4speedfunk
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 4,250
- Location
- Tardville
The lift really helps in a couple areas. First is ground clearance. Approach and departure angles are drastically improved with the Rancho. Also the break-over clearance (at the transmission & t-case) is greatly improved and this is more noticeable on the H3T. Because the T's have a longer wheelbase, they tend to drag the belly quite a bit and I think they benefit more from the Rancho than the SUVs do. The other big plus with the Rancho is that the knuckles raise the tie-rod attachment points so the steering operates at its stock position. Likewise the half-shafts run flatter (compared to a T-bar crank) for the same amount of lift. The Rancho shocks are a huge improvement over stock and IMO...the Rancho kit totally outperforms a stock H3 suspension both off and ON-ROAD, which is something I didn't expect. Downside is you have to buy aftermarket wheels. And also the front driveshaft can be a problem because the CV-boot doesn't like to adjust to the steeper angle, and it is prone to ripping.
SOA?
Absolutely. Rancho leafs will eventually sag just like factory leafs do...it takes about 6-months or so. The SOA is cheap, simple, and it also gets rid of the lower shock mounts which seems to be a hang-up point for the H3. Ironically, bolting on skid plates to the lower shock mounts yields even less ground clearance....so the SOA gets rid of the problem completely. Flex is greatly improved but, I've noticed some axle wrap issues and I'll be adding a torque arm to tighten things up.
AP T-CASE?
I would pick a 4:1 t-case way before a lift. It makes a drastic difference when wheeling with 35"s in low range.
LOCKERS?
I'm on the fence. They make an improvement but I think they mean more on stock-ish trucks than built trucks. I've gone thru several stages of builds on my H3, and the more I build my suspension the less I use my lockers. Of course the argument is...THEN ITS TIME TO TACKLE TOUGHER TERRAIN!. There's probably some truth to that statement but, like Clint Eastwood says..."A man has to know his limitations".
SOA?
Absolutely. Rancho leafs will eventually sag just like factory leafs do...it takes about 6-months or so. The SOA is cheap, simple, and it also gets rid of the lower shock mounts which seems to be a hang-up point for the H3. Ironically, bolting on skid plates to the lower shock mounts yields even less ground clearance....so the SOA gets rid of the problem completely. Flex is greatly improved but, I've noticed some axle wrap issues and I'll be adding a torque arm to tighten things up.
AP T-CASE?
I would pick a 4:1 t-case way before a lift. It makes a drastic difference when wheeling with 35"s in low range.
LOCKERS?
I'm on the fence. They make an improvement but I think they mean more on stock-ish trucks than built trucks. I've gone thru several stages of builds on my H3, and the more I build my suspension the less I use my lockers. Of course the argument is...THEN ITS TIME TO TACKLE TOUGHER TERRAIN!. There's probably some truth to that statement but, like Clint Eastwood says..."A man has to know his limitations".
