I've got a 4 inch zone lift that I'm really enjoying. I've been able to take my truck through some pretty fun stuff with the extra clearance and because of it i've been four wheeling more often. I even joined an off road group locally. Is there anything I can do to make the truck handle smoother/better off road? I realize its a large truck, but here are some things I've been wondering

1) Should I upgrade the shocks? They are brand new from Zone, but I'm not sure how they'd compare to a bilstein 5100, or maybe another type of shock.
2) How can I get more flex? Is there a way to make a quick disconnect on the sway bar? Can i remove it completly or would that be dangerous for everyday use?
3) Is there anything else you can recommend?

Thanks!

 

What kind of off roading are you doing?
I don't recommend mudding in these trucks, but off road trails and some muddy trails are no problem. Some people say they are too heavy. HA! I've only been stuck once and that was intentional. Lucky so far, but also cautious.

I love Ranchos. I've got 9000s now. I've also had 7000s on my F250. The 9000s are great. The benifit of good shocks off road is they last longer before they degrade. As they heat up they work less efficiently. A shock won't increase or decrease travel (unless you get a bigger shock) but it controls it better. Helps prevent you from bouncing around.

You can make quick disconnect sway bar links. Or just disconnect it before going off road if youre planning a day. It won't cause it to be unsafe off road you'll just notice more sway. Be mindful.

If you have an over load spring, consider removing it. Air bags in the suspension don't help either.

Make sure the 4x4 is working. If you have esof this is important. As long as the factory hubs are working there is no benefit to replacing them with after market.

I've got a camera system. One in each mirror looking at the front tires and one forward and one rear. Situational awareness is important. They come up on my head unit and I have a switch to cycle through them.

Know your limits, and the limits of your vehicle. Bring a buddy tell people where you're going and when you'll be back. Bring supplies. Water, food, recovery equipment, etc. I always have enough supplies to get me through a night including an army blanket and MREs. Things will break. Be ready and don't get too upset. It happens.

Bring a camera and have fun
(Dont mind my picture spam!)

 

Awesome pics and a great looking truck! Did you do a quick disconnect for your sway bar? Have you ever removed it, and if yes how much of a difference did it make? I looked into making a quick disconnect but it seems like it would be difficult. I've got an o6 so the end links are in front of the axle. The bottom bolt is vertical and the top is horizontal. No way to quick disconnect the bottom because of this, and if I disconnect the top then I'm still going to have the end link in the way because I wont be able to swing it up. It looks like I'll be looking into some better shocks for sure. Thanks for all the info!

 

I have and it's never made a huge difference. But it's still a good idea.

I actually have self disconnecting sway bars. Almost every time I go off roading I lose a sway bar end link nut lol