From its humble beginnings in 1955 to the present, Rancho® has been dedicated to delivering suspension systems, shock absorbers and accessories that deliver rugged on- and off-road performance for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs.

Over 65 Years of Excellence

1955

Clarence Shook opens the Rancho Jeep Supply in the Los Angeles area. Looking to help off-roaders navigate the desert, the company sells new and used Jeep parts and accessories. In addition, the Shook family customizes four-wheel drive vehicles to handle the rigors of the trail.

Mid to Late 1950s

Clarence’s innovating spirit cements Rancho’s position as a leader in the growing off-road performance industry. He has several inventions that push vehicles past the limitations of the factory configuration.

  • Rancho Overdrive system for Jeep & Scout owners to increase the speed of the vehicle
  • Conversion kits to enable V8 engines to be installed in a Jeep
  • High-performance brakes for Jeeps with larger engines
  • High-performance tires and wheel packages created by converting helicopter tires
  • Trailblazer, a revolutionary off-road vehicle with independent suspension, disc brakes and a Corvair engine; GM purchases the design in 1962 and it becomes the basis of the Blazer SUV

1959

Clarence teams up with fellow off-road pioneer Basil Smith of Rock-ett Products to create roll bars and safety belts to help keep drivers and passengers protected while riding.

1960s

After continuing to design Jeep-specific parts to satisfy the demand of the off-road market, Rancho Jeep Supply adds suspension accessories for Ford F-100 trucks, Scouts and Broncos to its lineup. Rancho produces its first aftermarket catalog that features suspension systems and accessories.

Rancho keeps on innovating with Clarence inventing a V6 conversion kit for Jeeps. Impressed with the results, Jeep integrates the improvement into the OE design.

1972

Clarence turns over control of the company to sons Gene and Keith Shook. Under their leadership, Rancho continues to build on its reputation as a leader in the production of aftermarket performance suspension systems and products.

1985

Rancho introduces the RS5000 shock; this inventive design becomes Rancho’s bestselling shock absorber.

1990

Rancho was purchased by Tenneco, Inc. and continues to bring innovative products to market.

1992

Rancho launches the RS9000™ shock, the market’s first five-way adjustable shock absorber that allows drivers to adjust the level of damping to suit their riding style.

1998

The market’s first intelligent shock, the RSX is introduced. Designed to sense and adjust for road conditions and deliver a comfortable ride, the RSX features Rancho’s patented Reflex technology.

2000

Rancho refines the RS9000X™ shock absorber giving it nine levels of adjustment.

2004

RCX remote damping control unit is introduced. Designed to work with the RS9000 shock, this innovative product allows the driver to adjust damping while driving.

Rancho’s suspension system for the Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty wins the 2004 SEMA Best New Product award.

2005

Rancho wins Best New Off-Road Product at SEMA for its HUMMER H3 suspension system that allows the use of 37-in. tires and eliminates the need to relocate the factory torsion bar cross member.

2006

Rancho nabs the Best New Off-Road Product award again at SEMA for its quickLIFT® product that levels the vehicle.

rockGEAR® protective products are added to the product lineup.

2007

Rancho releases the RS9000®XL shock that features a larger 2.75-in. body and a sleek silver finish.

2008

MyRIDE wireless control for the RS9000 shock is introduced. Allowing in-cab shock adjustment, it is awarded Best New Off-Road Product at SEMA.

2010

quickLIFT® Loaded assembly is introduced making for easy installation while leveling the vehicle.

2011

Designed to deliver fast and precise response, RS7000®MT monotube shocks are added to the Rancho catalog. Monotube struts and steering stabilizers are also added.

2013

Rancho begins testing products to the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 126 for electronic stability control systems. The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 6-in. suspension system is the first to pass the FMVSS-126 safety standard.

2014

Rancho engineers create the RS5000®X shock. Designed to deliver improved overall on- and off-road handling and performance, the RS5000X is an update to the bestselling RS5000 shock.

2015

Rancho celebrates its 60th anniversary by continuing to be a market leader.

2018

Rancho’s Sport Suspension System for the Jeep Wrangler JL is awarded the Best New Off-Road Product award at SEMA.

2021

Rancho brings RS7MT® monotube shocks and struts to market. Highly effective in the dissipation of heat, they’re ideal for extreme off-road use and larger wheel and tire packages.

2022

The RS5000X® Loaded strut assembly is introduced. Designed to restore factory ride height, it delivers improved on- and off-road handling.

Did You Know….

Clarence Shook’s original workshop was located next to the Rancho Los Amigos (House of Friends) Hospital in Southern California. Customers commonly referred to it as “the Rancho place,” and the Rancho moniker stuck.

Rancho got its start developing parts to tackle the deserts of Mexico, Southern California and Morocco. Working with legendary racers, Rancho engineered premium parts to handle any terrain.