skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

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bdrainy
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Joined: Thu Dec 19, 2019 8:27 am

skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by bdrainy »

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience with both of these shocks? I have searched quite a bit but can't find a good comparison....I use my 87 GW as my daily driver and looking for the softest / cushiest ride I can get. It had an Alcan 2" lift on it with rancho 5000 shocks when I got it and rode really really stiff.

I put on stock replacement leafs and skyjacker hydro shocks (along with changing out all the body mounts)....it made a big difference, but I am still hoping to make the ride a bit more comfortable. It is still pretty jarring driving around on the terrible roads here. I was thinking of picking up the rancho adjustable shocks and running them on the softest setting....but I'm not sure if that will be an improvement over the hydro shocks.

I know I can only expect so much comfort from a vehicle with leaf springs front and back....but with the reputation the GW's have for cushy rides I imagine it can get better than it is. I have 2 other cars from the muscle car era (65 mustang and 70 roadrunner) and the ride quality in those is significantly better.

Thanks for any info! - Brian
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devildog80
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Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by devildog80 »

If I had this as my DD, I would put OEM spec shocks on it.

Would need to have them longer for the lift, but just a good OEM set of hydraulics would be the ticket.
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

rocklaurence
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Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by rocklaurence »

An adjustable shock like the 9000s will give you more options. You can set them from stiff to soft-totally subjective but you may find a setting that works for you. Also, make sure that you suspension isnt bottoming out on the Stops.
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Stuka
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Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by Stuka »

Grand Wagoneers had very cushy rides because the type of leaf packs they used. The front was typically a 7 leaf pack with super thin leaves. Your after market, but stock height, springs are most likely a 4 leaf pack, maybe 5. I have not seen an aftermarket kit that will match the stock setup for ride quality.

You can put softer shocks on it, but to a point it will just start to reduce road handling. And you will end up with a very wallowing ride. Where it just never stops moving after hitting sections of uneven roads.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

Topic author
bdrainy
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Joined: Thu Dec 19, 2019 8:27 am

Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by bdrainy »

They actually are 7 leaf springs (in the front)...I did a bunch of research and found these to be the closest to the original to be found.

Fronts:
https://www.generalspringkc.com/1977-19 ... -capacity/

Rears:
https://www.generalspringkc.com/1979-19 ... af-spring/


Really...it could just be my expectations are off. But If I go over a bump like a curb, speed bump, or rolling bump in the road...it isn't bad at all. But if I hit uneven asphalt or god forgive drive over a manhole cover....it just about rattles my fillings out.
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Stuka
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Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by Stuka »

Oh, nice find on the springs.

So, shocks are a possibility. What are you running for tires? And what pressure do you run them at?
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

Topic author
bdrainy
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Re: skyjacker Hydro vs Rancho 9000 (adjustable)

Post by bdrainy »

I'm running Cooper Discoverer AT3 at 35psi
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