Alright, I promised a few people a decent review after I installed these things. I'll start off with a quick review for those of us who don't like reading.

Quick Review
The RS5000 shocks are a very noticeable improvement over the stock shocks. The velocity variable valving system works great and helps create a smoother ride, on and off road. Overall, the Rancho RS5000 replacement shocks are well worth the swap.

Shock Information
Manufacturer:Rancho
Model: RS5000 SERIES SHOCK
Valving: Ten-stage velocity sensitive valving
Piston Rod Diameter: 5/8-in. (16mm)
Piston Diameter: 1 3/8-in. (35mm)
Price Ranger: $50-$60 USD each
Piston Rod Protection: Red Protective Boot
Warranty: Limited Lifetime

New mounting Hardware it included for the front shocks, the rear shocks reuse the stock mounting hardware. No modification to the vehicle is required.

Detailed Review
When the stock shocks were installed, I often avoided larger bumps and dips in the road. Every little imperfection on the road seemed to be amplified through the suspension. The only job the stock shocks performed was keeping the truck from bouncing. They don't comfort the ride, they don't help tire bounce, they are just abusive to the occupants in the truck.

With the RS5000 installed, these issues seems to disappear. I still feel a connection with the road, but not the abuse from the road. Speed bumps no longer throw me around and I no longer need to brace myself for unexpected potholes or uneven terrain. The dampening effect of these shocks is a fantastic improvement.

Off road, the shocks continue to impress. Where the stock shocks shook the vehicle in any direction the ground wanted, the Rancho's allow the truck to glide over minor bumps and dips. Larger terrain features are smoothed out drastically. Because of the RS5000's valving system, the truck doesn't bottom out nearly as easy. Also, down-travel is improved, allowing the suspension to move more freely and flex with the terrain.

Installation was a breeze. I thought about doing a tutorial on the installation, but once I got started with the install, I realized a tutorial just isn't needed. If you can't look at your shocks and figure out how to install them, call a friend. They aren't hard.

Price was reasonable. I paid $51/each for my shocks at Pep-Boys. Normally, I wouldn't go to a retail store for parts, but the markup on there shocks is so little, it's worth going to them to pick them up. They did have to order the shocks for me, but they were there in 2 days and they gave me a call when they were ready for pickup. I showed up at the store and they had the shocks at the register, ready and waiting for me.

Stock or Leveled? Rancho covered both bases by offering two options; stock ride height and leveled. Stock is self-explanatory, being direct replacements for the stock shocks. The level ready shocks allow 1"-2.5" of extra travel. If you are like me and have your torsion bars cranked and 2" shackles in the rear, the level ready shocks are perfect.

Swaybar Disconnected. It's worth noting that my swaybar is disconnected and I know this is a common modification. These shocks work very well with the swaybar connected or not. I recommend disconnecting your swaybar for offroad and more comfortable onroad driving. This is a personal preference of mine. I will say that your should leave your swaybar connected if you do alot of trailer towing as it helps reduce trailer sway.


I hope this was all useful information. If you have any questions, comments, or opinions, please post them here. I'd be happy to answer questions or take suggestions if you have them. Thank you!

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2010 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L 4X4
Flowmaster 40 Series SI/SO, Modded Airbox, T-Bar Cranked, RoughCountry Lift Shackles, Cooper Discoverer STT 32x11.5R15, Black Crystal Headlights, Niteshaded Tails & 3rd Brakelight, 2005 Sport Grille, Hood Mounted Hellas, Blue Under-Dash Lights, Dome Light, Under-Rail Bed Lights, Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Roll-In Bed Liner, 6.5 Kicker Sub w/ hidden box, Grille Lights, Plasti-Dip Rims

Thanks for the review. I've been looking at shocks and these are around the top of my list. Good info

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98 Step-Side 4x4 3.0 auto 170k

Favorite Truck Quote: My trucks not getting older its getting newer piece by piece. By now its gotta be at least a 1999 1/2

Thanks Tucker. Good luck on your shock hunt.

If you are looking at more comfort than performance, Monroe shocks are often hinted at being a little softer than Rancho's. Just something else to consider when shopping for shocks.

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2010 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L 4X4
Flowmaster 40 Series SI/SO, Modded Airbox, T-Bar Cranked, RoughCountry Lift Shackles, Cooper Discoverer STT 32x11.5R15, Black Crystal Headlights, Niteshaded Tails & 3rd Brakelight, 2005 Sport Grille, Hood Mounted Hellas, Blue Under-Dash Lights, Dome Light, Under-Rail Bed Lights, Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Roll-In Bed Liner, 6.5 Kicker Sub w/ hidden box, Grille Lights, Plasti-Dip Rims

No I'm too hard on the truck for soft shocks. Side question know any thing about shock extensions from Mr. Gasket? They are advertised to add 5 inches (+ or -) of shock travel. Advance Auto carries them on-line.

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98 Step-Side 4x4 3.0 auto 170k

Favorite Truck Quote: My trucks not getting older its getting newer piece by piece. By now its gotta be at least a 1999 1/2

I've done a little research on them, before.

Basically, they screw down onto the threaded rod at the top of your front shocks. It's a simple way to lengthen the front shocks if you have a lift, but no shocks of the proper length. They don't extend your shock travel, but if you have a bolt on lift kit (i.e. Super Lift) then the extensions will work just fine.

Bolt on kits simply move your suspension components down, relative to the truck. Mr Gasket shock extensions move your shock down in the same manner. I hope you're following me here, lol.

Simply put; only use them with a bolt on lift kit and use the right length. I've never used them, myself, but after reading up on them a little bit, they seem to be a decent alternative to buying extended shocks.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask more if you need more info.


One more side note: These are also a good idea if you've moved your shock mount position. I didn't suspect this was the case, but it's good info.

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2010 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L 4X4
Flowmaster 40 Series SI/SO, Modded Airbox, T-Bar Cranked, RoughCountry Lift Shackles, Cooper Discoverer STT 32x11.5R15, Black Crystal Headlights, Niteshaded Tails & 3rd Brakelight, 2005 Sport Grille, Hood Mounted Hellas, Blue Under-Dash Lights, Dome Light, Under-Rail Bed Lights, Rancho RS5000 Shocks, Roll-In Bed Liner, 6.5 Kicker Sub w/ hidden box, Grille Lights, Plasti-Dip Rims