Rancho 1.5" lift leaf spring opinions?

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Feb 24, 2021 | 06:34 PM

#136

bikerider

Seasoned Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 496

Likes: 5

From: Washington

Year: 1991

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 HO

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobbyo

As i posted before try O Reillys. You can still add it to the cart which i was told by customer service means they still have it when I purchased a pair.

I guess I missed or misread your post.

May 8, 2021 | 06:00 PM

#137

SwampRabbit

Newbie

Joined: May 2021

Posts: 4

Likes: 1

From: PA

Year: 2001

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobbyo

Try O-Riellys and stock a pair in, i ordered yesterday and they are shipping out, the website still seems to think they have them so you may luck out.

I want to thank you for posting that O-Reillys had them, I was able to get myself a pair along with the OME 2930s.

Jan 26, 2022 | 02:41 PM

#138

linksvu

Newbie

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

From: Littleton

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0l

Old thread, I know, but this is what I'm looking for. Do you recall the part number for the Rancho leafs which got you 1.5-2"?

If you still have them, how are they holding up?

Jan 27, 2022 | 09:27 AM

#139

Battle

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 2,625

Likes: 303

From: Asheville, NC

Year: 1999

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by linksvu

Old thread, I know, but this is what I'm looking for. Do you recall the part number for the Rancho leafs which got you 1.5-2"?

If you still have them, how are they holding up?

Rancho RS44148

If I remember correctly, they don't come with bushings - you have to buy those separate. Rancho sells a U-bolt and poly bushing kit.

Mine are hold up great after about 28K miles!

Jan 27, 2022 | 10:24 AM

#140

linksvu

Newbie

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

From: Littleton

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0l

Really appreciate that! Unfortunately it appears as though Rancho discontinued those springs so I think I'm out of luck. Which is too bad, I thought these would be ideal.

Jan 27, 2022 | 12:33 PM

#141

linksvu

Newbie

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

From: Littleton

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0l

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yakwards.man

I don't have extended brake lines, for the most part I've read that it is not necessary at this height. This is certainly true if you don't intend on wheeling to the point of flexing your suspension to it's maximum travel. While people don't usually experience driveline vibrations at this height either, I'd still recommend a SYE. It's definitely a worthy improvement over the stock design, especially when you start raising the suspension (and thus altering driveline/steering geometry). Aftermarket control arms are probably a pretty worthy investment as well, if you're looking to get a smooth ride and improved articulation. Mine is no Cadillac, but in all honesty, at 80 mph on the highway it is remarkably smooth for a vehicle with decent off road abilities. I didn't use any of the trim packers, mine sat level with just the factory replacement coil insulators. Here's a breakdown of what I'm running:

4.0L
Chrysler 8.25 rear
Dana 30 (high pinion) front
AW4 transmission
NP231 transfer case
SYE kit (Advanced Adapters)
transmission oil cooler
Rancho 1.5" lift leaf springs (with 2 deg. shims)
IRO adjustable HD shackles
Old Man Emu 930 coil springs
BDS NX2 series shocks
RC steering stabilizer
ARES Fabrication steering box spacer
M.O.R.E. steering box brace
Moog track bar
Moog ball joints
Rugged Ridge tow hook kit
Rusty's lower control arms
Core 4x4 adjustable upper control arms
30" BFG KO2s

I'm curious, why did you go with the steering box brace and the ARES steering box spacer?

Also, what are your thoughts about Rusty's lower control arms having driven it a bit now?

Sep 10, 2022 | 11:49 AM

#142

Yakwards.man

Newbie

Joined: Jan 2020

Posts: 23

Likes: 6

From: SC

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by linksvu

I'm curious, why did you go with the steering box brace and the ARES steering box spacer?

Also, what are your thoughts about Rusty's lower control arms having driven it a bit now?

I added the steering box spacer because the factory spacer is weak and prone to cracking, so I got one that was a solid piece instead of the hollow factory design. Just an easy thing to strengthen up while everything was pulled apart anyways. The steering box brace just adds some support to the front end and eliminates steering box play.

As for the Rusty's lower control arms, I have absolutely no complaints. They're slightly longer than factory to accommodate the lift, so my caster angles are right where they need to be. I also have adjustable upper control arms which helped with that. It rides really good with this setup though. Steering is tight with very little play and the front end is softer than factory over harsh bumps (like railroad tracks and potholes). I'm gonna switch to a different tire when my KO2s finally wear out though. They're a little stiff for such a light vehicle imo. Probably going with Toyo open country AT3s.