I have a 97 Ram 2500 4WD V10 with a Rancho 2" lift. This lift kit has been on the truck since before I purchased it a year ago. The front wheels are not centered in the wheelwells. They are set about an inch toward the rear and the outside of the tires (35's) rub when turned to full lock. I also just noticed that the end links on the sway bars are bent a little. I think the offset contributed to it. Is this a common problem with this Rancho kit, or is mine unique? Will new arms from Rancho or another company help? I would hate to have to purchase an entire new lift kit. ($$$) Is there someone who sells extended length end links seperately (after I solve the contol arm problem)? I would appreciate any advice on this. Thanks.
roboden
10-11-2002, 11:56 AM
:IDEA: :IDEA:
Consider this: The lift kit may or may not have included new control arms. If the originals were used, the lift actually rotated the arms down, thus pulling the entire axle assembly to the rear.
This is because the pivot point on the frame represents a fixed center of a circle, and under normal conditions the arms are basically pointed straight out. The lift kit pushed these down into the arc of the circle, decreasing their actual length from the fixed point.
Randmann
10-19-2002, 05:33 PM
The Rancho kit did include contol arms. They're a nice boxed steel with cad plating, I just think they're either original length or shorter. I know that Superlift and Skyjacker kit include longer control arms, I just don't want to have to buy a whole new kit to get them. I was wondering if all Rancho kits have this problem on the Rams, or if this is a problem that has been corrected and maybe I could get a replacement or upgrade set. I would even consider buying new control arms from Superlift or Skyjacker if I could buy them seperately. I've seen both of these kits installed and they have similar bracketry and I don't need new springs or shocks. I would appreciate any help or advice especially if you've had this problem.
monster1
10-27-2002, 01:32 AM
dear randmann. look at my post i have the same problems you do with the bent links and off center axle. check to see if your axles are shifted to the left or right from the center of the truck. mine is off center about an inch. inspite of this, the truck drives well. write back and let me know what you find
Randmann
10-31-2002, 07:07 PM
Sorry, Monster 1, both my axles are centered, left to right, but I only have a 2" lift. I know from experience on my Jeep that taller lifts require an adjustable track bar. It sounds like this was a problem when your lift was installed and it was "fudged" by offsetting the rear axle the same amount so that it aligned true. Check for re=weld marks on the rear axle.
