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Shocks and links

H3Wolf

Well-Known Member
Messages
192
Location
United States
I'm going to he replacing my shocks and sway bar links soon. Was wondering how the rancho lift shocks are and wanting to do quick disconnect sway bar links. Anyone with recommendations?

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Happy Hummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,465
Location
Wisconsin
Funny, I've heard fairly good things about Rancho for there price point. I agree they are somewhat budget line.
Of course it depends on how the op intends to use them. If off road use is in future for op then maybe a different shock.
Jmho
 

JPaul

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,436
Location
Way up north, UT
I'm not 100% sure, but the Skyjackers on my Alpha that SuperBuick put on might be better than the 5100 Bilstiens I put on my red H3. It feels like they soak up the bumps a lot better, not as harsh a ride, but still controls rebound really well.
 

Acer4LO

Well-Known Member
Messages
801
Location
Illinois
I am kind of in this situation right now. At the moment I have the Rancho 4 inch lift kit with the Rancho shocks. I also have installed the JKS 2001 Quick disconnect sway bar links. I started a thread about this before: http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?12878-JKS-Front-Discos&highlight=jks+discos . Look at my build thread for more pics. However the problem that I am having right now is that I don't actually get gain any articulation when I take them off. I found this out when I went to check the brake in ABS lines to see if they would get too tight. I did this by taking the tire off, putting the frame on jack stands, and then taking off the sway bar disconnects. I put a floor jack under the a arm so I could slowly lower the suspension just in case I dropped too low and could damage the ABS line. When I did this it didn't make a difference. It stopped at the exact same spot it did when the JKS discos were on. I think the reason why this is happening is that there is not enough shock travel from the rancho shocks so it might not be a good idea to get them if you want to run discos, but others should comment on this as well. I took a video in slow motion of me dropping the suspension with the front disconnect off in an effort to see what is stopping the IFS. This video is on my smugmug:

VIDEO: https://acer4lo.smugmug.com/FourmHelpPictures/n-7vKZGg/i-hT9bcX4
(You have to copy/paste the link into your URL address. For some reason when you click the link it just shows you a screenshot)

Here is a picture of the suspension drooping with no swaybar link:

i-5qHpRpj-X3.jpg








i-WGgrt8q-X3.jpg


i-jc8M7tK-X3.jpg
 
Last edited:

Traxx

Well-Known Member
Messages
682
Location
PNW
I have the Rancho adjustable shocks with the lift. I think they are adequate and haven't had any problems with them but I wouldn't mind trying something else, The adjustment settings don't seem to make any difference in ride quality. I haven't had the time to see what else would work with the lift. The Bilsteins I had on before the lift were just too stiff of a shock.
 

rascole

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,852
Location
Bellflower, CA
The sway bar connects both sides together and has no effect on travel when both sides travel the same direction. When disconnected it allows either side to move up and down independently of each other. As far as the question on Rancho shocks, I'd avoid them and spend the same or a few bucks more on Bilstein or Fox. I have the Bilstein 5100 made for the Silverado 1500 trucks and they work great.
 

H3Wolf

Well-Known Member
Messages
192
Location
United States
Funny, I've heard fairly good things about Rancho for there price point. I agree they are somewhat budget line.
Of course it depends on how the op intends to use them. If off road use is in future for op then maybe a different shock.
Jmho
I intend to off road, a little here and there, then progressively do more. Once I'm used to off roading in the new area I live now

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kilroy

Well-Known Member
Messages
110
Location
Owosso MI
I'm not 100% sure, but the Skyjackers on my Alpha that SuperBuick put on might be better than the 5100 Bilstiens I put on my red H3. It feels like they soak up the bumps a lot better, not as harsh a ride, but still controls rebound really well.

The Black Max shocks? That's what I put on and so far so good...no complaints.
 
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