RANCHO RS6501 User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR RANCHO SPORT KIT SUSPENSION SYSTEMS RS6501: JEEP
WRANGLER (TJ)
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY FROM START TO FINISH BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION
IMPORTANT NOTES!
WARNING: This suspension system will enhance the off-road
performance of your vehicle. It will handle differently, both on and
off-road, from a factory equipped passenger car or truck. Extreme
care must be used to prevent loss of control or vehicle rollover
during abrupt maneuvers. Failure to drive this vehicle safely may
result in serious injury or death to the driver and passengers.
ALWAYS WEAR your seat belts, REDUCE your speed, and
AVOID sharp turns and other abrupt maneuvers.
A. Before installing this system, have the vehicle's alignment
and frame checked at a state approved facility. The alignment
must be within factory specifications and the frame must be sound
(no cracks, damage, or corrosion).
B. Do not install a body lift kit with Rancho’s suspension system
or interchange parts from this system with components from
another manufacturer. To obtain maximum performance, use the
following Rancho shock absorbers with this kit: RS5255, RS9255,
RS99255, or RS999255 for the front & RS5256, RS9256,
RS99256, or RS999256 for the rear. OE steering stabilizer
replacement RS5407 can also be used.
C. Compare the contents of this system with the parts list in these
instructions.
strength and specific size. Do not substitute a fastener of lesser
strength or mix one hardware kit with another.
D. Apply THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND to all bolts during
installation. One drop on the exposed threads of each bolt before
installing the nut is sufficient to provide an adequate bond.
CAUTION: Thread locking compound may irritate sensitive skin.
Read warning label on container before use.
E. Install all nuts and bolts with a flat washer. When both SAE
(small OD) and USS (large OD) washers are used in a fastener
assembly, place the USS washer against the slotted hole and the
SAE washer against the round hole.
F. Unless otherwise specified, tighten all bolts to the standard
torque specifications listed at the end of the note's section. Do not
use an impact wrench to tighten any of these bolts. They tend to
over tighten smaller bolts and under tighten larger bolts. USE A
TORQUE WRENCH!!
G. Rancho parts come with a protective coating. Do not
powder coat, chrome, cadmium, or zinc plate any of the
components in this system. If you wish to change the appearance
of components enamel paint can be applied over the original
coating.
H. Do not weld anything to these components, and do not weld
any of these components to the vehicle. If any component breaks

or bends, contact your local Rancho dealer or Rancho for
replacement parts.
I. Some of the service procedures require the use of special
tools designed for specific procedures. The following tools and
supplies are recommended for proper installation of this kit. 
Jeep Service Manual
Spring Compressor
Pitman Arm Puller C-4150-A
Steering Linkage Puller C-3894-A
Drill Motor
Drill assortment (1/8” to 1/2”)
Torque Wrench (250 FT-LB capacity)
Hammer
1/2” Drive Ratchet and Sockets
Combination Wrenches
Allen Wrenches
Torx Key Sockets
Hacksaw
File
Large "C" Clamps and/or Bench Vise
Hydraulic Floor Jack
Heavy Duty Jack stands
Wheel Chocks (Wooden Blocks)
Molybdenum Grease or Anti Seize Compound
Synthetic Grease with Teflon
Silicone Spray
Safety Glasses--Wear safety glasses at all times
J. It is extremely important to replace torsion bars, CV flanges,
and front drive shaft/pinion relationships as original. Be sure to
mark left/right, front/rear, and indexing of mating parts before
disassembly. A paint marker or light colored nail polish is handy
for this.
K. Suspension components that use rubber or urethane
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride
height. This will prevent premature failure of the bushing and
maintain ride comfort.
L. The required installation time for this system is
approximately 5 to 6 hours. Check off the box ( ) at the
beginning of each step when you finish it. Then when you stop
during the installation, it will be easier to find where you need to
continue from.
M. Important information for the end user is contained in the
consumer/installer information pack. If you are installing this
system for someone else, place the information pack on the
driver’s seat. Please include the installation instructions when you
finish.
N. This suspension system was developed using the following
tire and wheel combination: 33 x 12.50R-15 tire, 15" x 8" wheel
with 3.75" of wheel backspacing. Before installing any other
combination, consult your local tire and wheel specialist.
O. To reduce rear driveline vibration and/or to increase ground
clearance, you may want to install a double-cardan driveshaft and
not use the skid plate/crossmember spacers and shift relocating
bracket.
P. Lubricate the lower link bushings during installation and
every 3000 miles.
Q. Thank you for purchasing the best suspension system
available. For the best installed system, follow these instructions.
