Rancho 9000XL

(mastercraft1995)

How hard are they to install on a 99 Ford 4x4? Do I need any special tools? Or do you have any works of wisdom before I try it?

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 09-24-2007, 3:08 PM

Two hydraulic or floor jacks makes it easier.
Lift the truck with one under the frame, then put one under the shock mount or spring to compress it until the bolt holes line up.

(nasty530) · (nasty530) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 09-24-2007, 3:35 PM

Have you already purchased them? I have set at my house off of a 99 F250 4x4 with a 6" lift. If your interested in them, let me know!! They are very easy to install, it is easiest with two people though

(mastercraft1995)

T-Bag my truck isn't lifted so I don't think they'll fit.

(jpk) · (jpk) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 09-25-2007, 2:30 PM

Sears sells Rancho shocks and often has pretty good deals on them that include installation. Might want to check that option out if you aren't familiar with installing shocks yourself. FWIW, it's not that hard mechanically, but it will take a full day with hand tools and you might find the bolts are on so tight you need a giant breaker bar or air wrench to get them off. Check out Sears for a deal on Rancho shocks and installation.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-25-2007, 2:52 PM

Am I missing something here? Installing struts is biotch, but shocks are pretty damn easy.

(nasty530) · (nasty530) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 09-25-2007, 3:02 PM

I agree J-Rod. Its like a 30 min project, an hour if your not mechanically inclined...

(kenv) · (kenv) **Join Date: May 2002** 09-25-2007, 5:40 PM

Ditto...
I have never used a jack(s) to put shocks on. Rancho or Bilsteins. Just close your eyes when the dry dirt falls in your face!! Crawl and get dirty.

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 09-25-2007, 7:06 PM

Ken, I said it makes it easier, not necessary to use jacks.
I've done it both ways, and found not having to try and compress the shock with one hand while you're trying to stick the bolt through the hole with the other... Yeah, it's a half hour job, but the guy did ask for tips, didn't he?

(trace) · (trace) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-26-2007, 5:16 AM

Shocks are very easy to install, esp on a truck with a solid axle frontend.

(trace) · (trace) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-26-2007, 5:17 AM

...and wear safety glasses when laying on your back under a vehicle.

(mastercraft1995)

I'm getting the shocks today and will install them this weekend. Thanks for your tips.

(kenv) · (kenv) **Join Date: May 2002** 09-26-2007, 10:26 AM

No problem Chris, the jacks would give you a little more moving room. It is a pain when you have compressed that shock, you're almost to the spot and it slips! It felt like I was doing a Suzanne Sommers exercise program trying to get the right rear on around the pipe.

Ken

(matt_ostmeyer) · (matt_ostmeyer) **Join Date: Mar 2003** 10-01-2007, 6:13 PM

If you're really slick, you'll get the bottom of the shock bolted into place and then cut the retainer strap and guide the top stem into the hole while the shock expands - no muscle work required. (but I usually miss the hole ;D)