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adamis
Northern California
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Joined: 06/09/2016
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Headed out on a long trip and I think it's time to get my shocks replaced. I called my local Les Schwab Dealer (West Coast Service Center) expecting they would have the Rancho 9000 shocks. Turns out they only have these KYB Monomax shocks. Lifetime Warranty for parts and labor so I can't go wrong there.
After reading other people's comments I had intended to go with the Rancho 9000 shocks. Seeing as how they are not available through my service center, I was wondering if others had experience with the KYBs? Should I hold out and find a place that will do the Ranchos or will the KYBs get the job done?
1999 F350 Dually with 7.3 Diesel
2000 Bigfoot 10.6 Camper
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Bedlam
PNW
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Joined: 06/13/2012
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I ended up ordering my Toyo M655 tires and had the local Schwab mount and balance them because they could mot get them. See if you can mail order the shocks you want and have your local store install them.
Chevy Sonic 1.8-Honda Passport C70B-Host Mammoth 11.5-Interstate Car Carrier 20-Joyner SandViper 250-Kawasaki Concours ZG1000-Paros 8' flatbed-Pelican Decker DLX 8.75-Ram 5500 HD
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egarant
Mission Viejo CA
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Joined: 12/01/2003
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I wish there were KYB Monomax’s available for my 2021 FORD, great shocks.
I curently have Rancho 9000 shocks on mine which are a step up from stock but I still feel are in adequate.
I am installing Fox 2.5 adjustable Factory Race shocks, I had them on my 2013 RAM and they were what the truck/TC combo really needed. Something that would not fade and help with the overall drivability of the truck.
Not cheap a pair will run close to $1,200, but if you have the cash, you won’t regret it.
2021 FORD F350 dually 4x4 with 4.30 gears
2013 Eagle Cap 950
480 Watts Solar, 3K VictronConnect Multiplus II, VictronConnect smart DC-DC charger, VictronConnect 100/30 solar controller, 250 amps of lithium batteries by LifeBlue
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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Mistake #1. Resist the urge to use Less Slobs ever, unless your only option.
At least up here in WA, they've gone from a very good tire shop to universally being the highest priced, worst service, overselling ripoff I've seen in a chain store since Firestone 30 years ago. Their business model has changed across the board, not just select stores here maybe with some mediocre employees. They won't even do brake pads on a 2 year old vehicle without requiring replacing pads, rotors AND calipers, even if everything else is still good.
Most recent less than wonderful experience, still have a truck with Schwabby bought Toyos on it. And while they've balanced them and patched a couple holes without issue, had the wife take it in to have the tires dismounted and flipped outside in on the rims (37s with big offset, wearing outer tread more than inner, time to swap around). I assumed it would not be free, but instead, first, the mgr argued with my wife that the tires were fine and that it was not necessary and he was not sure what her "husband" was trying to gain by doing this (or why do something to extend tire life...sells less new tires that way was what he probably meant, unless he really was that dumb). Secondly he said it would be at least $200 and not sure when they could get her in....she showed up first before they opened, standing at the door. So that was total bs as well.
Just one of a dozen issues in the last several years.
Second, shocks are about a 1.1 out of 10 scale difficulty to replace. You can get whatever you want delivered to your door in a couple days and easy hand tool replacement on your truck. Maybe exercise that option?
Third, if I was goin to spend $100/shock on Rancho 9000s, I'd get Bilsteins.
* This post was
edited 08/05/22 09:30am by Grit dog *
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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greenno
Clairemont Cal.
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Joined: 04/12/2018
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Any good aftermarket shock will be better than the stock set-up.
Last truck with camper I ran Bilstein 5100's. My current truck with camper I'm running Fox 2.0's.
I like the fox's better.
Good luck.
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JimK-NY
NY
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Joined: 05/12/2010
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I would look elsewhere and get the Rancho shocks. When I got mine, I dialed them on the high side to reduce sway and an overly soft ride. That setting was too harsh. I was able to back off to get the right level of control. As I remember I ended up with the back shocks around 7 and the fronts about 4 or 5. With my new truck, I am still using the factory shocks. I will be replacing them soon.
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adamis
Northern California
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Joined: 06/09/2016
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Ended up going with the Monomaxes as it was convenient for my schedule and trip. I had Bilsteins on there from the previous owner but they were pretty old. When Les Schwab tech replaced them he noted they were soft and one was leaking. The ride improvement was definitely noticeable, most of my porpoising was going and a lot less roll.
Changing the shocks out wasn't really on my radar until it dawned on me that the porpoising I was experiencing was caused by worn out shocks. The cost isn't bad at all considering just how much of a positive impact it made. Plus, with Les Schwab it is Lifetime Warranty on parts and labor. Considering I will be buried in this truck, I think Les Schwab is going to lose money on me over the years...
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joeshmoe
So Cal
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Joined: 08/17/2012
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I've read lots of positive reports about Bilstein shocks. I went Ranchos also because of reviews. Can't say I've been overly impressed. Not bad, but not great either, even with my lightweight camper. Marginally better than stock. I got a smoking warehouse deal on Amazon, so I went with them. Going with Bilstein next time.
2014 Northwood Wolf Creek 850
2005 Ford F350 SRW SuperCab/LongBed 6.0 Powerstroke
QuickTrick's Towing Tune
Torklift Tie Downs/Fastguns/Upper/Lower Stableloads
Rancho 9000's
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mellow
Salisbury, MD
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Joined: 06/10/2014
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Going from Napa fleet shocks to the Rancho 9000's was a huge upgrade on my rig, I set them at 9 in the rear and 5 in the front and it all but eliminated the porposing I was encountering, since I am off road a lot with this rig it helps to cushion the bumps as well.
2002 F-350 7.3 Lariat 4x4 DRW ZF6
2008 Lance 1191 - 220w of solar - Bring on the sun!
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computermonkey
Oklahoma
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Joined: 07/20/2006
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When my friend found out I had the original Ram 3500 shocks at a little over 10k miles he didn't give me a choice but Bilstein 5100 shocks. Glad I got them. Camper is a Arctic Fox 1140. Really helped out the porpoising.
New
2013 RAM Crew Cab, 3500 4x4
2019 Arctic Fox 1140 wet bath
Old
2016 Eagle Cap 960
2004 Jayco Talon ZX
1998 GMC Suburban with a Cummins 6BT conversion.
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