Rancho 4'' Lift Kit

[Expeditionary]

I'm looking at the rancho lift and I just wanted to ask a couple questions... this lift wouldnt go on for quite some time if I got it but never the less.

Can I still crank the Tbars up and put a spacer in the back and make it into a 6" lift? because everyone with the fabtech has done this but no one with the rancho has done it.
Also is there a reason why I have found it online for $3K?? thats nuts!
Is there any benefit to getting this lift instead of the ZONE 6" lift, which seem to run in the same price range?

Idk much about whats involved in a suspension lift but I figure its going to be A LOT of work since I used to have air bag suspension. so it wont be exactly Plug and play. I also know I will have to swap out the Tbars in doing this and relocate the Shock hoops. Is there anything else? IDK
Thoughts please

 

[tonydiv]

You can download the installation directions from their web site (gorancho.com)

It is qute a bit of work, 90% of it involves the front suspension. The rear is basically a couple of springs and sway bar links. There's nothing different about the Rancho that wouldn't allow you to crank the bars and throw in some spacers.

Although I've never really understood that approach, (other than lack of cash). The whole reason to do a suspension lift is to keep the factory CV axles and a-arms within the factory spec to keep things from prematurely wearing out and to maintain a decent ride quality. When you crank those bars, it changes the angles on all those suspension / axle parts. Which of course defeats the whole purpose of the suspension lift. Essentially, I feel that if you want a 6" lift, just buy a 6" lift, instead of changing a 4" one.

 

[Thermo]

I personally would not recommend cranking the Fabtech lift above the 6" mark. I have seen the angle that they put their upper control arms at and it is high to begin with. I can't imagine taking it more than that.

I have installed a Rancho kit on my truck. I have cranked the torsion bars slightly for a little bit and while it can't be done, I didn't see the need to since I had modified things to allow my 37's to clear without the need for cranking the torsion bars. Installing the kit isn't hard. But, plan on doing a lot of wrenching. I can do the lift now in about 12 hours. But, if it is your first kit, plan on about 16-18 hours (the time it took me to do it by myself and being my first kit ever).

If you need to know anything more, just ask. As for why the price is so high, Rancho doesn't make the kit any more and people are trying to get their money out of the kit for having to store it for so long.

 

[LastExpo2000]

Sorry to drop in, does anyone on this site have the trailmaster 5in susp lift? What do shops usually charge to install them?

 

[Thermo]

LastExpo, if the Trailmaster 5" kit is anything like their 4" kit when I saw it, I would not even put that kit on my enemy's truck. The 4" Trailmaster kit was made using some stamped 1/8" steel pieces to act as spacers and while it lifts up the truck, it was truely meant for a street queen truck. I have a feeling that if you took that kit out truely 4x4ing, you would come back with a suspension that was trashed.

The big thing that I will tell you to look at is if you are seriously considering that kit, make sure that all the new components are made out of 1/4" plate steel that is welded together at a minimum. That will garantee a long lasting truck that can handle whatever you put the truck through.

As for what shops will charge for installing a lift, plan on something between $700 and $1000 for a vehicle with IFS. There is a lot of time that is needed to pull all the pieces apart. A good shop can get the truck done in about 12 hours.

 

[Expeditionary]

i am not worried about the wrench time.... i did a body lift lol

as for the cranking of the Tbars. I would probably do it no matter what kit I get. I'd rather have a truck that goes through suspension parts faster than others than one that is lower than my buddies hahah. Thats just me though. seeing people like mud, nuts, and a few others with fabtech's that have their Tbars cranked they dont seem to have any problems with it so ill crank em. They're already cranked on my truck and I dont plan on letting them back down. HOWEVER since you gave me all this helpful info I think i will be going with the Zone lift kit and save the $700 from the fabtech... this will be FAR into the future of this truck though.