LONG BEACH, Calif. — Tenneco Inc. has redesigned its Rancho 4.5-inch performance suspension system for 2015-18 Ford F-150 pickup trucks.
The system (Part no. RS66505B), available in the U.S. and Canada, offers 4.5 inches of raised height in the front and 3 inches in the rear of vehicles that drive both on- and off-road.
The new kit is designed with maximum structural integrity and OE-level quality, the company said, featuring a fully boxed welded subframe manufactured from high-strength, low-alloy steel and DOM tubing, along with CNC-machined ductile iron steering knuckles.
Differential drop brackets included in the kit are designed to align pinion and CV joint angles properly to reduce binding or vibration. System components are CAD-designed for proper drive-shaft angle, steering geometry and track width, Tenneco said.
The system maintains the factory rack-and-pinion location and uses OE tie-rod ends, according to Tenneco. For the front of the vehicle, a pair of bolt-on 4.5-inch strut spacers are designed to be installed without disassembly of the factory struts.
Two Rancho strut towers (Part no. RS886519) or a set of two RS5000X struts — sold separately — are required for complete installation. In addition, a set of two Rancho RS5000X, RS7000MT or RS9000XL rear shock absorbers is recommended, Tenneco said.
No drivetrain modifications are required for the system, which is designed to accommodate the fitment of 35-inch rim-diameter tires. The kit also includes CV spacers, brake line brackets, sway bar relocation brackets and other necessary hardware. For the rear, a tapered block, U-bolts and other necessary hardware are provided.
The Rancho suspension kit, along with RS5000X, RS7000MT and RS9000XL dampers, carry Rancho's Limited Lifetime Warranty. Rancho RS5000X, RS7000MT and RS9000XL shocks and struts also are covered by a 90-day risk-free ride offer, which allows consumers to try certain shock models on any truck or SUV for 90 days. Consumers can return their shocks within 90 days for a full refund of the product's purchase price.