I just installed Rancho 1 1/2 - 2 inch leveling lift coils tonight. Actually netted a 2 3/8 lift on the front. Looks real nice. I don't know if they are pre -stressed so I will perhaps experience a break-in and approach something closer to the advertised lift. I'll post ride and alignment adventures later. Just thought I would share this as some of you are probably considering this route due to reasonable cost.

 

I didnt even know Rancho made a leveling kit. What year is this for? Is their kit just springs, or does it include shocks, alignment bushings, etc???


Rich

 

Rich

Go to 4wheelparts.com and go to the suspension section under Rancho. Rancho sells add a leafs and shims too but I just bought the coils first. Actual lift of a spring is a guessing game IMO. My rear end was 2 inches higher than the front. I want a slight rake because I pull a trailer a lot. Anyway, I thought it made sense to do this one step at a time. I am into slammed 50s Ford trucks and very new at the Bronco lift game. I have also screwed up enough vehicles in 25 years by taking things to the extreme. Real important to me to not make a $10,000 dump truck that won't haul anything out of my daily driver. I am now sitting dead level with 37 inches ride height at the fender chrome strip with 31 inch tires. As I said I would like about one inch rake so I need a slight lift in the rear now. I have quite a few options for the back end. I have also considered doing a 1 to 1 1/2 inch body lift which would require trimming down a bigger body lift. We'll see.

Anyway, the coils arrived yesterday. In all honesty I was not optimistic. Looked like a set of 3/4 ton coils painted Rancho red. 2 inches taller and maybe 1/16 inch bigger diameter coil material. No progressive rate spring look at all. Dump truck ride here we come I thought. Didn't turn out that way. It rides slightly nicer and has a firm handling feel to it. She is bowlegged for sure. The camber was out the opposite direction when I started. I thought I would let the alignment shop decide how big a shim I need after install. They are available locally.

BTW, 4wheelparts.com has free shipping about once a week for a day or two if you pay attention. The Ranchos were not the cheapest spring available. The salesman tried to divert me to Pro Comp Explorer springs. He said they ride softer. Then he started talking about my front leaf springs so I knew he was not informed. There may very well be an option that is 20 bucks cheaper. I just know Rancho has been around since I was a kid and I didn't feel this was the time to roll the dice. First spring took me a little over an hour. Second one took 30 minutes and this includes cleaning up threads and anti-siezing etc. Hope this helps. Keep in mind all this comes from Mister Conservative when it comes to driveability. This mod did not mess up my truck in anyway I can see so far.

 

I have a set of rough country 1.5 leveling springs if any one wants them for 40.00 TRUCKY18(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

Finally got to the alignment shop today. My truck requires 2 3/4 degree camber shims to get her correct. If you buy a leveling "kit" you are probably taking a chance the wrong shims will be provided. I am glad I waited on the shims and did not buy 1 1/2 or 2 degree shims recommended by Rancho. I'd be stuck with a truck I couldn't quite align without spending some more money for shims.

"Your mileage will probably vary"

 

How and where do these springs go?

Also how long did it and what was the diffuclty? Can you post some pics?

Adam

 

I might have to take those if someone could explain exactly what they do and what you need to use them... Im thinking that they raise the truck?

 

They make the nose of your Bronco level with the rear. I know with the Rough Country, they spring rate is the same, so you dont lose ride quality. I love the way mine sits with my Rough Country lift. The only other things you might need are the camber bushings, and longer shocks. They say the stockers work, but why not upgrade while youre at it?


Rich

 

Thanks a lot wheelMA for the info.

I thought maybe they tightened up your suspension a little bit or something, but i dont think i need to level my truck, it seems level i think?

And i dont tow anything as of now..

Adam

 

FATFENDERS ; I guess you can say you got a little SPRING in your step! DW

 

DW

Not just yet. I have a bad lower balljoint so we couldn't get the alignment just yet. I was too cheap to pay $450 for one balljoint and an alignment so we are going to replace it this weekend. I know I won't enjoy it a bit. I better hurry though before I trash my tires. I am very pleased with the Rancho ride, I don't notice any additional stiffness. Got a full 2 inches of lift. I know you guys like 4 inches or more but it wasn't bad for the price. Beats a body lift anyway. The other brand leveling kits are probably good too. I wouldn't be at all amazed to learn they are all made by one or two manufacturers and painted the appropriate team colors by Rancho etc. I have seen my buddies Pro Comp shocks with "Rancho stamped into the shock body" Things that make you go HMMMMM???

Gotta go start a new thread seeking balljoint guidance in a moment.