Rancho RS9000 Self Install?

[Knigh7s]

I've done a search on the forums for a quick how to or something but didn't find much info on self installs.

I've just recieved my Rancho's in the mail today and was planning on doing a self install... I've done most everything else to a car but suspension and being as rare as we are, it isn't as easy to come by some good how to's.

So my question is... How hard would it be to install these myself? and Is there anything I should watch out for during the install? (like common mistakes or what not?)

Oh, I dont have my owners manual with me.(ziplocked and in storage) where is the best place to put some jack stands under her?

Thanks in advanced! :p

[Kenny]

It's a fairly painless install, once you get past the sticky bolts. :eek:
It's as easy as lift, support, undo bolts, shocks-off, shocks-on, re-do bolts. repeat.

PB Blaster is your friend - soak them bolts gooooood. The top bolts on the rear shocks can be a BIG pain. Have a big breaker bar on hand.

You can place Jack stands off the rear axle and front cross member off of the A-arm for support points. Take the tires off for easier access and room for leverage.

As for torque;
REAR-
top bolt:70 lb-ft
bott bolt: 58 lb-ft

FRONT-
top nut: 14 lb-ft (use poly bushings that came with shocks.)
bott bolt: 61 lb-ft

Here's a few picks from my install.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/rancho_front.jpg


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/rancho_rear.jpg

there are also other helpful points in other threads like this one:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=6932&highlight=rancho

Good Luck!

[Knigh7s]

Thanks Kenny! Thats all I needed to know and then some! Also thanks for the picture reference!

I might be able to put a how to together for the install for future reference because of your (and community) help.

Thanks again!!!

[edit] That thread link still didnt show up on my search?! but all I had to do was add the "X" to the end for it to show up!

[Cobrajet]

Kenny, I noticed you have your front shocks mounted with the adjuster UP. Isn't that hard to reach? I have mine down, and easy to reach through the lower A-arm. I spent this week comparing the difference between full soft and full hard, so getting access to the adjusters was important. Handling really improved once I reached setting 6, 8 was a little firmer, and 10 was a bit too stiff for comfort. I'm going with 7 or 8.

I wish I had taken the time to spray my shock bolts with PB Blaster. The right front shock top bolt snapped off during removal. It was the last one I did, too. All the others came off without any problem. And that shock was one of the good ones. The left front was blown.

It's not hard to do if you have the right tools, patience, and lube.