Rancho adjustables for Gen 3

[GaryH2]

I'm posting this here since its all about Gen 3 and ELs.

I see that Rancho has loaded adjustable struts for Gen 3. Does anyone have any experience with these? How different are the settings (I think there are 9)? They reportedly give 1+ inch lift at the front and 3/4 at the rear.

I've been contemplating these, the Monroe or Strutmasters since I want to replace the rear coils.

Also, does anyone know who makes the dampers for the Strutmaster systems? They make a big deal about the Eibach springs but are mum on the struts themselves.

Lastly, are the struts the same for EL and shorties? Do you need heavier duty struts for the extra weight of the ELs?

I've been researching this for way too long and need to

 

[ptmares]

Im interested in the outcome of your post. Iv'e got the same questions.

 

[metalfred]

Saw the Rancho's too.

I'm interested in these as well. I'm a new owner of a 2007 Expy EL. I would like to give a little bit of a lift. And the Rancho's look like they would be perfect. You might have to be the first one to try em out. Did you try contacting the manufacturer and ask them about Shorty vs. EL spring rates?

 

[SOLISIMO]

Ive always wondered if you can stack these with a spacer

 

[sgtowing]

Ive always wondered if you can stack these with a spacer

Yes you can. There is a member on here who did it on a 2nd gen. I asked if he had any problems and he said no.

Sent from my Galaxy SIII Using Tapatalk2

 

[SOLISIMO]

Damn good to know. Then you can clear a 35". See the main concern would be aligning the car

 

[sgtowing]

Damn good to know. Then you can clear a 35". See the main concern would be aligning the car

I was more worried about excess wear on things like ball joints and tie-rods because of the increase in angle to get the extra lift.

 

[SOLISIMO]

I was more worried about excess wear on things like ball joints and tie-rods because of the increase in angle to get the extra lift.

Yeah good point. Does it make a difference if it's a street queen?

 

[GaryH2]

I'm interested in these as well. I'm a new owner of a 2007 Expy EL. I would like to give a little bit of a lift. And the Rancho's look like they would be perfect. You might have to be the first one to try em out. Did you try contacting the manufacturer and ask them about Shorty vs. EL spring rates?

Here's an update for anyone interested.
I contacted Rancho and they say there's no difference between the EL and regular Expys. (Although ELs are regular Expys for some of us).

Advance Auto had the best price with an end of the month promo so I placed the order. Some had better prices individually but didn't have the fronts in stock. Incidentally, there are 4 different part numbers, I guess that's for the ride control knobs to be in the correct locations.

They should arrive in about 10 days or so. Not sure if I'll DIY or pay a shop to install while I'm on the road (for work). Weather isn't the best here at the moment either so I'll leaning towards a shop install.

I'll post updates and observations.

Next: Tires

 

[BlimpinDave]

Cant wait! Im interested in them. 105k miles on th eoriginal shocks. It rides and handles awesome but Im sure Ill notice a difference when I replace them.

 

[tonydiv]

I had the adjustable Rancho RS9000s on my truck. They rocked. One of the best mods that I made.

I would ask Rancho if the MyRide wireless controller works with them. That way you can make adjustments on the fly. It's the easiest way to really get them dialed in.

 

[jmciver]

Does Rancho even make/support the wireless control system anymore? I went to their site and could not find anything on it.......?

 

[GaryH2]

I had the adjustable Rancho RS9000s on my truck. They rocked. One of the best mods that I made.

I would ask Rancho if the MyRide wireless controller works with them. That way you can make adjustments on the fly. It's the easiest way to really get them dialed in.

I believe it has a controller for extra $$, but it also needed an air compressor and I think it was between $500 and $750 (maybe more) so that's not in the budget at this time. Also, since there are posts filled with Expys with bad air ride, putting in anything that needed air lines and a compressor didn't seem like the way to go. Simple is better!

The Ranchos arrived today so I'll post when they are on the rig. I checked them out (since new parts are like Christmas ANY time of year! ) There's no real way to tell what the settings are on the struts (since they are adjustable). I thought there would be settings or numbers near the adjustment dial.

 

[jmciver]

After a google search for the My Wireless system, several vendors sell the kit for under $300. The air compressor has nothing to do with the actual motion of the shocks, the compressor (and the adapters that attach to the shocks) turns the knob on the shock to the different settings (1-9). The only info on Rancho's site I could find about this system is the instruction manual.

While I have never seen these shocks in person, if they are like other adjustable shocks I have worked with, the adjustment knobs will "click" at each adjustment point with full clockwise being "9" and full counter clockwise being "1" (or it could be the opposite as I have not seen the directions for these shocks).

Looking forward to your review...

 

[GaryH2]

Ranchos installed today

Just got the Expy back from the install and what a difference! The ride is so much more controlled. I could tell even on the couple mile trek home from the shop.

Some things I need to sort out:
- Settings. I need to make sure they are all at the same setting. The dials aren't the easiest to reach and turn. The fronts are tucked up in the A arms and the rears are accessible from behind the tire (which puts your face in the exhaust pipe... - Time to mod the exhaust!)
- Clunking from the right front - I'm thinking ball joint or swaybar link. Yeah, I should had that taken care of when it was in the shop. Either that or something's loose. I hope to investigate tomorrow.
- Going in for an alignment on Monday so I'll have a more thorough opinion after that.
- I'll post some before and after pics next week, when its all dialed in but it looks like I've got 1 1/2 to 2 inches at the front and about 1 to 1 1/2 at the back. Nothing extreme, just leveling it out.

 

[tonydiv]

Rancho RS999705 MyRide Wireless Remote Control : Amazon.com : Automotive

Worth it.

 

[Ford_Forever]

Good job GaryH2. I'm interested in these as well. Waiting for post some before and after pics and please tell us if you have any issue with the ball joints and tie-rods after alignment.

 

[GaryH2]

Rancho Photos

Here are some before and after shots (I hope)


After


Front before

Front after


Rear before


Rear after


The difference at the rear is subtle but at the front its more noticeable. The tires I'm running at the moment are stock 255/70 18s. I have the chrome clad 20s and I'm debating putting them back on and upsizing.

The Ranchos are advertised as a leveling kit so I didn't expect a whole lot of lift. I think its on the order of 1-2 inches. The bigger difference (which you can't tell here) is in the ride control. If I get time later today I'll post photos of the control knob locations to give you an idea of that.

Feel free to email or post with any questions!

 

[ViperXC]

Updates on your Quicklifts? Ride quality, etc. other observations.

 

[GaryH2]

Sure!

No issues with ball joints, etc... The clunking I heard was the center nut in one of the struts. Now that its tightened all is well. While I had a couple of mechanical issues recently (sunroof, rear axle seal, radiator), nothing was related to the struts.

I haven't run with the adjustments at either end of the scale. I've got it dialed in at one of the middle settings.

I like the ride and softened the front up a bit to deal with the crap-tastic roads we have in PA. I think it also handles better although I notice a bit more harshness over sharp, small bumps (like railroad tracks, SMART cars and Fiats).

Overall I'm still quite pleased with the added control plus I like the look. It changes the Expy from a big station wagon to a truck!

Let me know if there's any specific questions and I'll try to post answers.