Rancho front 46" inch springs

[chevyguybc]

I have done the 52s up front before, actually lifted 52s, but this go around with this longbed I want to run stock lenght, just for ease of install, and ease of cheap steering.

The truck is a daily driver/ camping rig, light wheeling...


I am wondering how harsh the ride is with the rancho front springs? any experience, what can I expect,

Also should I do drop drag link, or raised arm, I think for ease of installation the drop drag link would be great because I wouldnt have to smash off the old steering arm like Ive had to do before.

 

[tRustyK5]

I had Rancho's and the ride is pretty rough. Go with tuff Country EZ rides...

Rene

 

[andyblack]

Tuff Country EZ Rides all the way. The dropped pitman arm is definately easier to install. The raised steering arm will take a little more work. I think they're a little more popular because they cost a little less than a new pitman arm.

If you do end up using a raised steering arm, use the search feature on this site to look up some info on them. I and several others have posted about some of the problems folks encounter while instaling them. Let's just say that experience has taught me to recheck torque settings...

 

[thatK30guy]

Rancho offers 2 common front springs.

#86206 which is their self-proclaimed "soft ride".

#40054S is their "firm ride".

They offer a pre-runner spring with is a stack of thinner leaves but only go up to around 2" lift.

They used to offer a 6" firm riding "Mud Bogger" spring with 9 leaves. These have been long discontinued. I have a pair of them here at home.

The #86206 is the most popular spring Rancho sells for our '73-'91 rigs.

 

[andyblack]

That must have been the "firm riding" springs that I encountered that turned my guts to tapioca and made me get some Tuff Country springs for my truck.

 

[chriskayer]

most that I've seen from rancho have been pretty stiff

 

[chevyguybc]

Tuff Country EZ Rides all the way. The dropped pitman arm is definately easier to install. The raised steering arm will take a little more work. I think they're a little more popular because they cost a little less than a new pitman arm.

If you do end up using a raised steering arm, use the search feature on this site to look up some info on them. I and several others have posted about some of the problems folks encounter while instaling them. Let's just say that experience has taught me to recheck torque settings...

\like I said in my post, Ive done many steering arms.
They are not fun.

 

[chevyguybc]

I had Rancho's and the ride is pretty rough. Go with tuff Country EZ rides...

Rene

they are used and from melloyellows rig, 100 bucks for the pair, they are lightly used...

I may just do 52s, what the hell. I forget do I have to change the rear spring mount to get a better shackel angle, its been a long time since I built my orange chev

 

[tRustyK5]

You'd have to have a good look at them and decide for yourself. I know my rancho's had individual leafs that were 3/8" thick. If the leafs are thinner than that they might be the softer riding ones.

With stock length 47" springs the shackle will be nearly vertical, which isn't the best. Moving the rear mount forward and up a bit will help ride quite a bit.

Rene