Panzer Rancho Lift Kit Detail Install.

[Panzer07]

As the tittle states it. Panzer has finally got her well deserved an much needed lift kit. I got give a big shot out and Thanks to Chris "06 H3" for looking out and letting me know about rancho's add where they were looking for an stock H3 to install a Rancho Lift Kit. So they could run some testings and find out ways to improve theLift Kit that they currently offer for the H3, With a main focus on the rear leaf springs. They are going to be testing out 3 different rear Leaf Springs in the next coming 3 months. Basically 1 Leaf Spring Pack per month. At the end of all this I get to keep the kit. Anyways so let's get started.
Panzer Before The Lift. Getting measure and what not.

After they took all their measurements and had all they need the installing process started.

Torres

 

[Panzer07]

Once wheels were off and panzer was up high they began to unbolt the stock parts.
Here you See Marshall One Of Rancho's Engineer getting down and dirty. Takin off the steering rods off.

Next tackling lower ball joint.

My shocks were pretty Fvcked Up to say the least, both top shock's nut wouldn't come loose so they ha to be sawed off. Here you stare at Corey another of Rancho's Guy.

Finally after a little sawing the front shocks came off.

Then they proceed to remove the brake disk. To which I learn something new...the brake disks come with 2 thread holes that you can use and screw down a screw in order for the disk to popped out...in case they happen to be really tight or rusted in there.

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[Panzer07]

With a couple of hammering the bearing and knuckle assembly thingy come off.then them and I inspected the upper control knuckles and lower to check for wear and tear, and we decided none of them needed replacement.

Once both sides were disassemble they took a break and so here it is Panzer all ready to get started and receive all then Rancho parts.

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[Panzer07]

After break they went ahead and drop the AAM-7 (Front Differential). And proceed to I talk the first Rancho Lift Kit Components.

This things face to the same direction open side towards the passenger side.
As you can see close side is towards the driver side

Then



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[Panzer07]

Once both sides of the front differential were tighten Corey proceeded to install the Rancho crossmember-bushing.

One both things were set he proceed to torque them and lockedtide all the bolts.
Then Corey proceed to installed the additional frontal crossmember with the Rancho plaque. This one was a little tricky since both ends of the stock crossmember were the lower ifs arm bolted need to to cut a little bit in the edges in order to accommodate the new Rancho crossmember.

Once both Rancho crossmember were Installed.

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[derian06]

Can't wait to see the progress!

"Who needs vinyl when you have a rattle can"

 

[Panzer07]

Corey was cool as hell and even tho he didn't had to do it he installed my steering rack bracket replacing the old stock garbage steering bushing. This turn out to be quite a task once again due to rust. But Corey was patience and got it installed.

Then after all this it was time for lunch.
And so far it is all that was done in the front for the day...there isn't really much left to installed into he front. But we had to stop because Marshall encounter some complications while working in the back..."RUST".
Even tho panzer isn't orange from underneath not has too much visible body rust as most of the up state trucks do (Panzer was a NY Truck) she happens to have some serious problem with rust in its bolts and nuts...I guess the protection coats didn't protected the bolts and nuts too well. Anyways it took us a while to take the rear leaf springs off. Most leaf springs bolts had to be cut and hammered out. Here is one of the most difficult little FVCK to come out. Or whatever there was left after a serious beating !!!.

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[Panzer07]

So this is the second set of the 3 sets of leaf springs Rancho is going to be testing. They look a little beefier and more heavy duty a bit compare to the regular Rancho ones. They made in Canada.

Compare alone side to Rancho's

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[Panzer07]

Marshall one of Rancho's engineers getting started in panzer rear lift and into a unknown nightmare courtesy of Panzer.

Hunner's hanger's skid being cut off a bit

The end result

Driver rear side leaf installed at last.

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[Panzer07]

After dropping the gas tank skid...we discover Panzer was Hiddding Some Pixiedust in her tank skid.

And well that's all we had time for today...I'll report further tomorrow. If everything goes well panzer should be back on business. And we'll be ready and it hun for some wheeling seems like I will be joining Chris at bronco peak after all.


Torres

 

[06 H3]

looking good! I would love to work for rancho lol...

Did they install your CI front diff?

Also glad to see they got the upgraded mount in there.

 

[4speedfunk]

Save your stock leafs! You'll need them for the SOA next year.

