Rancho 4" suspension lift

[Chad H]

Hey guys,

I currently own a '04 extended cab silverado Z-71. Well, right now I have Ford keys in it and thats about all. Still running on 285's. I am seriously considering a 4" rancho suspension lift. I was wondering if this will hinder daily driving ability at all? I am going to school in August and its about a 2 and half hour trip down there. So I dont want to have my truck down all the time or something in that range. I have heard about it wearing wheel bearing out really quickly and stuff like that. I do however want this truck lifted badly. If I "do" lift it, it will be a suspension lift, no doubt. So, I need opinions on this matter guys. I am wanting to buy the kit this week.

 

Thanks in advance,

Chad

[3BAV]

Have had Rancho kits on several trucks throughout the years. As with any aftermarket modification, it will last as long as you take care of it and how you drive it. If you do allot of just on street driving then you are not going to have to worry about much going wrong. having the larger tires and rims on the truck will cause the front end to wear out a little quicker then stock, but will still last you along time. If you go wheeling allot then parts are going to wear out quicker.

 

I have a Rancho setup on my truck in my signature and love it.

 

I say go for it.

 

Jon

[Mule]

Chad,

As with any mod, sometimes you open a can of worms to other troubles. But, a quality brand kit, installed correctly, kept in alignment should not give you any problems. Or at least, maybe some little ones that don't outweigh the benefit of the lift.

 

On my truck I have replaced steering components, shocks, ball joints, bushings, and tie rods. But I have 100K miles and it spent most of its life in Alaska.

 

The lift may cause you to want other things - new wheels and tires, new shocks, change gears, re-program the computer, fender flares...etc. See how it gets addicting?

 

Do it right the first time and it will be the only time.

[Chad H]

Thanks for the replies guys. This truck will be driven on the road mostly. Might be taken offroad for hunting, four wheeling, things such as that, but never mudding or anything. Also, Mule, what are you referring to alignment? I am gonna try to get it aligned everything 5,000 miles or less. I am gonna put 4.10's in the rear along with 305's on a 16x9.75. But, keep the opinions coming.

[Big Boy]

Whenever you replace a suspension part (nevermind the entire suspension) you need to get it aligned. And done right. Most 4x4 shops farm out that work. Needless to say they farm it out to the cheapest guy in town.

 

Be sure it gets aligned right for maximum longevity.

[Mule]

Also, on some kits, when you get the vehicle aligned, you do a good re-torque on the bolts from the kit. Pro-Comp recommends re-torquing the kit 3 or 4 times a year. Some kits do not allow for a good alignment. Rancho does.

 

So after the kit is on, get it aligned. Once or twice a year, have the alignment checked by a good shop who knows lifted trucks. Staying in alignment is good preventative work to help tires and suspension last longer.