Does anyone have any input as to experience with Rancho RS5000 and RS9000 series shock absorbers? Time is approaching for a shock replacement on my 2002 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4WD pickup.
I purchased the truck new. The truck came with Bilstein shocks as part of the TRD off road package. During the summer of 2005 the front shocks were replaced with OEM Bilstein shocks (dealership replaced them – shocks are mounted within the front coil springs). During the spring of 2006 I purchased from the dealership the rear OEM Bilstein shocks and installed them myself (solid axle, leaf springs).
I am considering the Rancho shocks for two reasons: price and convenience. I work at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store, so I get a substantial employee discount. And the nearest Toyota dealership is 127 miles away.
I am satisfied with the ride of the OEM shocks, except for one characteristic. Side to side sway over rough trails seems far too much. Otherwise the truck has a fairly soft ride. I’d like to control this problem, yet not create a harsh ride on the highway.
Suggestions for other shock brands / models are welcome. However, I don’t want / need expensive shocks that allow the nth degree of performance. My truck gets a lot of dirt time, but isn’t abused at high speeds over rough terrain. My practice is to crawl over obstacles with the rear differential locked, the manual transmission in 1st or 2nd and the transfer case in low range. Since I live in rural northern Nevada, the vast majority of driving time is over rural two lane highways, an occasional interstate jaunt, maintained and semi-maintained dirt roads and two-track byways.
Thank you for any suggestions, input.
_________________ D.A. Wright ~When You Live in Nevada, "just down the road" is anywhere in the line of sight within the curvature of the earth.
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