What to buy??? ( Rancho Shocks )

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:20 am

My CC is a 2001 and with approx. 50k miles. I want to either replace the shocks or give it new plugs & wires. I can't make up my mind what to do and I can only do 1 or the other. Any suggestions?

Edited title-HJ

top_sgt · Post by **top_sgt** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:31 am

if it is running ok,,,,go for the shocks!!!

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:59 am

I would say the same here the shocks are gonna cost more but well worth it and for the most part never need replaced again

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:05 pm

At 50K If The Shocks Are Still The Stock Ones Change 'Em

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:06 pm

amen you have already waited to long to replace the stock shocks

Post by **HenryJ** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:52 pm

Shocks win hands down.

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:05 am

OK! Survey says.....................SHOCKS! Thanks guys! Will order the shocks today.

HJ. You can delete this topic if you want. Appreciate the input.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:23 am

Actually it is a good reminder for those who have not upgraded the stock shocks

It may very well help to protect the other suspension components. All the bouncing up and down can't be good for the balljoints and CV boots.

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:39 am

what shocks are you ordering ?

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:57 am

jeff024 wrote:what shocks are you ordering ?

These...

I got `em for 159.95 to my door. I wanted Bilstien's but I just didn't want to spend that much money for them. I think the Ranchos will suit me. Time will tell though.

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:09 am

same shocks I have on my truck I like them stiffened it up more truck like now

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:16 am

I bet if the Bilstein's had been red, you would have found a way to get them

Let us know if we helped to choose the right "investment" , by deciding that shocks should be your priority

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:22 am

Pauleo wrote:
jeff024 wrote:what shocks are you ordering ?
These...

I got `em for 159.95 to my door. I wanted Bilstien's but I just didn't want to spend that much money for them. I think the Ranchos will suit me. Time will tell though.

Got The Same Ones Here Also....

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:32 am

gocntry wrote:
Pauleo wrote:
jeff024 wrote:...same shocks I have on my truck...
...I think the Ranchos will suit me. Time will tell though.
Got The Same Ones Here Also....

So three of you running them...Hmmm.
Give us all the details, since it is likely that you guys are running the "second choice" , or at least the second most popular choice in shock absorbers.
They are almost $100 cheaper.

Do they mount reservoir up or down? Any links to reviews, design , manufacturer websites for more information? Are they a twin tube, or monotube design? what is the piston rod size?

We need more information!

gocntry · Post by **gocntry** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:47 am

I Am Running The Rancho Rs 5000 Shocks, In The Rear Reservoir Down And Running Reservoir Up In The Front (Footnote With The Shocks Said To Do It This Way).

For Detailed Specs - Rancho RS5000

PS: I Also Run The Rancho RS5000 On My Astro AWD High Top Conversion Van I Like The Stiffer Feel With The Top Heavy Van

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 11:16 am

HenryJ wrote:I bet if the Bilstein's had been red, you would have found a way to get them

Ah! You know me all too well!!!

I took your advise because I think you guys know what you are talking about, but I had ulterior motives! You see, I have more of an investment in the shocks than the plugs & wires combined. Since my wife was OK with the amount of money the shocks are NOW, I figured that she shouldn't give me any lip about the LESS EXPENSIVE plugs & wires LATER!!!

You see, sometimes there is actually a method to my madness!!!!

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 4:31 pm

So what shock would help get rid of body roll the most ?

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 5:51 pm

Blaze One wrote:So what shock would help get rid of body roll the most ?

Sway bars will effect the body roll the most. You might look into heavier bars and urethane bushings.
Shocks will help somewhat, but the bars are the real answer.

1337vending · Post by **1337vending** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:26 pm

I agree with what HenryJ said...its like a completely different truck with the rear sway bar on...it was only about $150 to buy all the pieces on the mod page from gmpartsdirect.com and took a couple of hours to install. My vote for the best handling improvement mod!

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 9:08 pm

My Blazer came with a rear sway bar . I could change it out for an aftermarket one i guess.
But I know my shocks are gone( bouncy bouncy) so I think there next on the list . And when I go over a speed bump the rear almost hits the bumpstops more than when i first bought it .

