I just ordered a pair of 5009's from summit and when I opened the box both shocks came fully compressed. I then fully extended both myself with no problem what so ever. I can fully compress and extend both my shocks, and I have done this several times. The rod will also stay in place, it will not eventually rise and extend by itself. WTF, I shouldnt be able to do this right?

They also have a girgle of bubbles right at the end of its full extention. I think there are air bubbles or something in it. It makes that sound everytime.

Is this normal, will it just work its self out once they are on the vehical? To me this is not right.

Opinions, thoughs.....

I was not expecting the ranchos to be the greatest shock ever, for both quality in performance and crafsmanship, but to me they seemed a little cheap in quality. I know they were only 40 bucks a pop but still. IMO.

 

every shock I have ever bought always extended itself after compressing...to me it should not have any air in it because it is supposed to be totally sealed off. I would send em back and go to 4 wheel parts and get their ES3000's for the same price plus steering stabilizer. They are cheap too but I feel Pro Comp has made a better name for themselves rather than Rancho...IMO

 

Sounds right to me. Nitrogen charged shocks self extend, non-gas charged shocks do not. It sounds like all you have ever seen is gas charged shocks and the ones you purchased are not.

The gurgling noise is the oil moving through the valving. Also perfectly normal.

 

yep, what he said i have 5000 series all around and they are not a "charged" shock you can compress them by hand. Now if you could compress them very quickly with out resistance something is wrong.. even some pro comp shocks are rebadged Ranchos (all made by monroe) !!

 

One more vote for everything being OK! I've got the same situation with non charged shocks and they work just fine.

 

I agree...and as far as quality goes I have found them to be really good...they also stand behind them with a lifetime warranty. I had one that leaked after about 75K miles and they replaced it and the one on the other side.

 

Learn something new everyday....disregard my opinion!

 

Thanks, Thats what I was hoping would be the answer. I have only had experiences with shocks that are only fully extended and you cant even push it down an inch, ie nitrogen charged. I wasnt sure about everything, but I am now.

now that I think about it and look at my ranchos they are pretty good, for the price.
Id rather spend 40 bucks and get these then get some better ones like bilstiens and pay like 80+ bucks. Im going on a budget, I need the best bang for the buck.

Thanks guys.