Easy questions a search did not answer

[cstishenko]

Easy questions a search did not answer:

I have an 07 FX4 Level II that came with the factory Bilstein shocks. I'm up a few inches over stock with a torsion twist and Beltech shackles.

I would like to increase my ride quality and offroad ability.

Are the Bilsteins on the Level II longer than the Rancho's that came on normal FX4's?

Are the Bilsteins on the Level II the same length as the aftermarket Rancho's designed for 1.5-2" lift?

Rancho:
http://www.gorancho.com/shock_looku...0-in.+-+2.50-in.&submodel=All+Models&x=42&y=8
Bilstein:
http://www.bilsteincanada.com/index.php?cPath=306_4478_4479_13022

I have my torsion bars turned up by about 2", but my shocks are limiting the un-compressed suspension travel. I put spacers under my lower shock bolts, to get my ride back... But i'm still not happy with it.

If I un-bolt my lower shock bolts with the suspension un-compressed, I can see another inch of suspension droop!

With my torsion bars turned up, I will have an increased spring rate I know this..

If I add more spacers under the shock, will I have to worry about compressing the shock fully?

Or should I buck up and buy the Rancho shocks which I think may be longer?

NOW.....

I plan on removing one of my swaybar end-links for better offroad capability and a better ride.

Will I pop apart the CV joint, upon complete decompression like i've read can happen?

If not will it pop apart if I install the Rancho shocks which I think are longer - under complete decompression?

Will I need limiting straps? I've read some havent used them without issue.

Will I need limiting straps, with the shocks that I believe are longer?


I'm not looking to build a MUD BOGGER, nor a Mall Cruiser. I want to get out and enjoy the backwoods, but be comfortable and worry free about the IFS setup on my Ranger while doing it.

thanks in advance guys,
Craig

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The Bilsteins will out preform the Ranchos any day of the week.

Lots have removed the sway bar without CV issues.

I doubt you will need limiting straps.

 

[cstishenko]

Alright... So you figure a Bilstein running nearly fully extended is better than a Rancho made for lifted vehicles?

Being that i've increased my spring rate by turning up the torsion bars, it should'nt handle too poorly with the swaybar link removed?

 

[evans16]

why not get bilsteins that could handle the little bit of lift?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

What I'm saying is, if you are going to replace the shocks I would go with another set of Bilsteins.

 

[legoms013]

I would see if Bilstein makes a 0-2" of lift option for shocks, and run those. Best of both options

Rancho can't hold a candle to Bilstiens, hands down.

 

[4.0B2]

well, i think we know that bilsteins are better! lol...

 

[cstishenko]

Cool boys... Thats all i wanted to know.

No they dont offer a longer stroke, longer uncompressed length version of my 07 shock.. Spacers under the lower shock mount it will be.

 

[cstishenko]

Alright guys... I went ahead and did it.

One swaybar endlink removed. I then purchased a Wing Nut of the same size as the endlink bolt, so it can be removed and re-installed when going offroading.

The truck handles completely different.
On road, it is smoother in a straight line... However steering response and body roll is obviously affected.
Off road, it is exactly what I was looking for. The truck is SO SMOOTH, it flexes exactly as it should. Before, I felt as though I was looking for an ARB or Richmond front locker.. No more am I looking for a front locker (for the driving I do)

There is no worries about popping out a CV joint either.

Heres a pic:

 

[cstishenko]

As for the shocks:

I went through Bilstein, Monroe, Gabriel and Rancho.. Rancho is the only brand that makes a longer shock with our mounting style.

I then unbolted my shocks, added 1" of spacer under the shock base and installed longer bolts.. I've got my ride back, as the torsion bars are not pulling the shocks fully extended while normal driving anymore.

Ride quality came back, suspension travel is still smooth.. About the best it is going to get without aftermarket torsion keys.


Lets just say, it has surprised a few solid axle Jeep folk with how it climbs/rides and drives now

 

[cstishenko]

As for stability after all of this, it was dramatically reduced with the swaybar endlink removal..

These trucks are too narrow even when stock.

I went with 2" Billett bolt on wheel spacers, adding 4" of track width overall. I've now gained my stability back, and still have no issue with rubbing in the wheel wells at full flex on 31's.

All in all, i'm one happy camper Thanks to those that helped, and talked me out of the Ranchos.

 

[4.0B2]

Why not leave the sway bar on completely when on road?? Just put a tractor quick release pins in it or something.

 

[cstishenko]

I then purchased a Wing Nut of the same size as the endlink bolt, so it can be removed and re-installed when going offroading.

^ This

More durable than a hair pin.