| From | Message |
forexfour
GenIII
 
2/27/2003
22:34:38
|
 Subject: Rancho 3" lift info
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Message:
I am starting a new thread pertaining to the lift installation. I know a few are interested and some are not. I have updated my page to show the point at which the tranny cross member is removed and the new brackets and cross member are ready to be installed. This photo's cover the first 3.5 hrs of work.
To see the installation progress go here:
http://claycdbj.com/page5.html
To see the the photo's of Wildhawk, James, finished install, photo's were taken at night so they are not the greatest:
http://claycdbj.com/ranchoinstall.html
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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THRASH1
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/27/2003
23:31:40
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
its lookin good...i hope it is ready by saturday because i really want to check it out...
see you at hollister
kevin
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forexfour
GenIII
2/27/2003
23:33:48
| RE: Rancho 3
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It should be done. The muffler guy is ready for his part. Hopefully no issues come up!
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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MichaelEC1
Dodge Dakota
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2/27/2003
23:57:27
|  RE: Rancho 3
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Are you finding that you have to cut a LOT ON THE RANCHO SUSPENSION LIFT. I have a 2000 Dakota myself and I wanted to get the suspension lift on it also. Do you think you will notice a height difference? What about if you have a PA lift on your truck already? Wonder if it will be possible to run 35's with a 3" body and 3" suspension.
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
2/28/2003
07:09:37
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
It's coming together and quickly for only 3.5 hrs worth of work, hopefully mine will go as quick since I will be using a lift and air tools too. My uncle's shop also has an alignment rack so it will be one-stop shopping:)
Hey Chris, do you know how your mechanic seperated the ball joints without damaging boot? The only way I know is using a pickel fork which f's up the boot everytime. I will prolly be installing new Moog BJ's since I will have it apart anyway but may change my mind if there is no slop in them and save myself the $200 for now. Thanks! Bob.
MichaelEC1, I will be running 35's with the set-up you describe, proper backspacing of wheels is critical. Another regular here is already running 35's so I am using the same backspacing as his rims of 5" to avoid any major rubbin issues, as much as I would like a wider stance I will not cut-out half of my inner fenders or sheetmetal to do it(at least not yet:)
PS- does anyone know if Rancho is shipping via FedEx or UPS? I know what times they both come to my house and am keeping a watchful eye in case my lift was the one that Rancho shipped to NY last Friday although I would have prolly got it by now:( Must be some other lucky SOB.
Flowmaster cat back w/15 inch chrome tip, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/1.5 inch Block Lift, 305 70-16 X-Terrains on AR Terons, Pro Comp ES9000's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$
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knobbyman
*GenIII*
2/28/2003
09:12:24
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
forexfour - LOOKS GOOD!! OMG that looks SO MUCH better then my lift :-\
I'm glad it's going to work out for you. Looks like a good time to do some wirebrushing & spraypainting on those rust spots ;-)
2THEXTRM - This might work instead of a pickle fork I've never tried it before so I couldn't say for sure though. ;-)
-www.knobbyman.com
-Sold '01 Dakota
-'02 Cougar Stock
----Mud Only Breaks It Faster----
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
2/28/2003
09:19:29
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Thanks Knobby, that looks like the kit I would need, have to make sure my uncle has one at his shop, if not I'll have him get one since he should have one anyway:)
Flowmaster cat back w/15 inch chrome tip, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/1.5 inch Block Lift, 305 70-16 X-Terrains on AR Terons, Pro Comp ES9000's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$
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forexfour
GenIII
2/28/2003
09:46:20
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
The lift it permenant. You cut away some pretty major stuff to add the new cross member for the tranny support. Other cutting is minor.
My mech is very Dodge ready. He has everything the dealer has and all the right tools. The owner drives a Quad cab and his wife drives a What do you call it PT something or other. The mechanic Dave that works on my truck has all kinds of suspension and fabrication experience as well as High performance engines, Tanny's, damn everything.
The rust is all new. Must be from the last pismo run. The creek that runs to the ocean was deep this last time. You have to cross it to get to the dunes. But I will be doing some clean up and painting when the lift is finished. Plus I have to do something about the Bumper mounts that hang low.
I hope to have more photo's after noon and hope it will be almost ready when I get there.
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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opie
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/28/2003
10:13:41
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
I love it! Man I wish I had the money to buy the lift, but college puts a bit of a dent in my budget.
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forexfour
GenIII
2/28/2003
17:20:29
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
I have updated the photo's 2thextrem.
http://claycdbj.com/page5.html
I have to get new rims with atleast 4.5" of BS the stock rims with 33's rub on the upper balljoint. I have not bee back to the shop yet to check this out but that is what I know so far.
They are finishing the back and the muffler guys is going to install new pipe all the way with a new CAT.
I have a friend who has the 589's I am going to borrow tonight so I can go out this weekend.
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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forexfour
GenIII
2/28/2003
18:47:29
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
The lift is now done. Took my mechanic 5 hours yesterday and 6 hours today. The torsion bar bolts are so long that they need to be cranked a bit to level it off with the back. Once we put the weight on the tires the rubbing with my 285x75x16 AT's did not rub any more. 12.5 will not fit with stock backspacing. I posted more photo's of the truck finished while still in the air. Once I pick it up from the Muffler guy next door I hope there will still be good day light left for a photo.
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
2/28/2003
23:16:00
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Nice Chris!!!!! you still using the stock brake lines until you get the braided ones from Rancho? Also, did you use the 2" block that came in the kit or use a 3" aftermarket instead? With the wheeling you do I would recommend against the 3"(read on:)
Still haven't received my lift so I suspect someone else in NY got the lift Rancho shipped my way:( Hope I am not too far behind here, getting somewhat impatient...
I couldn't wait any longer to start getting prepped for install so I installed 3" lift blocks and the RSX's(set on 5 my rear-end bump hop is gone:) in the rear so I will only have to swap bump stop and sway bar endlink. I'll basically only have to deal with frontend when the lift arrives which means I should be able to finish it in a long day. I will say that adding the 3" lift block stretched the driver side ebrake cable to the max at full droop and that the supposedly 3" longer than stock RSX's are actually more like 2.5" and do not allow full droop with 3" blocks so full articulation is an issue.
I mention this cause Wildhawk was going to be installing 4" lift blocks and without modification to ebrake bracket to drop it down, it won't work since there is no "adjustment" to get more slack outta it. The 3" block actually put most cables/vent hoses near max extension at full droop so 4" will require some mods and ingenuity I think.
Well can't wait to see some finished daylight pics from you guys(especially some wheelin pics) and hope to be able to show some of my own soon.
Thanks again for all the awesome pics Chris, it's been a great help and will make my install go so much smoother.
Flowmaster cat back w/15 inch chrome tip, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/1.5 inch Block Lift, 305 70-16 X-Terrains on AR Terons, Pro Comp ES9000's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$
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forexfour
GenIII
3/01/2003
01:24:49
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Bob,
I am gonna post this info for you and anyone else who may be doing the lift.
The lift is in and the Exhaust was replaced even had a hi flow cat put in for a little more HP and it is all aluminized. I will have more photo's later It was to dark to get any worth a crap.
Mechanics notes:
When installing the front shocks the adjusting knob faces the engine and a few washers were added to keep the from rubbing on the CV boot when turning. Check weekly to ensure no rubbing is wearing boot or coming in contact with the boot.
Right side torsion bar makes contact with the added drop down bracket for tanny crossmember. When the alignment is done we will adjust the torsion bars up and trim if necessary. most likley this will not be an issue.
Brake lines check ok. Adjusted the e-brake line for more play when fully extended.
Left torsion bar feel weaker than the right. May just need more tension to will check at alignment.
On stock rims no large than a 11.5 wide tire fit. Use atleast 4.5" of backspacing to run 12.5 " wide tires. This may need to be 4" unsure.
I am running 32"x11.5x16 BFG MT's on AE 589's, they belong to a freind. The BS is 3.5 I believe and gives plenty of clearance on the upper ball joint. The 285x75x16 on stock BS make occasional contact with the tire. Adjusting the torsion bars may fix this as well. Over all the install went very well it took a total of 14 hours including the exhaust being replaced up to the already installed flowmaster 40 series. Total mechaninc cost including parts and exhaust $1400.00, I am sure for most the frustration and agrivation in the driveway will be defeated by the satisfaction of completing it yourself and the savings from a pro doing it, ask James and his buddy 2 guys 20 hours but they did and it was well worth it. The lift total cost from 4 wheel parts including Shocks, shipping, tax was $1360.00. I willnot be happy until the torsion bars are adjusted, which there is approx 2" or more, and the alignment is done. Right now it is pulling just a tad to the left. I plan to find new torsion bars, hopefully a stronger after market type if anyone knows where I can find one.
