| Being in the aftermarket automotive parts business | | | | super-duty (SD) trucks and larger SUVs (at least not |
| with a focus on Rancho shocks and suspension, it's | | | | at this time). This isn't to say that it can't handle |
| not uncommon to hear customers ask, "What's the | | | | heavy off-road use, because it can. It just can't |
| difference between the Rancho RS9000XL, Rancho | | | | handle the excess weight of certain full-size vehicles. |
| RSX Reflex, and Rancho RS5000 shocks?" All three | | | | An upgrade from both the RS5000 and RSX Reflex |
| are reputable products from a company that helped | | | | is the RS9000XL. The RS9000XL shock features a |
| pioneer the off-road industry, yet each is built for | | | | manually-tuned valve system that allows the driver |
| different uses and driving experiences. The Rancho | | | | complete control of the softness or firmness of the |
| RS line of shocks are geared toward the Jeep, truck, | | | | piston movement. This provides the broadest range |
| and SUV markets especially if the vehicle will be used | | | | of comfort and control across the driving spectrum |
| in off-road conditions. | | | | from street to extreme off-road. Ride quality can be |
| At the entry level is the Rancho RS5000 shock | | | | set soft for highway driving, medium for city/urban |
| absorber. The RS5000 shock is a premium (almost | | | | driving, and firm for off-road driving and even towing. |
| general-purpose) shock often installed as a | | | | There are nine possible settings so a quality ride can |
| better-than-factory replacement for vehicles with | | | | be had by even the pickiest driver (or their |
| worn out shocks or upgraded suspensions. It's also | | | | passengers). In addition to manual tuning, an auxiliary |
| recommended for the budget-minded consumer. The | | | | remote control unit is available that allows the shocks |
| RS5000 is designed to provide comfort and control | | | | to be adjusted at the touch of a button while the |
| across the driving spectrum from street to mild | | | | vehicle is parked or in motion. The RS9000XL was |
| off-road. The result of this is a ride quality that's | | | | designed with today's bigger trucks in mind so in |
| often bumpier than what the factory shocks | | | | addition to the typical 2-1/8" and 2-3/8" body |
| provided because firm shocks are ideal for off-road | | | | diameters found on most shocks, the RS9000XL is |
| driving and this comes at the sacrifice of some street | | | | also available with a 2-3/4" body for select full-size |
| comfort. | | | | applications. |
| An upgrade from the RS5000 is the RSX Reflex | | | | When choosing your Rancho shocks, you'll need to |
| shock. The uniqueness of this shock is the | | | | consider your budget and what kind of driving they'll |
| incorporation of an automatic "impact-sensing" valve | | | | be used for. As expected, RS5000 cost the least, |
| that opens and closes depending on how quickly the | | | | RSX cost approximately 40-50% more, and |
| piston is forced in or out. This provides a broader | | | | RS9000XL cost approximately 40-50% more than |
| range of comfort and control across the driving | | | | that. If you're looking to save money or merely |
| spectrum from street to agressive off-road. The | | | | replace your old, worn out shocks, the RS5000's will |
| greatest aspect of the RSX is that each shock is | | | | work adequately. If you're still on a budget, but want |
| engineered specifically for the vehicle for which it will | | | | a ride superior to what an RS5000 offers, then the |
| be installed. This provides optimal performance in | | | | RSX Reflex is recommended. If budget is not an |
| concert with the vehicle's weight. The downside of | | | | issue, or if you want the best shock available without |
| the RSX is that it's a "light(er)-truck" shock and | | | | getting into the "extreme" off-road shocks, then the |
| therefore not available for heavy-duty (HD) and | | | | RS9000XL is recommended. |