WARNING ON RACNHO LIFT

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Operator24:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Operator24:
I own a Heep and know nothing about Hummers but I’ll be happy to make stuff up.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Fixed </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

FIXED AGAIN
I'm going now and go help a buddy of mine stroke off. Then were going to go wheelin. Have a great day. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[H3 Guy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3 Guy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MyxH3:
I also have a Jeep with a RC 6" lift and it performs great with zero bumpsteer, articulates great, has plenty of clearance and allows me to use 33" tires without rubbing without any funky backspacing problems. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How do you get bumpsteer with a straight axle? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>You can the same way you get it with IFS. All bump steer is, is a very temporary toe misalignment. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

But bumpsteer is the differential of toe angle vs the opposite side. On a jeep the are connected. Unless your refering to the flex of the steering linkage. I would really like to see a straight axle with bumpsteer changing from putting a kit on.

[Operator24]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Operator24:
I own a Heep and know nothing about Hummers but I’ll be happy to make stuff up.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Fixed </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll give it to you there. That made me laugh when I first read it. That was real original to post it 3 other times on different threads. I see you're real creative. I chuckled as I look out the window at a pair of 2 week old H3s in the driveway, and a '05 silver Rubicon worth more in total value.

I have yet to see you wow me with any vast hummer,4x4, or even auto related knowledge yet though.. wonder why that is?

I'm going log off now and go help a buddy of mine re-wire his 4.6L stroked motor in his 91 YJ on 40" goodyears. Then were going to go wheelin. Have a great day.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
Are you going to try having it put back on Tim? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm going to wait until Moab so I can go for a ride in theirs.

[MyxH3]

.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">But bumpsteer is the differential of toe angle vs the opposite side. On a jeep the are connected. Unless your refering to the flex of the steering linkage. I would really like to see a straight axle with bumpsteer changing from putting a kit on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Bumpsteer is usually created by alignment issues, track bar and steering system angles/flex, loose parts. Very common on a lifted Heaps due to the steering angles and the flex of the steering

[FormerJeeper]

Didn't I warn you all back in the beginning that Rancho made nothing but crap?

Maybe you'll believe me now

-C

[Ipedog]

Bummer that it didn't work out Tim. I would definitely send it back to Rancho, AND try to get them to cover installation/removal costs. What a PITA.

Maybe the Rough Country lift is a better way to go. Good Luck!

[timgco]

Many of you have been following my post on the Rancho 4" lift. I thouhgt I'd share why the lift is coming back off of my truck.

#1 reason; 16", 17", 18" tires will fit with the proper offset, however, the steering knuckle is less than 1/4" from touching the tire. So if you ever plan on off roading and airing down, the sidewall of your tire will touch and get trashed with their "required" 4.5" offest. I had to use a 1'4" wheel spacer so it would not touch the tire at the required aired up ammount.

when I called Rancho about this, they said the kit was desigend for a 20" rim with 5" of offset. using a smaller diameter rim will not allow for airing down. WTF is is good for than?

#2 reason: Your tires will stick out 3" to 4" at the top of the fenders. They stick out much more towards the bottoms of your flares. FOr those of you with the stock 33" tires and have driven through snow/ mud have seen what happens to your door/ door handles, and fender flares. Now take that X 10 and you can imagine what that looks like. This means the sides of your truck will be trashed in no time. After only 300 miles or so, the truck is already getting rock chips though the paint and the rear fender flares will look like swiss cheese in a couple thousand miles.

#3 Reason: When you get at highway speeds, the truck does not feel very stable at all. If you drive 75mph or higher on a daily basis, I would not get this lift.

On a positive note, this lift gives the truck a very aggresive stance and handles OK at 55mph or under. You will feel the tires grab your steering wheel on grooved surfaces or at places the road has those "trenches" in the blacktop from heavy trucks. But it's not too bad. You will get a ton of improved ground clearance, ap angle, and dp angle. You will also get somew vibration in the steering wheel and floor boards.

So, there's my 2 cents on this lift.

[timgco]

Well, I just talked with an individual from Rancho. This is them! We discussed the kit and the issues I had. WIthout them actually seeing the kit while it was on my truck, we cannot pinpoint the highway speed isues, but it was confirmed the rim set up was a large part of the issues with the knuckle/ caliper spacing. The wheel spacer with spline nuts also could have been part of the issue. The individual I talked with was even willing to have the kit reinstalled at their facility at N/C to make things the way they should be. (too bad I'm a few states over). If you have questions/ concerns he's more than willling to talk with people. Send him a PM.

[Talljeeper]

You obviously chose the wrong wheel design...did you do a trial fit, or did you choose, "Thats looks cool"....seems to me if you had performed a trial fit you would have noted what offest was required. There also the issue of backspace which you never noted as well.

Ranchos H3 system is a very well designed, quality suspension system.

What you describe as far as ill handling can easily be attributed to tire tread design, improper inflation, poor alignment.....on and on....

Having had multiple Rancho systems over the years, I have yet to see a poor design from them, including the H3.

The H3 suspension is not a rocket science setup....

Also the comment on brakes.....anytime you add rotational mass at the axle brake performance degrades.....

While the RC setup looks pretty nice, the Rancho won't void the drivetrain warranty like the RC probably will.

You guys need to recognize the difference between these two mfg's..

Rancho bar none produces some of the finest off-road suspension systems manufactured...H3 included.

There is a reason the RC isn't being mass produced an that is to address bump steer issues...I am sure thay will reach a compromise on the design.