I will do my best to put it to the test tomorrow. I hope to get good photo's and video.
2thextrem,
Good luck with your lift. I hope yours arrives soon and all of the input helps you and others to get these on youselves.
Sorry for the book but wanted to cover what I new while I still knew it!
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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wildhawk
GenIII
3/01/2003
12:24:50
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Chris,
Congratulations on getting your lift in and thanks for all the documentation on the lift installs.
Regarding the 9000x adjustment knobs and the torsion bar making contact, I have had the same problem. Im going to forward links to these threads to Rancho along with a list of my concerns and ideas. Ill let you know if I get any response.
If you do come across aftermarket torsion bars, please let me know as I would be interested as well. Group buy maybe...
2THEXTRM, Thanks for the info on your block install. Im hoping to install my 4" blocks today, so, Ill make sure I pay close attention to hose/line length. If I come up with any tricks ill let you know.
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
3/01/2003
14:12:16
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
Wildhawk, since you take out the lower bolts for shocks to install blocks anyway, just to let you know that since my 3" block made the shocks not long enough to handle full droop, you will have to set the truck back down on the tires to reinstall lower shock bolts(not that you wouldn't have figured that one out:). I was about .5" short on shock length at full droop, so yours will prolly be about 1.5" short which means, don't do any serious wheeling otherwise during full articulation shocks will prolly give-up on ya:) Yours may not be much different from my droop measurements if in fact your rear springs are sagging some to begin with like you said previously. If you had to for ebrake, you could always order the drop down bracket for ebrake from truckin suspension from their 4.5" kit, how defective could that type of part be? lol.
I would be up for a group buy on aftermarket heavy duty t-bars, I know that alot of others have had this same request and noone has ever come up with a company making them. Maybe we can approach a manufacturer of t-bars and request that they make some for our Dakota if we get enough people together to make it worth their while?
PS- wildhawk, how did Rancho ship you your kit?(fedex, ups, etc.). thx.
Flowmaster cat back, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/3 inch Block Lift, 315 70-17 on AE 251's, Rancho 9000x's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs/Tailight Guards, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$ Rancho lift ordered!!!
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
3/01/2003
15:04:41
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
What????? A Rancho 3" lift is out and no one told me!!! :) Where the heck haveI been???
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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wildhawk
GenIII
3/01/2003
15:25:05
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
Bjlindsey, check out the group buy page, I set one up with Central.
2THEXTRM, When you were testing your shocks, were you using the new shocks shipped for the lift kit. I just want to be sure since you haven't installed the rest of the kit. Sorry for the dumb question. Oh and the kit shipped UPS 3day. (comes out of the LA CA area I think.
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
3/01/2003
15:41:19
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
I still can't spell..prolly why no one told me!!! What else is new since last August? I've been spending all my $$ and time on a coupla boats we bought. Been outta the loop. Heard Knobbyman sold his truck. Any of the AZ gang still here? Has anyone put the Rancho on w/ the PA 3" body lift? Got pics??? Thanks!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon FiberTails
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
3/01/2003
18:00:11
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
wildhawk, I have the new 9000x adjustables installed on the rear and they are not a full 3" over stock even though their website states it is, I'll assume they made them to fit using the 2" block that comes with their lift kit which would leave about .5" of extra travel left, not much considering I was able to run 1.5" lift blocks with my stock shocks and not have the same problem. They coulda added an extra 1" or so to the travel so it would be a true 3" custom lengthened shock, oh well, just won't be able to do any major suspension articulation which I don't have to worry about in my area anyway. I am more than happy with the ride improvement just having the rear shocks installed over the stockers, can't wait to get the front shocks in.
bjlindsey, check out this thread for the answer to PA body lift and Rancho lift with 35's!!
http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/off/1566.html
Mine will look like that once Rancho gets my lift to me:)
Flowmaster cat back, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/3 inch Block Lift, 315 70-17 on AE 251's, Rancho 9000x's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs/Tailight Guards, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$ Rancho lift ordered!!!
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McCracken
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/01/2003
20:24:37
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Forexfour, any new pics??? C'mon, give us something to drool over...
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forexfour
GenIII
3/03/2003
00:15:33
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Ok, here is what I have. Please go to this page to read up on the lastest and see the lastest photo's and video.
Craig took the photo's from today running my 33's, so I have to wiat til he sends them to post them.
