Thought I would share my experiences and some pics regarding the new Rancho Quicklifts and tires I installed over the last week.
So I ordered these Rancho's off Amazon and recieved them in two days...however to my suprise they looked different when I unpacked them. I called up Rancho and got some answers. They are basically the exact same setup except for the boot...same coil, same shock, etc...The slightly older version has a red accordian style boot while the newer version has a black hard plastic boot. I decided that I didn't want to hassle with sending them back so I tracked down a red replacement boot to match.
So the next morning I went out and rented two sets of spring compressors and started to get to work. I will admit that the coil spring on the Rancho's are pretty tough and it took all 4 of those spring compressors, an impact wrench, and some testicular fortitude to safely get the assembly apart. I replaced the boot got everything back in-line and put it all back together.
So a word of caution...if you order off Amazon...you may run into this same problem. I don't know why they changed the design of the boot...but I prefered the old style to the new. I also recieved the Rancho's for the rear as well...those will get installed this coming weekend though.
This was a win win install for me...my OEM shocks started leaking at 15k and I wanted to level the truck anyways so these were a great solution. The install went fairly well and it took about 2 hours to get them in. Got everything buttoned back up and notcied the camber was pretty off on both front wheels. No worries though as I had already ordered new tires so we went down the street to a muddy field and went for a ride :lol5: Yes...I went off-road mudding in a 2WD with street tires! All was good though as we had a fun time bouncing around and slinging mud everywhere and we never got stuck. These adjustable shocks really do go from very soft to very stiff depending on the settings you choose. I was quite impressed with the quality of the ride at about 6 clicks to the stiffest setting...just about right.
I would recommend this setup to anyone looking for replacement shocks and a leveling kit.
So two days later I get the call that the tires have arrived so I scoot on over to Discount to get them installed. I decided to go with the Falken Rocky Mountains (same as Wild Peak AT's) in the 275/65/20. I chose these tires because I was looking for an AT tire that would ride good on the street but would give me some durability off-road as well. Also I read alot of good reviews about this tire, they perform great on sand for beach driving, and the price was right as well. When they got them on the truck I honestly thought they were gonna look bigger for a 34" tire, but they fit the wheel well nicely I think. I did have some minor rubbing on the skid plate but I bent it slightly with some channel locks and smoothed it out with a ball peen hammer and I was good to go.
Right after that I headed out for the alignment. I have had the truck aligned twice so far and looking to go in for a 3rd because I still think the camber is a little off. I have a lifetime alignment at Firestone...so I can go back 100 times and won't get charged a dime. The Falken's feel and ride very well. No road noise, no vibrations, and the truck feels very solid on the road. I will mention however that each tire is 25 pounds heavier than the stock Dueler's (275/55/20) I had on there and my gas mileage has gone to shit, but I knew this going into it.
Overall I am very happy with the changes to the truck. With the Rancho's and new tires I actually have to use the step rail to get in the truck now! You can see the difference between my signature pic and the ones I p[osted in this thread. Have a look at the pics and let me know what you guys think or if have any questions.
-The Chadster
So I ordered these Rancho's off Amazon and recieved them in two days...however to my suprise they looked different when I unpacked them. I called up Rancho and got some answers. They are basically the exact same setup except for the boot...same coil, same shock, etc...The slightly older version has a red accordian style boot while the newer version has a black hard plastic boot. I decided that I didn't want to hassle with sending them back so I tracked down a red replacement boot to match.
So the next morning I went out and rented two sets of spring compressors and started to get to work. I will admit that the coil spring on the Rancho's are pretty tough and it took all 4 of those spring compressors, an impact wrench, and some testicular fortitude to safely get the assembly apart. I replaced the boot got everything back in-line and put it all back together.
So a word of caution...if you order off Amazon...you may run into this same problem. I don't know why they changed the design of the boot...but I prefered the old style to the new. I also recieved the Rancho's for the rear as well...those will get installed this coming weekend though.
This was a win win install for me...my OEM shocks started leaking at 15k and I wanted to level the truck anyways so these were a great solution. The install went fairly well and it took about 2 hours to get them in. Got everything buttoned back up and notcied the camber was pretty off on both front wheels. No worries though as I had already ordered new tires so we went down the street to a muddy field and went for a ride :lol5: Yes...I went off-road mudding in a 2WD with street tires! All was good though as we had a fun time bouncing around and slinging mud everywhere and we never got stuck. These adjustable shocks really do go from very soft to very stiff depending on the settings you choose. I was quite impressed with the quality of the ride at about 6 clicks to the stiffest setting...just about right.
I would recommend this setup to anyone looking for replacement shocks and a leveling kit.
So two days later I get the call that the tires have arrived so I scoot on over to Discount to get them installed. I decided to go with the Falken Rocky Mountains (same as Wild Peak AT's) in the 275/65/20. I chose these tires because I was looking for an AT tire that would ride good on the street but would give me some durability off-road as well. Also I read alot of good reviews about this tire, they perform great on sand for beach driving, and the price was right as well. When they got them on the truck I honestly thought they were gonna look bigger for a 34" tire, but they fit the wheel well nicely I think. I did have some minor rubbing on the skid plate but I bent it slightly with some channel locks and smoothed it out with a ball peen hammer and I was good to go.
Right after that I headed out for the alignment. I have had the truck aligned twice so far and looking to go in for a 3rd because I still think the camber is a little off. I have a lifetime alignment at Firestone...so I can go back 100 times and won't get charged a dime. The Falken's feel and ride very well. No road noise, no vibrations, and the truck feels very solid on the road. I will mention however that each tire is 25 pounds heavier than the stock Dueler's (275/55/20) I had on there and my gas mileage has gone to shit, but I knew this going into it.
Overall I am very happy with the changes to the truck. With the Rancho's and new tires I actually have to use the step rail to get in the truck now! You can see the difference between my signature pic and the ones I p[osted in this thread. Have a look at the pics and let me know what you guys think or if have any questions.
-The Chadster