mikey6417

anyone know if this is normal for Rancho shocks to start rusting like this (is this surface rust) or whether the dust boot should be rubbing to the point where it's taken all the pain off of the shock? These are RS5000 shocks that came with my Rancho 2" Sport Lift that I just installed last summer.

If this is abnormal to you I'm going to try to get these covered under warranty from Rancho.

jadmt

It is normal for the 5000X's to rust. Not saying it is right but I have 2 complete sets and they have very poor paint. I did use clear coat and that helped on my second set. Pull them off and repaint them and call it a day. They are awesome performing shocks but the paint leaves something to be desired.

mikey6417

any recommendations on what brand paint to use? Rust-Oleum, TrimmClad? Should I put a primer on? I assume I'll need to do some sanding, should I sand just to rough up the surface or try to remove all the rust?

jadmt

I would just give a light sanding to knock the rust off and hit it with some rustoleum type paint. I cut the rear boots off and don't run the front boots.

Chuck-The-Ripper

9000s do it too. It's from the shock boot

jeepmojo

i do like the ride they offer however mine rusted after one season of winter in NH, i made note of that some time ago on another rancho thread . The repainting will void your life time warranty most likely so, i would not say thats a real fix if the shock fails at some point nor would cutting off the plastic boot be a option if you want warrenty . Im sure they would say you altered or caused the problem. However im not sure if the shock rots away they will cover it either so its a crap shoot. Im thinking of using rust restorer might save it from getting worse like a cancer ? I may try this alternative after all you cant just watch it rust and not try something to control it,
or youl be buying new shock every few years over and over (yeh rancho needs a better rust resistant finish to be a perfect shock ) but again i love the ride they give my jeep compared to the stock red rubicon shocks that came from the factory . Those were awful in my op
i recall being told at that time maybe a clear coat paint might help but that would be no different than a paint or a rust restorer . All would just happen again & again wonder if this might work it can be painted too . ? Ive heard it woks pretty good on things and prevents rust from what some have told me . But never tried it . Might just peal off im not sure .

mds22

When I bought my 9000s the guy at rancho suggested I hit them with clear before I installed them. I did and they Still look great. Makes you wonder why they don't do something about this before they sell them? Regardless, I love them!

kjeeper10

Use FLUID FILM. No rust over the winter.

jeepmojo

that stuff has good reviews so i hear

i see rust all under your jeep too ! its a full time job that gets worse every season

kjeeper10

Yea the rear needs help lol

Front ... Different story