Suspension upgrade suggestions - Rancho Quicklift or Bilstein + Spacers?

[larkja]

Picked up a 2014 Expy a couple months ago and would like to stuff some larger tires/rims under the fenders which means a lift. The stock suspension also feels a bit soft. So, thought I would do everything at once.

I have replaced shocks and added lifts to Jeeps (2016 JKU), but the Expy seems a bit more complicated because of the coilover setup. Wondering if those that have done it can comment on the following:

1. How difficult is the swap? The only tool I would need to purchase would be the spring compressors to remove the strut. I have an impact wrench and the other necessary tools.
2. What about just replacing the entire coilover unit? Seems much simpler but are the Rancho components adequate? Seems to add about 3" to the front ant 2" to the rear to level out the truck. How's the ride quality and longevity?
3. OR, replace the struts with Bilsteins and add the spacers while I have everything out. a few more steps involved plus by adding the spacers, I just introduced one more thing that could go wrong. I'll locktite the nuts, but not sure about this route.

Once the lift is on, I plan on adding 34s or 35s. Looking at 295/270/18s or 285/75/18s. I prefer the 285 option for now because I believe I could use the stock rims and not rub. I'm thinking the 295s might be a bit too wide and I might start rubbing on some internal suspension components.

Thanks for suggestions in advance

 

[ExplorerTom]

Does yours have the auto leveling rear struts? Mine did when I bought it (didn’t know). I bought new Bilsteins for it and had to go pull the rear struts off a junkyard Expedition so I could use the spring seat for it- the auto leveling struts are much bigger diameter and the spring seat is welded to it.

I’m very happy with the ride of my Bilstein 5100s. I set mine to the highest lift. The rear is a little higher than I like. But taking it all apart to lower one setting is a lot of work.

 

[larkja]

I believe it's the regular, not, the auto leveling. Appears to be a normal strut body. How was the install?

Thanks

 

[ExplorerTom]

Install wasn’t too bad. How’s your experience with doing struts? I’ve done struts before on several vehicles. Needed some large sockets that I didn’t have. Watched a YouTube video that listed the socket sizes which was a huge help to not need to run out mid-install.

I did the full install in a day- and that included going to the junkyard to pull an additional 2 struts. Having an impact helps to run the spring compressors in and out.

 

[larkja]

Did the shocks and spacers on my old Jeep JKU. Never done struts. The Jeep was pretty easy - for the front, remove end links, jack up, support the axle, remove and replace the shocks. Same with rear minus the end links. I did all 4 corners in 1/2 a day. Seems there's a lot more to remove with the coilovers. This is why I was considering the entire Rancho unit.

 

[the bus]

The Ranchos are fine.. they have a taller spring and I have about 50k on them in a gen 2. Install was not too bad but the lower bolts on gen 2 are very tight. Get your torque specs. I did it without air tools but needed a pipe on the breaker bar for the lower bolt. Also a 2 person job to get them back in. One with a pry bar and another to wiggle spring back in. Of course it will need an alignment afterwards. On the Ranchos, also take off shock adjuster off when new and pack with grease.. especially in rust belt.

 

[Luis Gomez]

I put on the readylift ranchos on my 2010 Expy EL gave it good lift and level it out the body. The ride so much better it corners a lot better than stock and handle bumps really well. I was also able to fit 305/40/22 which gave the truck a whole different look