Broken Suspension Kit Components

Introduction

Here is a collection of photos of cracked / broken suspension kit components. The goal is to inform you of areas that have been found to crack or break on suspension lift components so that you can inspect these areas on your offroad truck. It’s also helpful if you’re looking to buy used suspension components so you know where to look for cracks / breaks.

If you have anything to contribute (including photos) please CONTACT US so we can share the information.

Rancho Suspension

While Rancho hasn’t made any suspension components for the 1980’s and 1990’s Ford Ranger’s and Bronco II’s for a long time, their kits were very popular and are either still being used or used kits can still be found for sale.

 

(Rancho Suspension Ford Ranger Axle Beam Bracket)

The above photo is the drop bracket for the passenger side axle beam.  This bracket is actually mounted on the driver’s side.  It’s not a solid cast piece like those sold by some other manufactures.  It’s not even the stock piece using a flat plate to drop it.  Note the top of the bracket where it’s broke.  It’s the shiny spot below and to the left of the drain bolt on the oil pan.  Also note how the top is bent down.  Photo courtesy of Bob.

The above diagram and photo are from 4x4junkie.  He drew sketches to show where is lift components failed.

In the photo below you can see where the owner of this Rancho radius arm added a gusset in the area where the crack is in the photo above.

James Duff

Here’s a photo of a James Duff extended radius arm that broke. Duff eventually replaced these arms with a single tube design.

Broken James Duff radius arm

Here you can see where the single tube radius arm broke.

Broke James Duff radius arm

Superlift Suspension

Superlift had issues with the upper mounting tab breaking on their extended radius arms.

Cracked upper tab on Superlift radius arm

Broke Superlift radius arm

Another big problem with the Superlift suspension is the tabs breaking off on the passenger side suspension bracket. These are the tabs that mount to the bottom of the passenger side frame rail.

Tabs broke off of Superlift TTB Drop Bracket

Skyjacker Suspension

This Skyjacker suspension bracket broke in the same place where the Superlift bracket broke above. If you have a lift kit on your Ford Ranger or Bronco II, you should inspect the bracket and the mounting tabs under the passenger side frame rail.

Broken tabs where this Skyjacker axle pivot bracket mounts under the frame rail

Other Articles

Check out our story on Fixing Superlift Brackets

Check out our Ford Ranger 4×4 Suspension Forum

 

Last Updated: November 16, 2025