AC Coils/Shocks?

[R3DN1CK]

I'm looking at the Rancho setup for the AC coils, three questions...

 

1) I have the hokey electronic shocks, will putting non electronic shocks eff up any of the computer stuff like ABS, etc?

 

2) Is there any way to get a better deal on shipping? $200 bucks to ship the kit? I ship all day everyday, not that much to ship...

 

3) Camber bolts? Did you buy?

[XPLORx4]

What model year R50 do you have? I think only the '96 R50 had the adjustable front struts. (You should update your profile and/or sig to reflect that you have both a '90 WD21 SE and an R50.)

 

If you replace them with non-electronic struts, you won't affect any computerized systems. You'll only disable the operation of the switch that selects the suspension stiffness.

 

I would not recommend the Rancho struts; I would recommend KYB GR2 or equivalent. The Rancho struts aren't manufactured as well as the KYB struts, and the ABS and brake line brackets won't install as cleanly on the Ranchos. You can also purchase KYB GR2 struts from amazon, jcwhitney, summit, and other online vendors that won't charge as much for shipping.

[R3DN1CK]

I have a 96 R50. My 90 WD21 had Adj shocks too, but I yanked em and put the reservour Bilsteins... Didn't care because it was a desert beater. This one's nice so I'd like to keep it all intact. Updated profile, sig and photo for ya XPLORx4.

 

Good to know that it doesn't affect the other systems. Kind of cool that it has the adjustability, but not sure it actually even works with the age of the car. The light on the switch says it's operating, but with wonky bushings in the rear... couldn't tell.

 

I don't really like Rancho either, but my OCD would drive me insane to know I had two different brands front to rear. I've ran KYB GR2's and they were junk on my Sentra when autoX racing. Who knows, maybe they are better. I'm going to be going pretty quick down washes and hitting some bigger bumps occasionally. My first choice is Bilstein, but they don't offer squat for the R50. Rancho has been in the game forever and was an OE shock on a Titan "offroad" a few years back, so they are kind of Nissan like.

[XPLORx4]

I have had good results with KYB GR2's for over 150,000 miles. The one set of Rancho struts I helped a friend install just didn't have the same quality level as the KYB's. BTW, I installed a pair of Bilstein 5150's on the rear suspension of my Pathy and they work well in conjunction with my 2" coil spring lift and non-existent rear sway bar.

[R3DN1CK]

I have had good results with KYB GR2's for over 150,000 miles. The one set of Rancho struts I helped a friend install just didn't have the same quality level as the KYB's. BTW, I installed a pair of Bilstein 5150's on the rear suspension of my Pathy and they work well in conjunction with my 2" coil spring lift and non-existent rear sway bar.

 

That's good information. This R50 will be desert trails/washes for 97% of its life. What kind of off roading do you do with the KYB's? I'm not concerned about the daily driver performance, I'm concerned in the performance aspect of being heat cycled and beat up pretty hard.

 

When you say the Rancho quality level isn't on par with the KYB's, what specifically did not seem quality? I'm about to call 4x4parts with my credit card, so everyone's input is welcome.

 

Bilsteins have never failed me. Had em on my 81 F150, my 00 Frontier, my 90 Path...

[XPLORx4]

As I mentioned earlier, the Rancho struts had ABS sensor cable and brake line brackets that didn't allow the fasteners/clips to fit correctly, and I think I ended up attaching them with zip-ties. You also don't need to buy the KYB struts from 4x4parts, esp since they have high shipping charges.

 

I don't have much experience with high-speed off-roading in my R50, since most of my off-roading is done in 4LO, so I can't say whether Rancho or KYB will hold up better to heat cycling. IMO, the R50 doesn't make a very good Baja500 contender.

[R3DN1CK]

As I mentioned earlier, the Rancho struts had ABS sensor cable and brake line brackets that didn't allow the fasteners/clips to fit correctly, and I think I ended up attaching them with zip-ties. You also don't need to buy the KYB struts from 4x4parts, esp since they have high shipping charges.

 

I don't have much experience with high-speed off-roading in my R50, since most of my off-roading is done in 4LO, so I can't say whether Rancho or KYB will hold up better to heat cycling. IMO, the R50 doesn't make a very good Baja500 contender.

 

That does sound kind of ghetto having to use zip ties. I like zip ties, just not on my brake lines.

 

You don't recall the rear Bilstein part number do you?

 

It may not be a Baja500 contender, but I'm a no front swaybar kinda guy and you're a no rear swaybar kinda guy... so we each have a style.

[XPLORx4]

Haha, actually I remove both swaybars when I go 4-wheeling (rock-crawling usually). I'm not sure if Bilstein makes the 5150's anymore. The vendor I purchased them from doesn't sell them anymore. You might have to get the pricier 5165 that has the separate reservoir. I did go with a model that has 255/70 valving and it works well.

 

The OEM shocks are about 15" compressed and 24" extended. If you get a suspension lift, you should get shocks that are a little longer to get a little extra droop.

Bilstein 5165's that might work are either:

25-177510 (stock length)

25-187717 (2" longer)

 

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_ORsb.asp?Series_Index=7Q1&Manf=All&SubChar=Q

 

Or if you are on a budget, try the 5125's here:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/bilstein_5125.cfm

33-185552 (255/70 valving, 15.91 compressed length, 25.93 extended length)

 

 

Edited April 6, 2015 by XPLORx4

[R3DN1CK]

My OCD got the best of me... ordered the Upgraded Rancho Kit. Couldn't fathom having different front to rear brands.