 

[IISPEEDYII]

So do you get to keep the springs that hold up the best? Wow this is an awesome opportunity! I wish I had this hahah! Lucky guy.


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[rsc]

Nice!

 

[Panzer07]

looking good! I would love to work for rancho lol...

Did they install your CI front diff?

Also glad to see they got the upgraded mount in there.

Dude I lob to work for them too, but just in the installing and making parts lol...I would want to do the whole engineering stuff too much math for my tiny brain...lol and you would love working for them as well they are all chill guys. I asked Marshall Rancho's Engineer how ones gets a job for Rancho and he just said that there are 2 ways lol...either you have good certifications and titles and credentials...or you just time it right and you get picked up because they need people lol.
And unfortunately no CI. Since it is leaking from the yoke's seal that attaches to the front driveshaft remember. As well I was hesitant that thy wouldn't want to...but after working alone side with them yesterday I know Corey wouldn't have no problem dropping the cast iron differential. So I'm just gonna have to do that myself. Not biggie tho now that they have loosen the bolts that were never loose before and now that I know how everything bolts and unbolt I should have the CI in in no time. But they are installing the New Alpha Torsion Bars so that's a plus right there.

Save your stock leafs! You'll need them for the SOA next year.

Yes rancho is letting me keep everything from the stock...they just ask of me not to do the SOA until a Year after from the install so I can provide them with further info in the new leaf springs that they decide to replace the kit with.

So do you get to keep the springs that hold up the best? Wow this is an awesome opportunity! I wish I had this hahah! Lucky guy.


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Yes I get to keep it all. And indeed it is a great opportunity, good timing and patience was the key for this lol. It took 2-3 months for everything to get moving, but at the end it is going to be worth it.



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[amrg]

Any idea when the new springs are goin to be sold? Im buying a kit soon and Im wonderin if I should hold on or not!

 

[derian06]

Do you think they'd ship out the new set to people who already have the rancho?

 

[amrg]

Do you think they'd ship out the new set to people who already have the rancho?

How are your rear springs holding up so far?

 

[derian06]

How are your rear springs holding up so far?

Looks normal, but i'm at 26" and i'd like to be closer to 26.5 or 27"

 

[amrg]

Looks normal, but i'm at 26" and i'd like to be closer to 26.5 or 27"

Thats almost a 1/2" sag already! Would rancho cover replacement springs in the future?

 

[Panzer07]

Any idea when the new springs are goin to be sold? Im buying a kit soon and Im wonderin if I should hold on or not!

There's really nothing carved on stone at this point yet about the leaf springs .
Since they still need to conduct their testing on the current rancho stock springs and next month around this time they'll measure again if there is noticeable sagging then they'll go ahead and proceed testing the other 2 new springs. In case the spring began to sag before the month then the testing on the other 2 new springs should take place sooner. I am going to test the heck out of the springs on this Black Friday. If I go wheeling with Chris to bronco peak or Craig at LCC.

Now this is coming from the mouth of one of the Rancho's "Jefe" he said that rancho will honor and sent the new springs if they so happen to update the old ones, to everyone that has at any given point experiences the sagging of the old springs. So I can tell you that you can go ahead and buy it. Or else you might have to wait about a year or so for the new ones to come out.

Do you think they'd ship out the new set to people who already have the rancho?

The rancho guy in charged said that everyone with a rancho lift kit would qualifies to receive new springs as long as they can provide him with proof of the springs sagging.




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[Woodtick]

Good deal for both parties. Free R&D for them and free parts and labor for you. If they need to put their product through a rust and corrosion test,send them my way. No shortage of salt and calcium chloride in my area.

 

[Panzer07]

Good deal for both parties. Free R&D for them and free parts and labor for you. If they need to put their product through a rust and corrosion test,send them my way. No shortage of salt and calcium chloride in my area.

Hahaha I'm sure they had their fair share out of mine lol.
It sure took them quite the hacks and tricks to pull the damn rear leaf springs. And calipers from the front lol. It was so bad that they really fought about cutting off the rear leaf spring and then the bolts. Or the leaf spring hanger and then make new holes above the stock ones.


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[Fish]

Man you scored! Congrats

 

[RazorbackH3]

Hummer porn... that's all I can say... Can't wait to see it done. You sir... :horns: