4 inch Rancho??

[UTmed14]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site and need some help choosing a suspension system for my '08 Tahoe. This is my first SUV/Truck to MOD so I know next to nothing about lifting one. I think I'm leaning toward the Rancho 4inch... I've seen some of the Tahoes on this site with it...and they look amazing. I guess my biggest quesiton is how easily does this system fit on the Tahoe? Is it a direct bolt-on application... if there even is such a thing with suspensions. I've seen some systems that require exhaust modifications/ frame cutting/ cutting of the lower differential mount etc... all things that I would like to stay clear of. Rancho's site has some info, but I would like to hear from someone who actually put one on or knows about it. Thanks guys.

 

[blackcoffee]

You might have to do some driveshaft mod, change the gears, exhaust mod, shocks. I have a 98 so I mean were not on the same page. Welcome to the forums! Check out : rough country, sky jacker, dick cepek, procomp, fabtech, superlift, trail master. Just go ahead and do a 6" if your gonna do it right.

 

[Zed 71]

UT, hopefully Gonzo replies. He has the 4-inch Rancho on his Tahoe.

With that said, the rancho kit should be a direct bolt on. It has a relocation braket for the the front the suspension for sure, but I can not remember if anything else needs to be moved.. I was looking at this kit before I went the leveling route.

Let us know what you pick and provide updates/review.

Good luck.

 

[07warwagon]

The Rancho kit is a direct bolt on, I have it on my 07 burban and didn't need to modify anything. My rig rides awesome with this kit on it, better than stock. I have to add a set of resistors to the front shocks because i have the air ride other than that it's awesome. If you are interested I have a set of Rancho xl adjustable shocks i am trying to sell $200 obo they shocks have about 5000mi on them. if interested let me know

 

[CREETO]

i almost went with the rancho kit, but chose the superlift because i wanted the full 6 inches of lift. be sure to keep in mind that rancho and superlift will change the trackwidth between the front and rear wheels. fabtech offers a kit that won't change trackwidth, but i think you have to run a narrower tire, or make additional modifications... be sure you research the kit you decide on thoroughly so you aren't left with issues you didn't count on prior to the work... having knowledgeable service technicians will make your decision easier.

[/IMG]

 

[fco_gonzo]

Not sure if you already did the lift, but there are no other mods you need to do. I;m not sure if you are mechanically inclined but I would definitly let the pros install your lift kit. You'll be happy with the results. I went with a 4 inch istead of a 6 becuase I thought the 6 would not fit in my gararge. anyways good luck!

 

[Timgco]

i almost went with the rancho kit, but chose the superlift because i wanted the full 6 inches of lift. be sure to keep in mind that rancho and superlift will change the trackwidth between the front and rear wheels. fabtech offers a kit that won't change trackwidth, but i think you have to run a narrower tire, or make additional modifications... be sure you research the kit you decide on thoroughly so you aren't left with issues you didn't count on prior to the work... having knowledgeable service technicians will make your decision easier.

[/IMG]

Would you mind sharing a little more info on your setup?

I'm interested to know if the 35's fit without rubbing. It looks like you wheel the truck. Can you fully flex without issues? What specs are your wheels/ tires? Thanks for your help.

 

[CREETO]

6 inch superlift suspension, running 35x12.5x18 cooper STT armortek tires on helo 835 18 inch rims. yes, i still get a slight rub turned to full stop, but only under compression (i really should crank the torsion bars or consider coil spacers to eliminate this altogether). good luck and let us know what you decide!!!

 

[fco_gonzo]

Creeto-

I was looking at your wheels and you dont have enough backspacing- that is the main reason why you have the rubbing issues. I had the same problem when I installed the lift, I swapped out the wheel for wheels with more backspacing and that solved the problem. You should go for about 5.5 inches of backspacing.

 

[CREETO]

i ordered the 18 inch helo 835 with the 6 on 5.5 from the kirk's automotive in baton rouge... that's what's supposed to be on there (but maybe that's the bolt pattern and not the backspacing) they were supposed to know what they were doing (but they didn't), and i sure didn't at the time. when the $aving$ build up, i will have to get new rims and tires... again with the 5.5 inch backspacing... i should have come on to this site way before i ever started the lift, rims, and tires... i would of at least had a clue about what was going on, instead of figuring it out now. thanks gonzo for noticing the backspacing issue!

 

[Zed 71]

i really should crank the torsion bars or consider coil spacers to eliminate this altogether]

Torsion bars?

 

[fco_gonzo]

i ordered the 18 inch helo 835 with the 6 on 5.5 from the kirk's automotive in baton rouge... that's what's supposed to be on there (but maybe that's the bolt pattern and not the backspacing) they were supposed to know what they were doing (but they didn't), and i sure didn't at the time. when the $aving$ build up, i will have to get new rims and tires... again with the 5.5 inch backspacing... i should have come on to this site way before i ever started the lift, rims, and tires... i would of at least had a clue about what was going on, instead of figuring it out now. thanks gonzo for noticing the backspacing issue!

these are the original wheels I bought, I had to return them after I found out that I had the wrong wheels. The guys at the shop were pretty cool about it mainly cuase it was thier mistake.

 

[Zed 71]

Did you guys install gap guards? If so, did the kit come with it or did you buy them elsewhere?

 

[InTruckDesign]

Zed, gap guards are only needed with body lifts.

 

[Zed 71]

The reason I was asking about gap guards is that IMO the engine and miscellaneous lines are too exposed as is (stock). I hate how mud gets in there. I know gap guards would not seal it off, but it would help.

 

[InTruckDesign]

Oh I see...and I agree...I know some have just made their own in the past, definetly cheaper than buying precut ones.

 

[Seel]

Not sure if you already did the lift, but there are no other mods you need to do. I;m not sure if you are mechanically inclined but I would definitly let the pros install your lift kit. You'll be happy with the results. I went with a 4 inch istead of a 6 becuase I thought the 6 would not fit in my gararge. anyways good luck!

Looked over your pics on cardomain. It looks really good. Just wondering why the back wheels look like they are further in than the front?

 

[fco_gonzo]

Looked over your pics on cardomain. It looks really good. Just wondering why the back wheels look like they are further in than the front?

They are, the kit widens the track width in the front.

 

[CREETO]

i put 2 " spacers on my rear to even the trackwidth from front to back... 84" total trackwidth (from outside of tires)

 

[Seel]

i put 2 " spacers on my rear to even the trackwidth from front to back... 84" total trackwidth (from outside of tires)

2" on both sides or total? Correct me if I'm wrong but if you spaced them out 2" a piece, aren't you causing a lot of stress on the studs?

---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------

Not sure if you already did the lift, but there are no other mods you need to do. I;m not sure if you are mechanically inclined but I would definitly let the pros install your lift kit. You'll be happy with the results. I went with a 4 inch istead of a 6 becuase I thought the 6 would not fit in my gararge. anyways good luck!

So does it fit in your garage now with the Rancho?

Also, how much trimming was involved to fit the 35's?
Have no idea about backspacing so how do I find a wheel with 5.5"'s of backspacking? THANKS!!!