I have contacted Rancho about these questions, and apparently spoke to the wrong person, as I didnt recieve any info (emailed them as well, they just havent gotten back to me yet):
What do you think about this kit, pick it apart?? My concerns are what type/thickness material is used(unknown, unadvertised, so it leaves some questions in my mind), lack of johnny joints or some sqerical type bearing on at least one end of each control arm, weak looking upper control arms in front that front the upper radius arm, lack of lower control arm adjustablility, and apparent lack of ANY rear adjustability (Ive got a 2dr, wondering about driveline issues that WILL arise), and Im wondering if, with this kit I can use a track bar bracket at the axle/steering flip kit like Currie has and not negatively affect the roll center?? I also liked the stance on the 4 dr, but JEESH, all the pics I see of the 2 drs have 37s, I want to stay 35s, and desire the same lower stance I see on the 4drs (lets be honest, the 4 drs are a bit heavier, but not THAT much). Sorry for all the questions, but I am drawn to the Rancho kit due to the rear design, but have other questions, and would prefer to do this once, and not replace it at a later date, or build it over one piece at a time as the originals get destroyed wheeling due to material strength issues (done this before!!)

 

Finally got off the phone with them, spoke with Joe, hes going to get back to me about material composition of the kit. Interesting comments about the use of poly bushings at both ends of the control arms, and they are being picky about who they use and had trouble with the previous supplier (sounds good). The only problem, is that when using a bushing at the frame ends of the control arms, and especially at the axle end of the truss, it will limit travel (which they fully admit), and I cant imagine a bushing lasting long on the upper wishbone at the truss. I also expressed some concern about the longevity of the stock driveshaft, and the non adjustability(therefore forcing us to use a stock shaft).Interestingly enough, they do intend to use a uniball/hiem/johnny type end if they find the "appropriate" manufacturer (which I equate to meaning volume/pricing/longevity concerns). We shall see. Sounds like for now I use a bargain kit until some of the issues resolve themselves, and it hopefully wont take too long!!

 

I say get a different long arm kit. Also, with a 2Dr you are going to want at least a new rear drive line for any lift 3" and up. It will eventually go.

 

We've been looking into running the Rancho Kit as well on our show vehicle. Interestingly enough it was the bushing design that we were attracted to. Though it does restrict flex, when compared to a johnny style joint, for a bushing they still supply a decent amount of movement. If your equipped with lockers the flex differences virtually become a non-issue. besides its been pretty well determined that some resistance is a good thing.

As far as the bushing warring out, that is one of those things that is subjective. The question is will it last longer than a flexing joint? even joints ware out over time though some joints are better designed than others. With a situation like this my question would be, "do I have to have extensive equipment to rebuild a joint or is it something I can do on the trail?"

The tubing question is a good one. I've been able to see a kit perform in the rocks and I must say I was impressed. The lower arms did come in contact with the rocks a fare amount and came out with only scratches.

 

The problem with a bushing is that in a high flex area, it will exagerate wear to an extreme degree. Those bushings can only "squish" so many times until they are gone, and that rear upper wishbone bushing will see extreme wear because of it. In fact, Ill bet it wears out every 4 trips or so. This is too fast for my taste, especially for a street driven rig. A bearing type joint will ONLY wear when not properly lubricated, and when it is, it should stand for ALOT longer than the other. They have much more movement until they bottom out as well, which Im sure is part of the reason that used that bushing in the rear, so they can advertise the use of the stock rear driveline. If you think about this in context, Rancho says I have to use my stock rear driveline, and that it wont see extreme wear. If this is true, its because the boot doesnt get near the cage on the Rezpa joint, and isnt flexing that much. Your standard 3 inch lift on a 2 dr JK is seeing extreme wear in the rear when using an upgraded control arm in the stock positions, so Id say that it flexes more than the Rancho. I want to see performance from a long arm, otherwise, why upgrade??

 

The other thing Id question, is which kit did you see perform?? I believe most that are out there HAVE johnny joint style joints at the frame ends, and at the upper wishbone link, it wasnt until recently (production kits), that they used bushings. Ill bet you saw an earlier kit...............