The 33's look much better than the 32's on AE589's plus the y did not RUB! I just need 1/2" less backspacing so they do not rub on the upper ball joint.
My opinion is Rims will be key in how well your lift works out. You need to have the right backspacing.
SO who is gonna work on the Tosion bars? I was told that maybe the ones on the 5.9 are a little heavier duty but I do not know. Plus will they fit if they are?
BTW, I am measuring 41" to the bottom of my fender with my 285x75x16's on. Back is about 40.5".
Here is the link:
http://claycdbj.com/page6.html
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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jbarsodi
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2003
04:28:26
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Looking freakin nice forexfour!! Looks liek you put it thru a good test rompin it there? Have you checked the bolts and nuts to see that everything is still tight and working to perfection? I am considering this lift for my QC, but like you have stated... with all the cutting it's permenant. I had issues on my previous truck and the lift kit(S10 2wd) so I am hesitant to say the least. I want to make sure their are plenty of happy customers out there before I jump in. I see your bummer... do you think a dak with a stock bumper could run the 33's fine? I was also considering throwing a 2inch Bodylfit on it just to give me more room to avoid rubbing, not sure if that would be necessary. What do you think? Did you compress the front end enough to where the tires had rubbing?
Thanks,
John
2002 QC 4x4
MagnaFlow Exhaust
- still waiting for a lift kit.
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
3/03/2003
07:04:08
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
Looks like you had some fun testing out the new lift! Definately recheck all the bolts for tightness after articulation like that, they say recheck every 3-5K regardless of how you drive anyway.
Flowmaster cat back, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
3 inch body/3 inch Block Lift, 315 70-17 on AE 251's, Rancho 9000x's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6) Hella's, Manik Nerfs/Tailight Guards, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$ Rancho lift ordered!!!
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dakotamaxx
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2003
08:19:18
|  RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
great pics of testing of lift!!!!!
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wildhawk
GenIII
3/03/2003
13:46:57
| RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Great pics forexfour. Did you notice any difference in driving characteristics? Mine seems to lean a little more in the corners than before. Also, how high did you crank you torsion bars after the install?
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
3/03/2003
14:39:38
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
lookin good!!!! Love that front bumper...maybe when I get rich!!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon FiberTails
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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forexfour
GenIII
3/03/2003
14:52:27
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
I have not really noticed it driving different except the slight pull to the left from not having it aligned yet. I am just feeling the higher step in and looking down at the road more.
I cranked the torsion bars 3 turns each and got to 41" on the front fenders at the bottom from the ground with the 285x75's on. I do not have a breaker bar so it was tough to do with a socket.
James are your tires rubbing at all with that BS you have?
I also removed the spacers for the transfer case skid plate.
I have to get rims, alignment and torsion bars.
Off road it ran Sweet. I really twisted it up. Got some body pops but no bolts are brackets popping or breaking.
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2003
17:03:02
|  RE: Rancho 3
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Message:
Looks great forexfour... I`ve got a question for you though.
It appears the Rancho kit only lowers the lower control arms not the uppers , and it makes up the difference with a new steering knuckle.
Is that the case?
If so , it should be plenty strong and hold an alignment better than the Tuff Country lift (even though it`s only for the pre-rack Daks)that I had on my 99 Dak. It had a bunch of drop down brackets and lowered the upper control arms (as well as the lower), and that`s where your alignment bolts are, and really didn`t appear to be very strong...as a matter of fact I broke one of their brackets with only on road use...
Good luck with that lift and keep us informed with any issues.
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forexfour
GenIII
3/03/2003
18:03:52
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes it is scott.
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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knobbyman
*GenIII*
3/04/2003
10:23:38
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
bleh .. I HATE YOU ;-)
Not really you .. but yea.. BLEH that lift looks SOOO!!! good. Looks like you got extra articulation out of it also. Bleh if I remember correctly you've got a little more height then I did. But I don't remember the exact measurement to my fenders.
:-) Glad it's worked out for you. I'm glad your keeping us posted.
-www.knobbyman.com
-Sold '01 Dakota
-'02 Cougar Stock
----Mud Only Breaks It Faster----
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forexfour
GenIII
3/04/2003
10:44:27
| RE: Rancho 3
IP: Logged
Message:
I am a hateable type person Knobby!!! Thanks for noticing!!! No really I am and on purpose!!!
I think I am done now. My wife says I am!!!
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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