RCD RANGER 4" coilover kit for "4x4" !!

[Heath]

HB5150, Stadx2 is actually one of my friends, he helps me with a lot of work on my V8 AWD... His is a 98, hence he has the torsion bar mounts that were bolted to the frame, not welded like the 95-97's...

His truck is pretty though isn't it...

 

[Ray Lobato]

Originally posted by HB5150
I have been looking in to the Superlift quite extensively and from what I gather, the torsion drop cradle is either a bolt-over or it fixes to the existing torsion mounts.
oh, and Ray....I also believe that there are a few major differences between your Trail Master and the Superlift, like the steering linkage and nodular knuckles and such that might set the Superlift as a little more romp-ready of a kit.

Yes The major differances are the steering knuclkes and steering linkage, which I really don't like on the Trailmaster lift. This is why I don't indorse Trailmasters lift kit. Wether it's the Trailmaster lift or the Superlift lift kit, they both lower the torsion bar brackets down by 4".
You will get stuck on the torsion bars if you go over a sharp hill. How do I know? Becaue I have done this and it catches on your torsion bars. This is why I had the skid plate made, because I was hitting my torsion bars all the time. The dirt ain't so bad, but the rocks will definatly mess up your torsion bars.
Hey soupbone how's it going? Hey you only got 2 more weeks to think about going to Moab. You gotta come.
Tom has the video of Gerald and I doing the rock bed. He never gave it to me. I guess I'll have to call him up and see about getting it.
This is a picture of my rear torsion bars hanging down below the truck.
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This is what has to be modified on the rear torsion bar bracket to make it work for a 95=97 model
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This is what it looks like mounted.
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Now because I choose to not buy the rear components from a 98 model explorer and use my exsisting 97 components I also had to modify the bottom portion inorder to make sure that the torsion bar adjuster wouldn't move on me. This is a bad picture bu it show a plate with another U shaped piece welded to it that keeps the torsion bar adjuster(dog bone) from moving around. If you buy all the rear torsion bar components from a 98+ Explorer, you won't have to do this.
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Another view
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Hope this clears some things up.

 

[SCEXPLORER]

I'm kinda confused now. So are you saying that with the superlift you don't have to cut out the existing torsion bar mounts on 96-97 explorers. It just goes over the existing mounts. But with the trailmaster you do have to cut out the existing torsion bar mounts. Is this right?

 

[Ray Lobato]

No. You will have to do the same on the Superlift kit as well. They both use the same type of bracket.

That is unless Superlift changed it recently.

 

[Jason_25]

Superlift HAS changed recently. They now offer a kit for 95-01 Explorers!!!

 

[Ray Lobato]

Thanks for the update Jason. That's good news indeed.
The new brackets should still be 4", which means that they will still stick down 4" lower like the Trailmasters.

 

[DesertSpive]

Also, keep in mind, while Superlift and TrailDisaster are similar in design and concept, TrailDisaster's execution is poor at best. I am refering to them using Ball Joint spacers, while RCD and Superlift both use new nodular iron knuckles.

--Sean

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by DesertSpive
Also, keep in mind, while Superlift and TrailDisaster are similar in design and concept, TrailDisaster's execution is poor at best. I am refering to them using Ball Joint spacers, while RCD and Superlift both use new nodular iron knuckles.

--Sean

I respect for being very knowledgeable and all. But I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this. Have you seen the things Ray's truck has been through? If the kit was such a "traildisaster" I don't think his truck would be in one piece right now.

 

[DesertSpive]

I'm sorry, but Ray has a great rig and faith in TrailMaster. However, I do not trust ball joint spacers. And that is a personal preference.

--Sean

 

[SCEXPLORER]

Originally posted by DesertSpive
Also, keep in mind, while Superlift and TrailDisaster are similar in design and concept, TrailDisaster's execution is poor at best. I am refering to them using Ball Joint spacers, while RCD and Superlift both use new nodular iron knuckles.

--Sean

What are these nodular iron knuckles? Do u have a pic?

 

[DesertSpive]

They are full replacement spindles, rather than extending the stock one. It is more costly, but IMHO a better design. We have also had members of ORR running 35s and the TrailMaster lift with lots of steering componant issues.

--Sean

 

[Ray Lobato]

The only things I don't like about the Trailmaster kit are the steering slide and they should have used new steering knuckles. The knuckle extenders Might be the reason I can't get rid of my camber problem. My turning radius is also bigger than it used to be.
Sean if you read my post replying to HB5150 I said "I DON'T indorse Trailmaster". I got it because there wasn't much else to choose from, and I thought I would save alittle money over the Superlift kit. I was wrong. I should have spent the extra 600 bucks, but now instead of changing from a Trailmaster front to a Superlift front, I'll wait For the RDC kit and get rid of those damn torsion bars, all together. for Me this is the way to go.

Below are the knuckle extenders. Look closely next to the sway bars and just lift of the white letters on the tire. The ball joint extender is put on top of the factory steering knuckle.
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These are new extended knuckles

 

[PUR PONY]

does anyone here know-


I am intersted is changing form the torsion bars to a coil over shock... but my truck is lowered....... I would not be able to use this new bilstein coil over would I??? that would raise my truck more- correct?? and the valving would be way off-



ANYONE HAVE THE PHONE NUMBER FOR TRAILMASTER-
I want to ask a question but cant find their number on their site-
thanks

 

[DesertSpive]

Originally posted by Ray Lobato

Sean if you read my post replying to HB5150 I said "I DON'T indorse Trailmaster". I got it because there wasn't much else to choose from, and I thought I would save alittle money over the Superlift kit. [/IMG]

I agree Ray, I just didn't want you to think I was bad mouthing your truck. I feel the spacers are a major weak link, along with their steering setup. And both of us know how weak links can make themselves known when you least expect it while off-roading. I feel that RCD will be worth the wait.

--Sean

 

[soupbone]

Hey Ray,

Im doing pretty good. Just landed a new job so im stuck on probabtion kinna for a lil while. However, im gonna have some money to finally mod the truck a good bit hopefully by the time this kit comes out. Dont know if Ill be able to make moab.

Oh and good pics... They should clarify things a bit. Hrmm maybe you can resuse your torsion skid to protect the lateral strut bars on the new RCD kit......

I wonder if the new warrior disconnects could be modded to work with this kit. maybe just replace the post or something....

 

[sirhk100]

Originally posted by soupbone
Desertspive.. I heard you had the kits install guide. Care to share it?

??????

 

[DesertSpive]

I totally wish I did, because that would probably mean I was tight with RCD. But, alas, I am probably more of an annoyance to them than anything else. Let me know if you get your hands on one.

--Sean

 

[Skunk]

I just say go with the axle swap.... hell, Im runnin 35's now.... without a lift or axle swap.... but gettin ready for the 44 now....

 

[Skunk]

I want the front to flex like this....

 

[soupbone]

looks like 3" BL, SOA,and ultra torsion twist to me. fender trimming too. did you cut just the plastic or the sheetmetal too? Oh here in cali i think a front bumper is neccessary heh. but it looks if you had it on 35s would rub badly