[DRTYFN]

6 years ago, when I was researching which lift to put on my '97 Tahoe, I was told by my local non-partisan shop that they had taken off several Rancho lifts because the vehicle owners wanted to replace them with other lifts that were "more reliable". After looking at most lifts on the market I went with Explorer Pro Comp. IMO, theirs was much sturdier, with better welds and better finish. I never had any trouble with that lift.

[H3Eric]

Timgco, I see some references to MOAB but when is the MOAB event happening.

[Operator24]

IMHO Rancho is a decent and quick lift for most 4x4s out there. But there is alway other options. In the jeep world where I come from, rancho is not on the top of list for the serious wheeler. TeraFlex, Rubicon Express, Nth Degree, maybe full traction all come to mind. If any one of those companies made a lift for the H3, I'd buy it without hesitation. Truck companies I'd trust...well, one anyway is CST (california super trucks). They (CST) make durable well thought out truck kits. They're probably already working on kit for the H3, they're pretty quick with R&D. I know one of their former designers... he was crazy with his fabrication skills. Most of their staff is.

[cherokeekid]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MyxH3:
The dealer oem Warranty is completed voided by using this kit reguardless of what TallJeep says.

I would really love to see other companies such as Rubicon Express, <span class="ev_code_RED">Rock Krawler </span> as well as any other manufacture offer a lift for the H3. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Having a RK kit is the last thing anyone needs!

I worked in service for 6 years and typically the only "void" is on or related to the aftermarket component, its just a matter of finding a real service advisor (a good number are complete idiots)

[Anonymous]

How many "competetive racing Jeeps" have you seen lately? While I'll admit they are excellent four wheelers and can be built into awesome rock crawlers, nonecould be considered "racing" vehicles. Case in point, of the 359 entries in this years Baja 1000, there were only 3 Jeep entries and none of them finished the race (there was even a Camaro that entered and finished). All of Team Hummer finished and won their classes.

[TA8088]

That sucks. Keep us posted on how Rancho responds.

[Talljeeper]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by timgco:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Talljeeper:
You obviously chose the wrong wheel design...did you do a trial fit, or did you choose, "Thats looks cool"....seems to me if you had performed a trial fit you would have noted what offest was required. There also the issue of backspace which you never noted as well. <span class="ev_code_RED">4 WHeel Parts checked with Rancho and that backspace/ offset is what was required. 15, 16, and 17" all got the same. 18 and 20" was 5" of backspace. It wasn't enough and required wheel spacers ro it wouldn't touch the nuckle. Rancho's resonse to my questions/ issue was "the wheels should be 20" because that's what the kit was designed with and the kit was not designed to air down your tires." That quote is straight from their tech./ install dept. I'm sure since you drive a mighty Jeep off road, you know how great a 20" rim will do offroad and aired down.</span>
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Installation of this system does not allow for re-use of OEM (factory) wheels.</span>
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">* This kit was developed using a 325/60/R20 on 20x9" wheel with 5.0" of back-spacing. Use of the maximum tire size 37 x 12.50 will require some trimming of the front air dam/fascia & inner fender well for clearance. Rancho recommends using 4.5" of backspacing on 16", 17", and 18" wheels, 20" and above we recommend using 5.0" backspacing. Before installing any other wheel/tire combinations, consult your local tire & wheel specialist.</span>
Ranchos H3 system is a very well designed, quality suspension system.<span class="ev_code_RED">It is well built, but the design of where that front nuckle ends up, is total BS... unless your cool with 20" rims or the entire tread sticking out of your fenders.I know you Jeepssters like that look. The problem with that is that some of the states that I go to, will pull you over in two seconds for that.</span>

What you describe as far as ill handling can easily be attributed to tire tread design, improper inflation, poor alignment.....on and on.... <span class="ev_code_RED">Nope, I was assured everythign was aligned and balanced and inflated properly. And it was. The tires are not very aggressive, so I cannot see that being an issue at just higher speeds.</span>
Having had multiple Rancho systems over the years, I have yet to see a poor design from them, including the H3.<span class="ev_code_RED">Good for you.</span>

The H3 suspension is not a rocket science setup....

Also the comment on brakes.....anytime you add rotational mass at the axle brake performance degrades..... <span class="ev_code_RED">Yep, that was his point! Having to use a 20" rim or larger is a bad design.</span>
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">ITS NOT THE RIM SIZE THAT CAUSES THE DEGRADATION ITS THE MASS>>>I.E. WEIGHT. Even if the combo was a 37" X 17" combo its the weight</span>
While the RC setup looks pretty nice, the Rancho won't void the drivetrain warranty like the RC probably will.

You guys need to recognize the difference between these two mfg's..

Rancho bar none produces some of the finest off-road suspension systems manufactured...H3 included.

There is a reason the RC isn't being mass produced an that is to address bump steer issues...I am sure thay will reach a compromise on the design. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Operator24]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
Did I ask that you fix that?

Teh enragement is strong, you can’t stop posting back

LMFAO </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh oh. You're still here and posting too...

I wonder what that means?

I think it means you've fallen and you can't get up... did you bust your hip?

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FormerJeeper:
Didn't I warn you all back in the beginning that Rancho made nothing but crap?

Maybe you'll believe me now

-C </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, talljeeper thinks they're the best!

I like their shocks still. I have had good luck with those, but after this, i'm done with their lifts.

[evomind]

ive said b4 i havent had the problems timgco had with the rancho kit. i do experience fairly mild steering wheel shake at 40mph, but i think thats a tire issue. its stable at 75-80 mph, etc....i havent aired down so i cant comment on that.
yes, my tires stick out a ways, but when u go up 6 inches or so, i think its a good idea to also go wider.
i would take rancho up on their offer timgco, with the addition that if u dont like it still theyll take it back off.