Important Shock Selection Question

[Ace!]

I was comparing Rancho shocks (ext/collapsed) and think I'll probably buy RSXs. I'm wondering though about the compressed/extended measurements. The amount of travel is important I know, but is there a minimum compressed I need to be careful of?

The RS9000 (9168/9116) have a compressed length of 15.25/14.75 respectively. Is that the minimum you can have? Does the bumpstop stop the compression before the shock compresses all the way anyway, or does the shock actually bottom out? The RSXs I found have more travel than the 9000s, but I think compression in the front was something like 15.5, rather than 15.25.

TIA

Áron O'Proinntigh is ainm dom

[mrblaine]

Why would you buy anything but the 9000's?

It is not who you know, It is who knows you
Jeeps do not make jeepers, jeepers make Jeeps.

[Tumbleweed]

I have had Rancho 9000 shocks on eleven different vehicles over the past 10 years. (I have never owned a TJ) As for me, there is only one choice here; buy the Rancho 9000's and be happy that you made the best choice. I have never regretted this or felt that I could have made a better choice. (At any price)

[Wumpy]

I bought Billstiens, based on the premise of a good warenty, and that they were the best on the markette.. although a little pricey.

It's a good thing I'm young, because the ride is BRUTAL (and I don't complain much about jeeps' ride).

If only I had known.

R/
William

[Ace!]

Honestly, the reason comes down to $. The RSX have a good reputation from those that have them (that I've had the opportunity to hear from) and are $50 - $100 cheaper for 4 and I need 4 for $200 or less. Unfortunately it boils down to 'probably second best' for what I can afford to buy. I originally priced and decided on 9000s, but the pistol I have won't sell here for what I need to make up the difference.

Áron O'Proinntigh is ainm dom

[mrblaine]

Wait for the 9000's. Otherwise you wind up with a 460 dollar set of shocks. 200 for the rsx's and 260 for the 9000's. You won't like the length choices offered with the RSX's. You may find some that crossover correctly, but I would be surprised.

It is not who you know, It is who knows you
Jeeps do not make jeepers, jeepers make Jeeps.

[Ace!]

That's one of the reasons I was wondering about part numbers and compressed/extended lengths. The RSX offer some shocks with more travel than 9000s, but I don't know whether they will fit correctly (about 1/4" - 1/2" difference).

If you all think it's really worth the extra $60 that's good to know. I'd like to find out other part numbers though, as I want to know up front if I need to buy a new bushing/bar pin when I place the order or will find the same comp/ext length made with the appropriate shock end up front. How was that addressed by each of you (old bushing out of old shock, ordered at time of shock order)?

Thanks

Áron O'Proinntigh is ainm dom

[TObject]

Even if RSX work, they are for the guys who zip fast around the corners.

All I can say don’t buy Skyjacker Nitro shocks. They are not good at all.

[Ace!]

Well, I've reviewed the Rancho specs (which have changed a little since last year for the same shock for some reason???). I think I've got it narrowed down. Can someone verify whether I will bottom out the shock with a 4" lift (I'll be using the bump stop kit that RE has in their 4.5" kit). I'm most concerned with the front compressed length being too tall and allowing the bottoming out of the shock.

Compressed/Extended lengths:

Front 15.5/25.875
Rear 14.75/23.75

Thanks.

BTW, is everyone running #9168 and #9116 (front/rear part numbers)?

Áron O'Proinntigh is ainm dom