Rancho Steering Stablizer Shock?

[Max Wedge]

Parts store sold me a RS5404 front stablizer shock and the accessory kit does not have the correct piece that fits into the steering bar--tappered end is not long enough, nor is it the correct diameter--Store says that it is the correct shock for a 2000 3500 4x4.



Can you guys be of any help?



Max

 

[y-knot]

Well it's kind of hard to believe, but the Rancho web site only list 3500 series trucks to 1998? Somebody really needs to do some up-dating over there. But for the '98's they do list the RS-5404 for the stock OEM replacement, hope it helps.

 

[Max Wedge]

Well here is what I did:



Reused the OEM tappered end from the old shock--real joy getting that thing off--grinder/welder--and then reinstalled. Sure couldn't have done this in my driveway. If this is the kind of JUNK Rancho sells I will never use thier products again!



Max

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Max,



You are not the first to have this problem. I have heard it many times. Do a search "Rancho Stabilizer". This should give you an answer.

 

[y-knot]

You know honestly I have used many Rancho products, and always have problems with there shocks. My RS 5000's started leaking in under 8,000 miles. My dad had the same problem with his ranger, but he got them replaced, twice I think. I went to Bilstien, and like there shocks. I have been running a single add-on steering stabilizer for the last 4 years, It to is Rancho. I haven't had any problems, but bought a dual in-line stabilizer from SkyJacker to replace it. Thought I would try something different.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Max,



The tapered hole is smaller than the earlier model trucks... can't remember when it changed (I think 2000 - 2002 2nd gen).



I had to grind the stud to make it fit all the way in so you could get a nut screwed down tight enough to get a cotter pin through the hole in the stud. Works fine. Rancho is aware of the issue, but they have a slug of these made for the earlier model trucks. No skin off their nose, just makes it difficult for the consumer.



Good luck.



Dwayne

 

[Chipstien]

I just installed a 5404 today. I too just continued the taper since there was plenty of material to work with. Took nothing more then a benchtop grinder and a still hand. The taper is the correct pitch, just not long enough. Once you lengthen the taper everything works fine. You do need to re-use the factory nut and bolt on the frame end with the supplied steel sleeve. Easy to do though I too am wondering why Rancho is not making the right kit.

 

[DBrickel]

Originally posted by Max Wedge

Parts store sold me a RS5404 front stabilizer shock and the accessory kit does not have the correct piece that fits into the steering bar--tappered end is not long enough, nor is it the correct diameter--Store says that it is the correct shock for a 2000 3500 4x4.



Can you guys be of any help?



Max

I had the same problem. I reused the oem bolt on the frame side and fabricated a bushing to make up for the size difference of the bolt/shock grommet. It seems to work okay. I think I'll try another brand for my next one. Shouldn't't have alter a product to make it work

 

[Chipstien]

Re: Re: Rancho Steering Stablizer Shock?

Originally posted by DBrickel

Shouldn't't have alter a product to make it work

I agree but the problem is that there is not alot of options available that are stronger then a simple OEM replacement. Sometimes you just have to make do.

 

[raf2000]

I opted for another OEM. MANY things changed in 2000. I keep getting the "I got a listing up to '99" comment from the aftermarket guys. Keeping cozy with the parts guys at the dealer!!

 

[dresslered]

I used a Rancho RS5404 on my 2001 3500. As I had previously heard, there is no way to mount this stabilizer with the included hardware (at least on my particular year). What I did was to use a 12-ton press to remove the tapered pin from the OEM stabilizer. In doing so, the ring on the OEM stabilizer split but the pin was salvaged. I then pressed this pin into the rancho stabilizer using lots of lubricant and a special wooden jig. The Rancho ring held together (whew!) while the pin was inserted cleanly. It works perfectly and the steering feels much firmer.

 

[mediccummin]

You can spend another $35 and just get the dual SKJ set up then you won't have the problems you mentioned.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by mediccummin

You can spend another $35 and just get the dual SKJ set up then you won't have the problems you mentioned.

The problem is the factory steering components aren't holding up to the single stabilizer. I didn't want to risk the steering box or the PS pump by installing dual when my truck rarely sees any "offroad".

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by dresslered

I used a Rancho RS5404 on my 2001 3500. As I had previously heard, there is no way to mount this stabilizer with the included hardware (at least on my particular year). What I did was to use a 12-ton press to remove the tapered pin from the OEM stabilizer. In doing so, the ring on the OEM stabilizer split but the pin was salvaged. I then pressed this pin into the rancho stabilizer using lots of lubricant and a special wooden jig. The Rancho ring held together (whew!) while the pin was inserted cleanly. It works perfectly and the steering feels much firmer.

How long ago did you install this. Mine was bought yesterday and it came with 3 separate packages of bolts. One package had two different steel sleeves, while another had the tapered bolt that wasn't long enough that went on the tie rod. The third package had a bolt that was obviously for a different application.

 

[dresslered]

My order was placed on 6/14/04 from Summit Racing (I installed it on 6/26/04). It came with a various bags of sleeves and mounting hardware which was worthless for my '01 application. The only thing that I used was the Rancho shock.



If you're interested, send me a PM with your email address and I can send you a couple of (not so good) pictures of the before and after.

 

[Chipstien]

Oh OK, I see. I was actually able to use one of the ones it came with by just grinding away some of the nut so the tapered section was longer. I too was going to modify the stock one but then thought, "why not modify what they gave me. "

 

[DBrickel]

Re: Re: Re: Rancho Steering Stablizer Shock?

Originally posted by Chipstien

I agree but the problem is that there is not alot of options available that are stronger then a simple OEM replacement. Sometimes you just have to make do.

Yeah, I agree---but if they sell you the part for "your "model at least one of the optional parts should fit" Your" model. You think!!

 

[Chipstien]

DBrickle, I didn't notice that you had a 95. Your right about having everything you need if it is listed for your truck. Actually I think yours was shorted the sleeves because mine came with 2 different sleeves for 2 different size bolts. I suspect that one of them was for your truck.

 

[dieselshu]

steering stabilizer shock

I went to the local Bumper Auto parts and picked up a single MOOG stabilizer for $65, came with everything needed to install and boot as well. Hardest part was removing the existing bolt.

p/n MOO SSD112 lifetime warranty. Drives like a Caddy!!





Dave

 

[Chipstien]

$65 seems kinda spendy for a stabilizer but what do I know. My Rancho cost 40 but then did involve some modifications.