Quick Lift SUCKS

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 09:55 PM

Okay... well, I just had Rancho's QL's installed front and rear, and I must say... the ride quality SUCKS!

It bounces like a little low rider going down the road... and it's easy to see why. The front springs (factory) are still compressed quite a bit (much more than stock) after being installed on the new Rancho QL strut. I don't know what to do now...

**IZwack** · 01-12-2009, 10:19 PM

Got pics? Isnt this thing supposed to have an adjustable doodad at the bottom? Or is it pretty much a spacer for the coil spring?

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 10:34 PM

I've tried adjustments 4-8 on the front end... no luck. QL's are an entire new strut... re-use stock springs. The problem (in my humble opinion) is that the front springs are compressed too much. It's making the entire vehicle bounce over bumps. Really, REALLY REALLLLYYY annoying after spending so much $$ on them, then paying to have them installed.

Donner · 01-12-2009, 10:35 PM

Hops like a jackrabbit on LSD

I experienced the same thing... It's not the rears, it's the front struts... You need to visit Roadbully's link for front spacers... But you can return the front struts (or all 4). The dial for ride setting won't help...

**IZwack** · 01-12-2009, 10:40 PM

Well if its using the stock coil spring, it should be just as compressed as before since the weight of the vehicle is the same (assuming you didnt slide a whale under the hood overnight).

If the lower number is the softest, then try adjusting it to the lowest number possible ("1" ?). Doing so should soak up a speed bump but might allow the suspension to oscillate a few more times after the bump.

Donner · 01-12-2009, 10:55 PM

IZ, I went through this exact thing... the front struts have fitment issues on certain 3rd gens. Take off the front struts and it will stop...

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donner

Hops like a jackrabbit on LSD

I experienced the same thing... It's not the rears, it's the front struts... You need to visit Roadbully's link for front spacers... But you can return the front struts (or all 4). The dial for ride setting won't help...

This makes me really unhappy. I'm thinking of returning them... but since they have been installed, I guess I gotta contact Rancho huh? Reading over truckcustomizers.com terms looks like i cant return installed items.

**IZwack** · 01-12-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donner

IZ, I went through this exact thing... the front struts have fitment issues on certain 3rd gens. Take off the front struts and it will stop...

So the strut is binding against something?

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 10:59 PM

Hey donner, in reading another thread about QL's, you had given your front coil part #... mine is similar to yours, 4L24-5310-DA... I think yours was 4L__-5310-DA. I think there was a Z in there or something, I'd have to go back and find the post...

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 11:00 PM

When I took my struts off - with the help of a friend (a tech i know, who i was paying)... my truck was on a lift.

Donner · 01-12-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IZwack

So the strut is binding against something?

I gave up trying to find out what the cause was... I just went back and had them removed... It looked hilarious hoping and jumping!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFCeddieB

Hey donner, in reading another thread about QL's, you had given your front coil part #... mine is similar to yours, 4L24-5310-DA... I think yours was 4L__-5310-DA. I think there was a Z in there or something, I'd have to go back and find the post...

Best bet is to call Tenneco... they own Rancho and Monroe. You should be able to get a refund... How long have you had the struts? Changing coils won't help, you need spacers if you want that front end lifted...

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 11:14 PM

I know changing the coils won't help... Just thought it was odd that there are so many different part numbers floating around for stock coil springs. WTF already, ya know? I've had the QL's in my garage since around the 15th of December, just got around to getting them put on today. I was excited to get this done, but I'm unhappy now. Sucks.

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 11:17 PM

Best bet is to call Tenneco... they own Rancho and Monroe. You should be able to get a refund... How long have you had the struts? Changing coils won't help, you need spacers if you want that front end lifted...

[/QUOTE]

I was just thinking about spacers... Maybe after I figure this out I'll hit up RoadBully. I don't want to go too high though, I'm still thinking like 2" up front and 1" in the rear. I just want it to sit level.

**IZwack** · 01-12-2009, 11:19 PM

I'm willing to bet its the shock rate -- no other variable / component has been changed. I think that shock is just too stiff. It might be set up for a larger vehicle like an F-150 or something.

Donner · 01-12-2009, 11:21 PM

THAT'S what got me... all those part numbers for front coils. It's a mystery why there are so many, but it causes problems... You should have a 90-warranty on those struts where you can return them, no questions asked - but they know about the bunnyhop thing...

Donner · 01-12-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IZwack

I'm willing to bet its the shock rate -- no other variable / component has been changed. I think that shock is just too stiff. It might be set up for a larger vehicle like an F-150 or something.

There are so many variations of springs and wheel sizes on the EX... The strut is made for only one fit, and it's not easy to figure out which EX it's for. But if you like the bunnyhop look

It's crazy!

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IZwack

I'm willing to bet its the shock rate -- no other variable / component has been changed. I think that shock is just too stiff. It might be set up for a larger vehicle like an F-150 or something.

Well, they shouldn't be... ordered and made for the EX. Like I said in the original post, the front end was just screwy. Say the coil spring was 16" long before decompressing, installing the new strut, and putting it all back together.
After putting it back together with the new strut, the coil spring was maybe 12 or 13" long. (in other words, still quite compressed). These are not the actual measurements, but just an idea of how large the difference actually was.

**IZwack** · 01-12-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donner

There are so many variations of springs and wheel sizes on the EX... The strut is made for only one fit, and it's not easy to figure out which EX it's for.

I was talking about his Explorer. The only thing that has changed is the strut.
But the wheel and tire size actually doesnt matter when it comes to spring rates and shock rates because that is unsprung weight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFCeddieB

Well, they shouldn't be... ordered and made for the EX. Like I said in the original post, the front end was just screwy. Say the coil spring was 16" long before decompressing, installing the new strut, and putting it all back together.
After putting it back together with the new strut, the coil spring was maybe 12 or 13" long. (in other words, still quite compressed). These are not the actual measurements, but just an idea of how large the difference actually was.

