Feedback on Rancho RS9000X Shocks and Auto Alliance Coils 4 Prado?
Submitted: Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 00:21
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Prado Boy
Just wondering if anyone has experience with Rancho RS9000X shocks and/or Auto Alliance Coils to Prado's - pre 2002 models. Any problems fitting the in cab adjuster unit for the Ranchos?
Also - how much lift did this kit give and how did it effect ride quality & tyre life?
I've heard great things about the Ranchos & Auto Alliance Springs but they are so expensive that I want to fit them myself to keep costs down. And I don't want to invest that much money if there are better options out there. Quite a few of my mates swear by the Ranchos though.
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 14:53
Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 14:53
I have Ranchos 9000s and 9000x.. WOuld I buy them again? Not a hope in hell. I'd rather put cane poles in there.
I have no idea why Ranchos have such a so called good name...
Everyone I know have had them crap themselves.
Mine have, mate has had 3 sets now replaced under warranty, but mates with Konis, or OME ones have no problems. Others have given up on their ranchos, and just tossed them.
My next set will be Konis, or OMEs, depending on $$ i have at the time.
In the words of offroad racing mate (uses Bilsteins)
" the only thing Ranchos have going for them is they are adjustable"
Just on Doedoes, the word from the prado list is that Bilstein rear shocks, King Springs, Bilstein front Struts are the kit to have.
Just a word on their incab kit, the compressors fall apart, there is nothing holding the crank on the rod but a brass bush, and once that dies, you are up for a complete new incab kit at $400 as they dont sell parts for the incab kit at all!!!
AnswerID:
20116
Follow Up By: srowlandson - Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 14:56
Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 14:56
Just the Setup i will have going in the My KZJ120 Prado in the next few weeks...
Heavy shocks, Light springs... 25-40mm lift from standard.
FollowupID:
12849
Reply By: brett - Friday, May 16, 2003 at 16:49
Friday, May 16, 2003 at 16:49
First of all, Ranch RS9000x shocks are renowned because if used in appropriate applications there are unsurpassable. Secondly parts for incab kits are available. I have atleast 12 contacts running from highway 100 series through to 7inch lifted rockcrawling Patrols, all running Rancho 9000's, with no problems. You really need to talk to a
suspension professional for your kit. It is hard to say but i think the kit you are looking at is too extreme for your car. The incab kit is definately overkill, and not many people really need adjustable rancho's, atleast not in the front end. I can recomend three very experienced people to talk to: Mike from Wolf Offroad at bretton1@bigpond.com, Nick from Mannell Motors in
sydney, or Brent from Wizard Performance in QLD at www.wizardperformance.com.au. That site will give you a good look at the kits.
For the record i will put my GQ against anyone that thinks Rancho's fall apart. Just bring your car and a mate to tow you
home to cruiser park for the Tuff Truck week.
Good luck with your car.
Brett
AnswerID:
20226
Follow Up By: Prado Boy - Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 11:34
Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 11:34
Thanx for your reply Brett. I have checked out wizardperformance and you are right 'extreme'n is not really a scene I am into. However, I am like installing quality gear in my 4WD and looking after it - as a photographer I get to travel much of Oz all by my lonesome and need to be able to rely on my vehicle. With the standard shocks in the Prado I am currently experiencing problems with the very soft front end and wish to cure this. Other mates of
mine have fitted Ranchos and noticed immediate improvements - as
well as having the bonus of being able to 'configure' the vehicle for better handling/ride comfort over various terrains. It's not so much whether this is overkill for the vehicle (I tend to agree with you) - but more a matter of having flexibility & reliability. I have heard that it is difficult to fit Rancho RS9000X's into the front end of the Prado because it is a coil over shock arrangement - but I will contact the guys you mentioned and see what experience they have with this problem. If true I am sure there is a way around it. Thanx again for your help - very much appreciated.
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