Hi, I have a 2000 Durango, 4.7L V8 with 4x4. I recently purchased the Rancho RS5029 to replace the worn out front shocks. It was strange installing them in that all other type of shocks have a plastic band (straight out of the box) that held them compressed until you installed them. Then you just cut the plastic band. Not these Ranchos - they had nothing holding them compressed. As a matter of fact, I remember having to turn the piston rod a turn, then manually having to pull the piston rod up to get enough of it to stick up though the upper mounting hole/base on the upper control arm before installing the upper bushing and nut.

Does this seem normal for Ranchos (to have to manually pull up the piston rod when installing)? The ride seems to be ok.