to find the best prices on Rancho shocks for your vehicle with fast delivery to your door.
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