I’ve been running my Rancho 2” Sport lift for over a year and about 25k miles now both daily commuting and off-roading and I really have no complaints. See this thread which grew way beyond my expectations.
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/rancho-2-sport-lift-installed-208397.html
But part of the reason that I picked that lift was it seemed to be easily upgradeable, without having to throw away everything and start over. I finally decided it’s time to get on with the upgrade. Plan was to try and salvage as much of the Rancho kit, source high quality parts, and maximize articulation while staying within the 2-3 inch realm and keeping the stock control arms.
So here’s the parts list that I came up with. I researched the rear springs and came out with two on top, Synergy and OME. I was all set to go with the Synergy, when I found someone on another forum who had actually run both and had kept the OME springs. The OME were also a tiny bit ($20) cheaper so I figured lets give them a shot.
Description-Manufacturer-Part No.
Rear Coil Springs-Old Man Emu-2618
Rear Track Bar Bracket-Teraflex-1954777
Adjustable Sway Bar Links-JKS-JKS2943
2" Rear Bump Stops-Rubicon Express-RE1387
Adjustable Front Track Bar-JKS-OGS121
0.75" Front Coil Spacer-Rancho-RS70082
Front Control Arm Brackets-Rancho-RS6250B
Exhaust Kit-Rancho-RS72003
Longer Travel Front Shocks (9000xl)-Rancho-RS999329
Front Brake Line Extension Brackets-Rubicon Express-RE15071
High Clearance Steering Stabilizer-Rancho-RS97356
So far the back is complete, and I’ve installed the front drop brackets and moved the rear sway bar links to the front. I still need to add JKS removable front links to my list and order them as well. I drove the Jeep for about a week with just the rear components installed and had no problems.
I was concerned about the Rancho Brackets not working with less than 2.5 inches of lift in the front. My initial plan was to move the .75 rear spacer from the Sport kit to the front, but it doesn’t fit over the bump stop. So I have new spacers on the way. I measured my front before I started and it looks like I’m at 1.75 inches over stock after 25k miles of carrying a 95 lb winch, so the new spacers should bring it up to 2.5 inches. I won’t take it off road again until I have the front finished.
I’m about 2.75 inches over stock in the rear, but I think some of that will settle out. Surprisingly the rear OME springs seem to ride a bit softer then the original 59 series springs.
It’ll be over $1,100 (not counting the initial kit) by the time I’m done, but that’s comparable to what it would have cost for a similar kit with all the little pieces. I didn’t consciously choose lots of Rancho parts, but much of my decision making was driven by shipping costs to Alaska. I’ve purchased most of this off Amazon with Prime free shipping.
I’m very happy with the way it is turning out, and the ride is great. The brackets made a big difference in how the bumps are transmitted to the driver and the rear OME’s just float.
Only problem I’ve had so far is I had to buy a new drop hitch for my trailer as the trailer jack doesn’t go high enough.
I’ll take some pictures later this weekend and add them to the post.
Mike
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/rancho-2-sport-lift-installed-208397.html
But part of the reason that I picked that lift was it seemed to be easily upgradeable, without having to throw away everything and start over. I finally decided it’s time to get on with the upgrade. Plan was to try and salvage as much of the Rancho kit, source high quality parts, and maximize articulation while staying within the 2-3 inch realm and keeping the stock control arms.
So here’s the parts list that I came up with. I researched the rear springs and came out with two on top, Synergy and OME. I was all set to go with the Synergy, when I found someone on another forum who had actually run both and had kept the OME springs. The OME were also a tiny bit ($20) cheaper so I figured lets give them a shot.
Description-Manufacturer-Part No.
Rear Coil Springs-Old Man Emu-2618
Rear Track Bar Bracket-Teraflex-1954777
Adjustable Sway Bar Links-JKS-JKS2943
2" Rear Bump Stops-Rubicon Express-RE1387
Adjustable Front Track Bar-JKS-OGS121
0.75" Front Coil Spacer-Rancho-RS70082
Front Control Arm Brackets-Rancho-RS6250B
Exhaust Kit-Rancho-RS72003
Longer Travel Front Shocks (9000xl)-Rancho-RS999329
Front Brake Line Extension Brackets-Rubicon Express-RE15071
High Clearance Steering Stabilizer-Rancho-RS97356
So far the back is complete, and I’ve installed the front drop brackets and moved the rear sway bar links to the front. I still need to add JKS removable front links to my list and order them as well. I drove the Jeep for about a week with just the rear components installed and had no problems.
I was concerned about the Rancho Brackets not working with less than 2.5 inches of lift in the front. My initial plan was to move the .75 rear spacer from the Sport kit to the front, but it doesn’t fit over the bump stop. So I have new spacers on the way. I measured my front before I started and it looks like I’m at 1.75 inches over stock after 25k miles of carrying a 95 lb winch, so the new spacers should bring it up to 2.5 inches. I won’t take it off road again until I have the front finished.
I’m about 2.75 inches over stock in the rear, but I think some of that will settle out. Surprisingly the rear OME springs seem to ride a bit softer then the original 59 series springs.
It’ll be over $1,100 (not counting the initial kit) by the time I’m done, but that’s comparable to what it would have cost for a similar kit with all the little pieces. I didn’t consciously choose lots of Rancho parts, but much of my decision making was driven by shipping costs to Alaska. I’ve purchased most of this off Amazon with Prime free shipping.
I’m very happy with the way it is turning out, and the ride is great. The brackets made a big difference in how the bumps are transmitted to the driver and the rear OME’s just float.
Only problem I’ve had so far is I had to buy a new drop hitch for my trailer as the trailer jack doesn’t go high enough.
I’ll take some pictures later this weekend and add them to the post.
Mike