I have searched and been unable to find an answer.

My question is this. I have an 05 edge 2wd. I have heard great things about the rancho shocks. However being that they are not nitrogen filled am I going to have my rear end sink or loose cornering when I hitch up my camper. I am looking for a softer ride that is suitable for both hunting roads and for pulling my camper. If rancho's are ok which is better the 5000's or the RSX17000's I know the RSX are self adjusting does this actually work as advertised? Whats best for my needs without too much money. Price range has to meet spousal approval if you catch my drift.

 

If its performance ur wanting out of a set of shocks, Rancho is NOT the way to go.
Why you ask? The answer is simple. Rancho is made by Monroe, in the same building. Every Rancho shock is a twin tube design, and correct me if I am wrong but they also offer a triple-tube shock. What this is, is a tube inside of a tube, so what you see is NOT the working cylinder.
Since you apprently ride dirt roads and tow a camper, you need a high-compression monotube shock(monotube=what you see is the working cylinder). Bilstien and KYB offer the best monotube shock. Most ppl prefer Bilstein but I like KYB's. Use search feature and you can find out what the difference is between the two.

 

He knows what he's talking about. Because Rancho is marketed so much people think they're the best shocks, do your research and you'll find otherwise. Bilstein or KYB sounds like the best shocks for your application.

 

Wow, I had ne idea monroe even made a monotube shock.
Any idea on the dampening rates? Bore size? Just courious for my own knowledge.

 

does anyone know who manufactures the superlift shocks? and what design they are?

 

Tennaco Co. makes Monroe, Gabriel, Rancho, Skyjacker, and Superlift shocks, all are twin tube sesign.
I believe Skyjacker and Superlift shocks are oil charged, the others are gas charged.

 

thanks, yeah they aren't gas charged.

 

Nathan, I think you are operating under the mistaken impression that nitrogen charged shocks help hold the truck up. They don't, the springs do that.

Shocks don't "carry" any of the truck's weight. All they do is dampen bumps.

If you don't believe that, watch to see how much the truck's height "goes up" when you install your new gas-charged shocks. 0" (measure before and after, you'll see).

 

I got 1/2" after I installed my MonoMax's.
Most high-pressure aftermarket shocks have such a high compression to compensate for suspension sag that occures with age.

Depending on your suspension, wheather its new or aged, it may or may not "raise" the height of the truck.
Shocks do much more than dampen bumps. They control body roll, nose diving while braking, articulation while on the trail, and of course help aid in towing and hauling loads.

 

How about those rancho air ajustable shocks? My dad had them on his F-350 and they seemed to work good, we towed a camper in the bed of the truck. They compensate well with an empty or full bed.

 

Air shocks is a total different beast. Your Pops truck is an ideal rig for air shocks. A one ton truck can haul/tow ALOT more than our Rangers, therefore needing higher compression to compensate for the rear of the truck squatting. With air adjustables you can just hit a switch and pump those ***** up with or without houling/towing anything. It is ideal while hauling and using air shocks to have the truck sitting as it had nothing in it at all.

 

Earl in my experience the shocks do have an impact on ride quality and towing quality. I am not looking for lift or extreme off-road performance here just a more comfortable ride on hunting roads and shocks that will continue to do well with a rather heavy rather large 1980's camper. Keep in mind the truck pulls the camper fine I just want a better ride and was concerned about if my tail is going to sink more if I move away from nitrogen charged shocks which do self extend.

 

Rancho 5000 are VERY stiff, I have used them on several vehicles.

 

just wondering but what kind of camper are you pulling like size wise?

 

1980 Starcraft popup actual box closed is about 6.5' X 11' with swing out kitchen and two queen beds with full size bed when dining table is down.