Shocks: RS9000's vs ProComp MX6's

[J94runner]

Been looking at both shocks. the Ranchos are a hydraulic fluid only, 9 way adjustable shock. The MX6's are a Nitrogen charged 6way adjustable shock. Now from I gather nitrogen charged shocks increase spring rate a bit b/c they're "pushing down". What do you guys think would be a better choice? or pro's/cons of each?

[91toyota4x4]

bilstein

[J94runner]

I'm running "universal" application shocks. so i like the idea of adjustability. was just reading on ProComps site that Gas charged shocks do "mildly" increase spring rate. So froget that. I'm gonna go with Ranchos and call it good.

[usmcracing]

Neither one are worth the money. I had the Rancho's on my old Ranger and the only setting that rode good was #3, anything less or more would make the ride too soft or stiff. I'd go with Bilstine 5125 or 5150 and if you really have the $$$ to spend then look into the 7100. There are better shocks then Bilstine but they are the best bang for the buck. Rancho shock aren't that bad but I don't think they are worth the $$$ and Pro Comp parts all of their parts are crap and I would run anything made by them.

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i agree w/ the bilsteins and try the 5150's w/ the tiny remote res. i have read up on the ranchos and the adjustablity is cool but they don't have the dampening power that the bilsteins have even on setting 9 (when dealing w/ high speed death wobble). The guy got 5150s and was perfect. You won't be sorry with the bilsteins. You could even be a rock pimp w/ the 7100s.

[J94runner]

if i do bilsteins it'll be the 5125's. I was on bilsteins page and they have a "recomended" valving guide for types of vehicles. that's kinda nice. but I don't know how to read the valving. like 255/70. what does that mean?

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FROM ESHOCKS.COM

Understanding Bilstein Valve Ratings

Damping forces of Bilstein valvings for Off-Road are measured in Newtons at a velocity of 0.52 meters/seconds (approximately 20 inches/second). The ratings shown correspond to those measurements; rebound force is the first number, followed by compression force (rebound / compression). Conventionally, the ratings are written as one tenth the damping force in Newtons.

EXAMPLE:
Valve rating: 275 / 78

Rebound force is 2750 Newtons at 0.52 m/s

Compression force is 780 Newtons at 0.52 m/s

Higher numbers mean higher (firmer) damping forces. For example, 360/80 has more control (is firmer) that 275/78, while 170/60 has less control (is softer) than 275/78.

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for toy solid axles it's recommended that you use 255/70 for front and rear if you use a single shock. more shocks equals less dampening force per shock.

[J94runner]

10-4 on that buddy. been reading up on found some "recomended" valving guide for small/mid size 4x4's like Jeepa and Toyotas... they recomend 255/70 upfront and 170/60 in the rear for comfort, or 255/70. Man, I really like how bilstein gives specs so you can compare vlaving and stuff.... they seem to be the way to go. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys. i'm sure the bad reviews on bilstiens was b/c they didn't pick their valving. I wonder what my RS5012's valving is! what do you guys think about the IAS Edelbrock shocks? the technology sounds very similar to the bilsteins.but they don't give valving numbers or guide lines.

[91toyota4x4]

Order the Bilsteins from Trail-gear.com mine were $150 shipped. How much are the Ranchos? Probably more and less sweet.

[J94runner]

I'm deciding NOT to go with the ranchos. I think i need to go with a Nitro Gas charged shock. like the Bilstein's, or Edelbrock. I'm gonna make sure I pick the part # of the shocks to get the right valving.

[91toyota4x4]

If you get them from marlin or TG they will have the correct valving. And the lift that a gas charged shock will give will be negligabele.

[85sfarunner]

I've been running Rancho 9000's for a couple of years and they've been great. When I switched to chevies in the rear the ride was too soft, a couple turns on the knob and my ride was dialed again.

[bosco]

Definately got to put in my :2cents: for the bilstiens. I LOVE THEM AND I CANT STRESS THAT ENOUGH!!!!! And as for the trail gear fenatics that can get em for $150...I got my 5125's from Shaffers Offroad for $139 shipped. Just to let ya know. ;)

Bryan

Edited...wrong company. Ooops...

[J94runner]

um, bilsteins ARE nitrogen charged shocks.

[Neil426]

I vote for BBCS (Big Block Cock Shocks)
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/product.php?productid=84&cat=64&page=1

I'll be getting a set for the front of my rig as soon as I get the ride height straightend out.

[J94runner]

Dang. $100ea! what do you think of the bilsteins neil?

[Neil426]

The Bilstiens are great and I run 5125's up front. The valving is good, but the bbcs are designed for a Toyota mini truck or Runner.

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woah, they have those in 11" and 13" now... i guess i missed that.

[Neil426]

and soon to be a coilover to.

[J94runner]

well reading all the replies on a few different forums on shocks...

Procomps: mixed reviews. opinions are pretty diverse.

Rancho RS9k's: for the most part people seem to like them. pretty consistent opinions for the most part.

Bilstiens: 9/10 people love'm! that one guy hates them!

Edelbrocks: nobody really knows much about them, few people say they're good/stiff. But I searched and found their "universal" shock part #'s are listed for 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton trucks (can't be good).

I'm pretty sure I'm going Bilstein 5125's. But I have to say the Rancho RS9000X's are my 2nd choice.

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fyi:

after doing extensive research, the 5150's don't go full compression or they will pop the seal. the resivior isn't big enough it would seem. 5125 w/ internal shreider (sp) is good and the 7100s are good in the right valving. just letting it be known that i'm taking back what i said about the 5150s. they aren't for rocks!

9000s aren't for rocks either... call jon at trailgear and he'll tell you he went through 2 sets. one set at the con and another in the desert after the hammers.

Ryan

[J94runner]

well i'm getting BBC's or 5125's. most likely the BBC's.