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Nine-Position Adjustable Damping for Trucks, SUVs, and Off-Road Builds
The Rancho RHORS994012 RS9000XL is Rancho's flagship manually adjustable shock absorber, offered as a universal non-application unit for custom suspension builds, replacements, and off-road fabrication projects. Recognized as the first nine-position manually adjustable shock series in the off-road market, the RS9000XL allows the driver to dial in exactly the right damping firmness for current road, trail, or load conditions using an easy-to-adjust external knob. The RHORS994012 shock features a nitrogen-gas-pressurized design at 120 PSI to minimize air-to-oil mixture, reduce foaming, and maintain consistent damping performance across extended off-road use. Construction includes an 18mm nitro-carburized piston rod, a 1.25 inch sintered iron piston, double-welded loops at all stress areas, and a premium liquid metallic finish for long-term durability.
Key Features
- 9-position manually adjustable external knob for on-the-fly damping tuning
- Nitrogen gas pressurized at 120 PSI to reduce foaming and damping fade
- 18mm nitro-carburized piston rod resists scuffing and rust in all conditions
- 1.25 inch sintered iron piston for structural integrity under high stress
- Double-welded loops at all stress areas for reinforced durability
- Up to 2.75 inch tri-tube body (application specific) with all-weather fluid rated from -40 to 248 degrees F
- Polyurethane rebound bumper and bushings for a smoother ride
- Graphite-filled fluon-banded piston reduces friction and improves responsiveness
- Low-friction self-lubricating seal retains gas and oil for quicker rebound
- Premium liquid metallic finish with polyvinyl protective boot for extended service life
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | RHORS994012 / RS994012 |
| Series | RS9000XL |
| Damping Positions | 9 (manually adjustable) |
| Gas Charge | Nitrogen, 120 PSI |
| Piston Rod Diameter | 18mm nitro-carburized |
| Piston | 1.25 inch sintered iron |
| Body | Up to 2.75 inch tri-tube (application specific) |
| Temperature Range | -40 to 248 degrees F |
| Finish | Premium liquid metallic with polyvinyl boot |
| Application Type | Universal (non-application specific) |
| Quantity | 1 shock absorber |
| UPC | 039703940120 |
What's Included
- 1x Rancho RS9000XL Universal Shock Absorber (RS994012)
- Polyvinyl protective boot
- Mounting hardware as applicable
About Rancho
Rancho has been producing off-road suspension components since 1955 and is credited with introducing the first nine-position manually adjustable shock absorber to the market. The RS9000XL series sits at the top of Rancho's performance shock lineup, purpose-built for trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps that tow, haul, or see regular off-road use. All Rancho RS9000XL shocks are manufactured to OE-equivalent fitment standards with upgraded performance materials and adjustability not available in factory equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does universal mean for the RHORS994012 RS9000XL shock?Universal means the RS994012 is not pre-fitted for a specific vehicle make, model, or year. It is intended for custom suspension builds, off-road fabrication, or specialized replacement applications where the builder selects the shock based on extended and compressed length measurements rather than a vehicle application lookup. Always measure your required shock travel and mounting dimensions before ordering a universal shock.
How does the 9-position adjustment work on the RS9000XL?An external adjustment knob is located at the top of the shock body. Rotating the knob selects one of nine damping positions, ranging from soft (position 1) for maximum comfort on smooth roads or light off-road terrain, to firm (position 9) for aggressive off-road use, towing, or high-speed trail driving. Position changes can be made while the vehicle is parked without any tools.
Is the RS9000XL nitrogen gas charged?Yes. The RHORS994012 RS9000XL is nitrogen gas pressurized at 120 PSI. This reduces the air-to-oil mixture inside the shock under compression, which minimizes foaming and damping fade during extended hard use. Nitrogen charging maintains more consistent damping performance compared to non-pressurized twin-tube shocks in demanding conditions.
What temperature range can the RS994012 handle?The RS9000XL tri-tube body is filled with all-weather hydraulic fluid rated to perform from -40 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the RHORS994012 suitable for use in extreme cold climates where conventional shock fluids can thicken and lose performance, as well as in high-heat desert off-road environments.
What is the piston rod material on the RS9000XL?The RS994012 uses an 18mm nitro-carburized piston rod. Nitro-carburizing is a surface hardening process that increases wear resistance and corrosion resistance compared to plain steel rods. This reduces scuffing of the rod-to-seal interface and extends seal life in muddy and abrasive off-road environments.
Can I use the RHORS994012 for towing?Yes. The RS9000XL series is specifically designed for vehicles that tow, haul, or carry variable loads. When towing, dialing the adjustment knob to a firmer damping position (positions 6-9) helps control pitch and nose-dive under braking and rear squat under load, improving towing stability compared to a fixed-rate shock.
Does the RS9000XL work on lifted trucks?Yes. The Rancho RS9000XL lineup is designed to work with stock and lifted suspensions. For a universal application like the RS994012, verify that the extended and compressed lengths match the travel requirements of your lifted suspension. Insufficient compressed length can cause shock bottoming, while insufficient extended length can cause shock overextension at full droop.
What finish does the RHORS994012 use?The RS9000XL uses a premium liquid metallic finish applied to the shock body, combined with a polyvinyl protective boot over the piston rod. The dual 2K paint process used in the fourth-generation RS9000XL design provides superior chip resistance compared to earlier versions, helping maintain corrosion protection on the body exterior during off-road use.
Installation Notes
- Measure your application's required extended and compressed shock lengths before installation to confirm the RS994012 universal unit fits your travel range
- Safely lift and support the vehicle with the suspension hanging at full droop
- Remove existing shock absorbers from upper and lower mount positions
- Install the RS994012 at upper and lower mounts, using correct hardware for your application
- Torque all mounting hardware to your vehicle or chassis manufacturer's specification
- Set the 9-position adjustment knob to your preferred starting damping level (position 5 is a neutral starting point)
- Lower vehicle and test drive, adjusting damping position as needed for your driving conditions and load
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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