Oh ok, so that has changed. I have to agree that the best move you can make now is to contact the manufacturer.

Donner · 01-12-2009, 11:35 PM

In this case, it does. The front struts just aren't worth the hassle... The rears are as smooth as silk on their own, but add those two front struts and it's like a rodeo bull!

Mine are all gone, and I'm grateful...

TFCeddieB · 01-12-2009, 11:36 PM

Maybe I'll return the front 2 and order a 2" spacer and new shocks. Looks like rancho makes a stock replacement shock in the RSX series. I just want to make sure I keep about as much lift so I don't end up with the rear end way up in the air, or the front too high.

01-12-2009, 09:55 PM	#1
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Quick Lift SUCKS Okay... well, I just had Rancho's QL's installed front and rear, and I must say... the ride quality SUCKS! It bounces like a little low rider going down the road... and it's easy to see why. The front springs (factory) are still compressed quite a bit (much more than stock) after being installed on the new Rancho QL strut. I don't know what to do now... __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 10:19 PM	#2
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,390 Vehicle Specs	Got pics? Isnt this thing supposed to have an adjustable doodad at the bottom? Or is it pretty much a spacer for the coil spring? __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

01-12-2009, 10:34 PM	#3
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I've tried adjustments 4-8 on the front end... no luck. QL's are an entire new strut... re-use stock springs. The problem (in my humble opinion) is that the front springs are compressed too much. It's making the entire vehicle bounce over bumps. Really, REALLY REALLLLYYY annoying after spending so much $$ on them, then paying to have them installed. __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 10:35 PM	#4
Donner Wannabe Elite Explorer Natomas/Irvine 01 Sp 03 XLT 4x4s, Scion Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,844 Vehicle Specs	Hops like a jackrabbit on LSD I experienced the same thing... It's not the rears, it's the front struts... You need to visit Roadbully's link for front spacers... But you can return the front struts (or all 4). The dial for ride setting won't help... __________________ http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=240001 For Sale stuff

01-12-2009, 10:40 PM	#5
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,390 Vehicle Specs	Well if its using the stock coil spring, it should be just as compressed as before since the weight of the vehicle is the same (assuming you didnt slide a whale under the hood overnight). If the lower number is the softest, then try adjusting it to the lowest number possible ("1" ?). Doing so should soak up a speed bump but might allow the suspension to oscillate a few more times after the bump. __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

01-12-2009, 10:55 PM	#6
Donner Wannabe Elite Explorer Natomas/Irvine 01 Sp 03 XLT 4x4s, Scion Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,844 Vehicle Specs	IZ, I went through this exact thing... the front struts have fitment issues on certain 3rd gens. Take off the front struts and it will stop... __________________ http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=240001 For Sale stuff

01-12-2009, 10:59 PM	#9
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Hey donner, in reading another thread about QL's, you had given your front coil part #... mine is similar to yours, 4L24-5310-DA... I think yours was 4L__-5310-DA. I think there was a Z in there or something, I'd have to go back and find the post... __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 11:00 PM	#10
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	When I took my struts off - with the help of a friend (a tech i know, who i was paying)... my truck was on a lift. __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 11:14 PM	#12
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I know changing the coils won't help... Just thought it was odd that there are so many different part numbers floating around for stock coil springs. WTF already, ya know? I've had the QL's in my garage since around the 15th of December, just got around to getting them put on today. I was excited to get this done, but I'm unhappy now. Sucks. __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 11:17 PM	#13
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Best bet is to call Tenneco... they own Rancho and Monroe. You should be able to get a refund... How long have you had the struts? Changing coils won't help, you need spacers if you want that front end lifted... [/QUOTE] I was just thinking about spacers... Maybe after I figure this out I'll hit up RoadBully. I don't want to go too high though, I'm still thinking like 2" up front and 1" in the rear. I just want it to sit level. __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...

01-12-2009, 11:19 PM	#14
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,390 Vehicle Specs	I'm willing to bet its the shock rate -- no other variable / component has been changed. I think that shock is just too stiff. It might be set up for a larger vehicle like an F-150 or something. __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

01-12-2009, 11:21 PM	#15
Donner Wannabe Elite Explorer Natomas/Irvine 01 Sp 03 XLT 4x4s, Scion Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,844 Vehicle Specs	THAT'S what got me... all those part numbers for front coils. It's a mystery why there are so many, but it causes problems... You should have a 90-warranty on those struts where you can return them, no questions asked - but they know about the bunnyhop thing... __________________ http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=240001 For Sale stuff

01-12-2009, 11:35 PM	#19
Donner Wannabe Elite Explorer Natomas/Irvine 01 Sp 03 XLT 4x4s, Scion Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,844 Vehicle Specs	In this case, it does. The front struts just aren't worth the hassle... The rears are as smooth as silk on their own, but add those two front struts and it's like a rodeo bull! Mine are all gone, and I'm grateful... __________________ http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=240001 For Sale stuff

01-12-2009, 11:36 PM	#20
TFCeddieB Wannabe Elite Explorer Eastern Shore, MD 2005 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 118 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Maybe I'll return the front 2 and order a 2" spacer and new shocks. Looks like rancho makes a stock replacement shock in the RSX series. I just want to make sure I keep about as much lift so I don't end up with the rear end way up in the air, or the front too high. __________________ '05 Eddie Bauer V8 built 10/04; 14,xxx Miles and slowly counting. BFG Mud Terrains, Rancho QL Rear, RB Front W/ Rancho RSX's, Powdercoated Stock Rims/Westin Skid Plate, a bunch of other stuff...