I'll be installing new front springs/busings and Rancho 9000's on my truck this weekend and was wondering if you guys had any tips for me. After talking with a bunch of folks I decided to replace the OEM heavy duty springs on my 3/4 ton with the OEM heavy duty springs for a 1 ton. Now the guys down at the local 4x4 shop were certain that this would work. I let them know that I have the Dana 50 TTB, and not the Dana 60. I even sat there and listened to him call up the spring shop to validate this. I'm not too concerned the springs, but I've never down them before, so any pointers for a newby would be much appreciated.

Also, with the Rancho 9000's I'm not real sure how to get the electronics inside the cab. I'm guessing the installation instructions will help me out here, but I'd love to here some first hand experience.

Thanks,

Bart

 

Swapping out the front leaf springs is plain hard work. I'd apply some decent penetrating oil to every nut and bolt that you intend to remove right now.

Make sure that you do not stretch your brake lines while removing the front springs. Damaging the brake lines and having to replace them will ruin your day. If it looks close, I'd remove the calipers from the front rotors and tie them to the frame.

Check out the upper bushings on each front shackle when the springs are removed and replace them if they are worn out (very likely). Also check the two axle pivot bushings while you are at it. These bushings are a bit of a pain to remove and replace, but if they are shot you need to do it.

The RSX9000 shocks bolt right in - mine are manual so I can't give you an easy way to install the air system. There is room for the air compressor on the fender well liner just in front of the master cylinder. There is also one or two holes plugged with rubber grommets on the firewall that lead right into the driver's side of the cab. I'd use one of these to route the lines to the shocks.

Good luck on the install!

Lou Braun