I have a weird issue with my truck that is difficult for me to articulate, but I'm hoping that someone here can maybe shed light on what is happening.

I recently installed Rancho Quicklift loaded strut/shocks to the front of my truck (2004 4x4 SuperCrew, stock tires and wheels). Now, when I am driving slowly with my wheels fully turned, or close to fully turned, it feels as if I am driving on oval or elliptical-shaped wheels. It feels as if I am driving in and out of a continuous series of dips in the road. I can feel the front side of the truck which is headed into the turn rise and fall in a consistent and repetitive pattern. It almost feels as if I'm driving on a flat tire. This only occurs in very sharp turns.

I know my description might not make much sense, but has anyone else had a similar issue. Does anyone know what could be causing this, or how to fix it if necessary? I'm not sure if this is an actual suspension issue, so I posted it here. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

How's the alignment? Dis you check the tie rod ends and ball joints yet?

 

I have the Quicklifts installed and have not experienced anything like that.

If the problem started after installation then most likely there is a problem with the shocks or something did not get put back together correctly or has come loose.

Have you tried turning the wheel to full lock in park and getting out to look at the suspension? It sounds like to me that something is getting momentarily pulled apart/loose in tight turns. Check the ball joints and other connections.

 

Yes this! If you did not get an alignment after installation then that may be the cause. The up and down sensation you feel could be one tire getting dragged and then sliding to catch up.

 

The mechanic who installed it said it didn't need an alignment, but I don't think he actually put it on the alignment rack to verify it. Since I am planning on getting new tires (and an alignment) soon anyway, I took his word for it and didn't really care. I just want to make sure I can correct this when I get new tires. I'll get an alignment and see if that helps it out. Thanks for your help.

 

You definitely need an alignment. Any time you alter the suspension geometry you need to get one. I'm not sure I'd go back to that mechanic..

 

I have the rancho's on my truck and haven't had any problems. I would go through the front end and check everything myself to make sure everything was put back together right. It almost sounds like your front hubs could be locked in. Make sure your actuator hoses are still plugged in. As far as the alignment goes; and saying this people will disagree but, I have had my quicklifts on for over 5000+ miles and my tread wear has not changed. So I've been saving my time and money.

 

I've had the Quick Lift Loaded's installed for 12k miles...no problems other than one assembled with the adjustment valve in the wrong location...

 

X2 agree with above. I've replaced AS spacers on my truck with Rancho quicklift shocks and haven't had a problem. Only two things I don't like is I really haven't found a setting I liked. I tired all of them either to soft or to hard. The paint on them is not very durable already showing some rust (my truck goes through the woods on occasions) lol

 

I've had the Rancho Quick Lifts on for 20K miles w/o problems. The mechanic's statement about not needing an alignment is a red flag. Get a picture of what your geometry should look like. Put the truck on jack stands and remove the tires. Check everything to include a basic ball joint check. Check all of the bolts at the top of the strut.

 

I just had my rancho quick lifts installed yesterday. Looks and feels great. I noticed one of the dials was facing the wrong way. I was wondering what kcward did when he noticed that. Is it just a pain to turn the dial or is the shock not in correctly. Or in correct to a point but should have rotated the shock. I have a 04 fx4 and both parts were the same. Thank you to anyone who can shed light on this to me. I'm new to the forum and looking forward to being part of it

 

I put new coilovers on my truck (I did the work myself). Went from 2wd coilover to 4wd so it definitely lifted the front end a good amount. Also did the UCA's. I have not had any issues. Brought it in for an alignment after (as you always should) and was told it was toed in, but only so slightly that I wouldn't have even noticed any abnormal tire wear in 20k miles.

Either he didn't install correctly, or your way out of alignment. I always try to do this kind if work myself as I can check and recheck to make sure it's done right. It's very easy stuff if you have the right tools.

 

4x4 shocks give like 1-1.5" of lift at the most, that's why your alignment wouldn't be as bad as his. It should've affected your camber too, whether its noticeable or not.

 

I had a local Big-O install struts...I had them turn the offending strut...they had to dis-assemble, then re-assemble...

Been good since!

I was very disappointed that Rancho would take so little care as to let this slip out of the factory...

 

Quick update-I installed new tires and had it aligned. Problem solved.

I knew that I needed to get it aligned when I installed them, I just didn't care too much at the time because I knew I would soon be adding new tires and alignment. Thanks for the input.