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 5:28 am

Blaze One wrote:...when I go over a speed bump the rear almost hits the bumpstops more than when i first bought it .

That is spring sag. Blazers are famous for it. Springs are the answer to that. Shackles can increase the ride height, but won't restore the load capacity.

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:54 pm

I have notice the sag on alot of the 2dr. models . however the front of my truck is lower than the rear , suggesting my tbars are not set right and/or they are sagging . The rear ride height seems to look correct , but the springs may have lost some of there strength . I plan on putting shackles in soon and possible a spring helper kit .

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:59 pm

Blaze One wrote:...front of my truck is lower than the rear , suggesting my tbars are not set right and/or they are sagging ....

Check it out and see if you are within spec - Trim Height Measurements

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:18 pm

I would but i don't understand those instructions ( i think it's just me ) How do i remove the aligment rack floating plate pins ??

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:22 pm

Blaze One wrote:...How do i remove the aligment rack floating plate pins ??

Your driveway didn't come with those?

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 4:34 pm

Ahh Haaa , i see those would be on the alignment rack . DUH ! I was never good at reading instructions . I will check my specs later this evening since it is like 35 degress celsius here and i am roasted from fishing all day .

I gather the measument points are on the front control arm right ?

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 5:47 pm

Ordered the Rancho RS 5000's on Saturday. I hope to have them Tuesday or Wednesday and I'll hopefully install them the day I get `em! I can't wait to feel the difference!!!

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:04 pm

the front you will need to remove the front wheels
the rears you can just lay under the truck to change
where did you order from ?
for you being in OHIO summit racing would be like next day for you

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Mon Aug 01, 2005 12:24 pm

jeff024 wrote:the front you will nedd to remove the front wheels
the rears you can just lay under the truck to change
where did you order from ?
for you being in OHIO summit racing would be like next day for you

Thanks for the heads up! I ordered them from this place. I'm pretty sure that Summit was more money. The place I got them from has a warehouse in Lexington, KY so it should still only take a day or two.

snocat1 · Post by **snocat1** » Mon Aug 01, 2005 7:00 pm

Hey Pauleo, did you only pay 146 for all four shocks?

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 6:47 am

snocat1 wrote:Hey Pauleo, did you only pay 146 for all four shocks?

Yup. plus their $12.95 "HANDLING" fee. Shipping is supposedly free.
$158.95 to the door. Hope they come today!!!

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:31 am

next on my list

kf6kmx · Post by **kf6kmx** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 12:05 pm

Pauleo wrote:
jeff024 wrote:what shocks are you ordering ?
These...

I got `em for 159.95 to my door. I wanted Bilstien's but I just didn't want to spend that much money for them. I think the Ranchos will suit me. Time will tell though.

Good choice! Thats what I have on mine. Seem to work great.. I picked up that annoying thud/rattle with the harder suspension, but no one can find it.. sound like the exhaust is rattling but doesnt seem to be loose at all..

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:08 pm

Woo-Hooo! Got them today!! Will do the install tonight!

jajwrigh · Post by **jajwrigh** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 3:12 pm

I am expecting mine any day now as well!! Let me know how you like them. I also ordered from truck add-ons...

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 4:43 pm

This is the time when i hate living in Canada . I would not beable to get the shocks at a good price , because after the Border Fees and Extra Shipping costs i end up losing money . Congrats on the purchases though

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 5:06 pm

theres gotta be someone in canada that sells the shocks

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 5:09 pm

yeah there probably is , it's just that when you want to search the net for the DEALS , it is pretty limited to the usa . That's all I am sayin .

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:32 pm

jajwrigh wrote:I am expecting mine any day now as well!! Let me know how you like them. I also ordered from truck add-ons...

Got them on! The install wasn't too bad. I just needed to SOAK the front shock bolts with WD-40 cause they were rusted pretty bad. I also broke TWO socket extensions trying to get those same bolts off!!!

Those bolts were a bit of a pain! Too bad the extensions weren't Craftsman! I could get some new ones for free. Although, if they WERE Craftsman, they probably wouldn't have broke to begin with.

As for how I like them? This is about the best mod I've done so far!!!

I never really noticed just how bad those stockers were until I replaced them! Truck handles MUCH better. The jury is still out on how much of an improvement they've made in towing my trailer. Then again, my trailer weighs 1500 lbs. empty. So it will probably take more than shocks to help me out there. All in all? A definate MUST DO for any CC owner out there!

jajwrigh · Post by **jajwrigh** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:10 pm

I just got mine on an hour and a half ago too! Nice improvement over stock...rides more like a truck now. Install was a breeze!!!! The hardest part was getting the dust cover things on the shocks. The driving experience is smoother now and more controlled. This is a must for anyone with stock shocks and it won't break the bank either!!

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:02 pm

we told ya so

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 1:12 pm

Snoman002 wrote:Have rancho 5000's on the rear of my S-10 (not ZR2) and RSX's on the front, will never buy them again, way too stiff. I'm not talking about firm ride stiff, I'm talking about steel rod for shocks stiff, it is horrible. I will never buy Rancho shocks for anything I own.

I have heard the same thing from a friend at the parts store. he installed them on his 1/2 ton Chevy. "Worst mistake he ever made." he will never buy Rancho again.

How are these performing once the "new mod" has worn off? What does the better half think about the ride quality?

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 5:17 pm

myself I like them, stockers rode like a car I wanted a truck like feel and thats what I got .

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:50 pm

I guess it's all about one's taste compared to the next person's. I like `em!!! Sure, it stiffened the ride! That's what I was wanting. But to say it is "steel rod" stiff? I don't have the same opinion. My wife says she can't even tell a difference in ride quality. But then again, she never really drives my truck all that much. It's a stiffer ride, but the most noticable difference is the handling. No more slight swaying at highway speeds. And I feel a lot more comfortable driving with one hand on winding roads. Before, I felt like I needed two hands to keep the thing under control!!

That's my two cents anyway.

jajwrigh · Post by **jajwrigh** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:39 pm

Ranchos stiff?? Hardly...if people think they are too stiff they need to try Koni yellows on the highest setting. There is no comparison there! These were in my old civic with Nuespeed race springs....almost too stiff for a daily driver. Girls hated how it rode, but it handled really well!!

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:31 am

If anyone else is in the market for rancho shocks, 4wheelparts.com has a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal this weekend. Makes the RS5000 set only $119.99 with free ups ground shipping.

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:54 am

everyone with stock shocks jump on it

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:29 am

My ranchos came in the mail yesterday.

there were just four shocks in the box (with dust boots, zip ties and some hardware). No instructions or directions or diagrams or anything.

I hope to be installing them this weekend.

Any advice on install? Does it matter if piston is facing up or down in front or rear? Easier to attach bottom or top first? direction to insert bolt? anything else I should know?

btw... there's two different product numbers. I assume two front and two rear but which is which? or are they two left and two right (a little nascar humor)?

nevermind that last part:
RS5123 = Front
RS5124 = Rear

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:00 am

they will only go 1 way
the fronts are harder gotta take the wheels off
the rears I just laid under the truck to put them on

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:14 pm

jeff024 wrote:they will only go 1 way
the fronts are harder gotta take the wheels off
the rears I just laid under the truck to put them on

Yeah. What he said.

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 10:59 am

Here's a quick update on my Rancho shock purchase. I am not liking them so much these days. Since the install, I have developed a thump or clunk noise from the front end. It doesn't do it over EVERY bump, but it's often enough to annoy the heck outta me!

While browsing around other threads, I have come across a person or two who have the same shocks and are experiencing the same issues. I'd like to know how many of you out there have the Ranchos and are experiencing the same problems.

Don't get me wrong! The Ranchos were a DEFINATE improvement over the ride quality of the stockers, but this new thump/clunk is driving me crazy. I am considering replacing the front two shocks for the Bilstiens. The purchase I'm beginning to believe I should have made in the first place!!!

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 11:25 am

Pauleo wrote:... I have developed a thump or clunk noise from the front end.

The front shocks actually need to fit the bolt closely and when you tighten it the mounts should tighten against the sleeve.
You may need to add a washer inside so that it will tighten up, if it doesn't already.
I would try tightening them up a little, and add shims as needed.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 11:42 am

HJ's alternative to new Bilstiens is definitely worth trying dollarwise

Then you could have a freak occurence like I did when I replaced my stock shocks. I developed a thump/bump in the front and it wasn't shock related

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 4:35 pm

I had the thump from my rancos when I 1st got them its has since gone away

just turn your radio up

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:06 pm

O.K.! So I FINALLY figured out my horrible thump/clunk noise! After a trip to the dealer, I found that it wasn't the shocks at all! It was a tranny mount!!!!! It just so happens that the mount went bad at about the same time as I did the shocks!

Whooda thunk it? I tell ya'! I must have taken those front wheels off 3 or 4 times checking this, tightening that, shimming here and there!

So if anybody needs shocks done for them in the future, just give me a ring! I'm officially a pro now!!!

Blaze One · Post by **Blaze One** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 5:48 pm

it's been a couple of months since you installed those shocks , any updates ? or just as good as they were before ? thanks .

IBSonoma · Post by **IBSonoma** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 2:53 pm

I'd like to know as well, I'm thinking of this mod.

Thanks,
Frank

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 3:23 pm

This should be the first mod, IMHO.

I am sold on Bilstiens but, ANYTHING is better than stock!

The OEM units are not worth saving as anchors. You'll see once you switch to what ever you decide on

jeff024 · Post by **jeff024** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 4:00 pm

I have been running the RS5000s for over a year now and im happy with them

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 6:09 am

The shocks are still O.K. in my opinion. But I am still having problems with that thump/clunk noise. I have been to the dealership about four times now and they always find something wrong. Just not the problem I initially brought the rig in for. (I have all this info in another thread somewhere!) This noise has gotten so bad & annoying that I was REALLY wanting to trade the CC in on something else. I finally came to the conclusion that a trade in was just not an option right now. My CC is all the truck I need. It does everything I need it to do. If I can get that noise fixed, I think I'd be a happy camper again. I have yet another appointment at the dealership this Friday. If they can't figure it out this time, I may want to hit one of you guys up for a set of used stockers just so that I can see if it has indeed been the shocks all along. Somebody out there would make me a good deal. RIGHT?????

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:55 am

I'd give ya' mine but, I threw them out.

barch97 · Post by **barch97** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:08 am

Mine are still for sale. There used to be a thread in the classified section

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:29 pm

Pauleo, would you mind describing the sound in more detail, and where you think it's coming from? My knocking noise has also starting coming back and I have figured it out this time for sure, but I am still working on a solution. The noise on my CC is definitely coming from the t-bar cross member. I have some theories as to why this is happening. If both t-bars are not adjusted to the achieve the same front control arm angle then it will cause one side of the t-bar cross member to hit the frame when going over bumps in the road. If one t-bar is slightly weaker than the other it could also cause this problem. My dealer has replaced the t-bar mount bushings on both sides and I have even tried shimming the upper mounts. The problem goes away, but comes back eventually. The only solution to this problem would be to slightly adjust each t-bar and test drive until the noise goes away and then get the alignment done again.

The only problem with this solution is that if one t-bar is weaker than the other you can bet your truck won't sit level after finding the quietest position after adjustment. Another possible solution would be urethane t-bar mount bushings which I am currently working on. No matter what I do the t-bar cross member hits the passenger side of the frame. I have measured everything in several different places and my truck sits nice and level, but the noise is still there. One interesting thing that I have noticed is that when I unbolt both sides of the t-bar cross member the drivers side tries to go up, while the passenger side goes down.

I have taken my Crew to 2 different dealerships and they both tell me they can't duplicate the problem, but as soon as I drive away I here knock, knock, knock, knock.

I have given up on them, and I swear I will find a cure for this problem.

Steve

Pauleo · Post by **Pauleo** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 6:11 pm

killian96ss wrote:Pauleo, would you mind describing the sound in more detail...

Well, it very well could be that I am having the same problem. Mine sounds like a knock over medium to hard bumps. I can hear it best over speed bumps when the tires come back down. It could very well be something hitting the frame because I can can feel it in the floor. Both driver side and passenger sides are doing it. I was thinking it was the shocks because I started having the most problems shortly after their installation. But maybe the stiffer ride threw something else outta wack. I don't know. I just know that I'm sick and tired of it. I gotta get to the bottom of this one way or another.