Adjustable shock question

[89 jimmy]

Ok, I apologize is this is a stupid question but I have Rancho 9000, 9-position adjustable dials shocks. They are approximately 10 years or more old, but not many miles on them. Truck has 2.5” lift with 32” BFG mud KM2 tires. When I’m highway driving I like em a bit firm for better control and better handling while towing my fishing boat. My question is, when I go off-road, (nothing major) mostly trail type stuff with rocks, ruts etc. do I set the shocks dial more firm or soften them up? I really hate driving over small rocks on a trail at like 15-20 mph and getting beat up and my fillings worked loose. In that scenario, is it better to soften the shocks (which is what I do) but doesn’t seem to help very much, or leave em somewhat firm for a quicker shock recovery over ruts and such. I do air down the tires slightly as well. Basically just looking for a more comfortable ride on like a 7 mile rough trail to a somewhat remote lake. Just the truck, no boat. What do you guys do, or suggest?

 

[imiceman44]

Ok, I apologize is this is a stupid question but I have Rancho 9000, 9-position adjustable dials shocks. They are approximately 10 years or more old, but not many miles on them. Truck has 2.5” lift with 32” BFG mud KM2 tires. When I’m highway driving I like em a bit firm for better control and better handling while towing my fishing boat. My question is, when I go off-road, (nothing major) mostly trail type stuff with rocks, ruts etc. do I set the shocks dial more firm or soften them up? I really hate driving over small rocks on a trail at like 15-20 mph and getting beat up and my fillings worked loose. In that scenario, is it better to soften the shocks (which is what I do) but doesn’t seem to help very much, or leave em somewhat firm for a quicker shock recovery over ruts and such. I do air down the tires slightly as well. Basically just looking for a more comfortable ride on like a 7 mile rough trail to a somewhat remote lake. Just the truck, no boat. What do you guys do, or suggest?

That's what I used to do with mine.
It wasn't a huge difference but it did help.

 

[Fastereddie]

Best thing you can do is air down your tires. Helps alot for smoothing out the jolts.

 

[blazinzuk]

I always ran mine softer off road.

 

[89 jimmy]

What would be a good and safe tire air down pressure for trail driving up to 30 mph without worry of losing a bead? Mostly for a softer ride as mentioned. 15x7 stock alloys with 32x11.50 tires.

 

[MEMO43]

A lot of that depends on the surface you are traveling up
for dirt roads and fire breaks I go down to 25 up front and 20 on the rear.
if I am driving on rocks or slippery surface I will go down to 20 up front 15 on the rear.
I have rancho 5000s on all four corners with 33x12.5r15 on aluminum rims.
the tricky part is getting the air back in the tires.
I carry air compressor from the parts store not the fastest but it gets the job done.

 

[dyeager535]

What would be a good and safe tire air down pressure for trail driving up to 30 mph without worry of losing a bead? Mostly for a softer ride as mentioned. 15x7 stock alloys with 32x11.50 tires.

I run my BFG AT KO's at 18-22PSI (indicated) off road. I don't particularly trust tire pressure gauges FWIW, all of mine read differently. The tires can probably go lower, but at some point probably run into bead problems.

To me it feels like it's a bit easier to find the edge of handling when cornering and aired down, but not so much that it's a significant concern. The amount of difference it makes on bumps is huge. It *easily* rides twice as smooth. And I've butt-tested it to prove. But seriously, I've driven over the same, horrible section of dirt road (potholes covering the entire road, 2-6" deep) aired up and down, and taken a passenger along to get their opinion, they agreed as well, the difference is massive.

And yes, I'm talking from teeth cracking rough to still feeling the bumps/potholes, but doesn't feel like the frame and axle tubes are making direct contact. Also helps on washboard. The smaller washboard is unnoticeable, large washboard the truck doesn't skid across it as it does aired up.

"Stock" quad setup in front, singles in rear, no lift, cheapy auto parts store shocks that are ~15 years old.

Seriously, it's why I got my hands on a CO2 setup. I wouldn't carry it around if there was no difference.

 

[ktmoutfront]

20psi would be OK for what you are doing. If they are big rocks that wrinkle the sidewalls, keep them above that a few pounds. I run dessert race suspension and my fat butt sits in suspension seats. I still air down to 18psi the minute I hit dirt.

Also, if you can get past the vibration point on wash board road with a little speed, it really smooths out. Just watch out for the ruts or G-outs. I finally have my Jeep friends figuring this out. And a few guys at BB. @4door99?

 

[89 jimmy]

Thanks for the advice. I will try about 20 or so psi and make small adjustments from there if needed. I think last time I aired down to about 25 psi and was still pretty rough ride. About the only downside is I may lose about a half, to an inch of ground clearance aired down.

 

[ramack]

'77K5 has Ranchos, 31x9 BFGs. I never aired down, I would keep the shocks stiff on the street, softest on the trail. Seemed to help a lot not getting beat to death on rocky trails.

 

[CyberSniper]

1 when going offroad, 4 for daily driver, 9 for towing. Less air in your tires will help more.