If you do not have the tools or are unsure of your abilities, have
this system installed by a certified technician. RANCHO IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE OR FAILURE RESULTING FROM
AN IMPROPER INSTALLATION.
STANDARD BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
INCH SYSTEM METRIC SYSTEM
Bolt Size Grade 5 Grade 8 Bolt Size Class 9.8 Class 10.9 Class 12.9
5/16 15 FT-LB 20 FT-LB M6 5 FT-LB 9 FT-LB 12 FT-LB
3/8 30 FT-LB 35 FT-LB M8 18 FT-LB 23 FT-LB 27 FT-LB
7/16 45 FT-LB 60 FT-LB M10 32 FT-LB 45 FT-LB 50 FT-LB
1/2 65 FT-LB 90 FT-LB M12 55 FT-LB 75 FT-LB 90 FT-LB
9/16 95 FT-LB 130 FT-LB M14 85 FT-LB 120 FT-LB 145 FT-LB
5/8 135 FT-LB 175 FT-LB M16 130 FT-LB 165FT-LB 210 FT-LB
3/4 185 FT-LB 280 FT-LB M18 170 FT-LB 240FT-LB 290 FT-LB
BOLT IDENTIFICATION

PARTS LIST
P/N DESCRIPTION QTY.
130019 Rear Track Bar Bracket 1
420027 Rear Bumpstop Spacer 2
694 Coil Spring – Front 2
695 Coil Spring – Rear 2
1335 Lower Link 4
130019 Rear Track Bar Bracket 1
8597 Link Bushing kit 1
420025 Sleeve 1.0 x .219W x 2.53 8
530-4 Link Bushing 16
860160 Shift Relocation Kit 1
176090 Bracket 1
1/4-20x.75 BHCS 4
1/4 SAE Washer 4
1/4-20 Nyloc Nut 4
Thread Lock 2
860072 Rear Track Bar Relocation Kit 1
420026 Sleeve 1
7/16-14x1.0 HHCS 1
7/16-14 Stover Nut 1
7/16 SAE Washer 2
M12-1.75x70 HHCS 2
M12-1.75 Nut 2
SAE Washer 4
3/8-16x1.0 HHCS 1
3/8-16 Stover Nut 1
3/8 SAE Washer 2
860161 Skid Plate Spacer / Bumpstop Kit 1
176091 Skid Plate Spacer 6
176092 Skid Plate Shim 6
1/2 Cone Washer 6
1/2-13x2.5 FSHCS 6
M10-1.50x70 HHCS 2
10mm Lock Washer 2
860483 Skid Plate Spacer MY2003 1
M12-1.75 x 65 HHCS 6
12mm Washer 6
176088 Rear End Link 2
176609 Front End Link 2
176300 Front End Link Adaptor 2
176604 Front Brakeline Drop Bracket 2
P/N DESCRIPTION QTY.
860155 Rear End Link Hardware 1
545 End Link Bushing 4
7/16-20 x 2.5 Gr 5 HHCS 4
7/16-20 Gr 8 Stover Nut 4
7/16 Hardened SAE Washer 4
7/16 Hardened USS Washer 6
860684 Front Suspension Hardware 1
M10x1.25x35mm Gr 10.9 HHCS 2
M10x1.25 Top-lock Gr 10.9 Nut 2
M10 Hardened Washer 4
3/8-16 x x 1.5 Type F HHTS 2
545 End Link Bushing 4
420084 Sleeve .688 x .522 x 1.4 4
1/2-20 x 2.75 Gr 8 HHCS 2
1/2-20 Gr 8 Nylock Nut 2
1/2 Hardened Washer SAE 4
1/2 Hardened Washer USS 4
1/2-13 x 2.75 Gr 8 HHCS 2
1/2-13 Top-lock Gr 8 Nut 2
860516 Hardware Kit 1
8mmx1.25x20mm Gr 10.9 HHCS 2
8mmx1.25 Nylock Nut 2
M8 Hardened Washer 2
Tie Strap 6
88501 Jeep TJ Sport Kit Instructions 2
94180 Information Pack 1
780281 Rancho Decal 1
88056 Instructions 1
94119 Consumer/Warranty Information 1
94177 Warning Sticker 1
RANCHO LINK ASSEMBLY
BUSHING &SLEEVE INSTALLATION
1) Lubricate the outside diameter of two urethane
bushings 530-4 with a silicone spray or a mild solution of
soap and water.
2) Press the lubricated bushings into one end of a new
Rancho suspension link 1335 as shown in Figure 1.
3) Lubricate the outside diameter of sleeve 420025
and the inside diameter of the installed urethane bushings
with synthetic grease. Refer to Important Note P. Press the
sleeve into the bushings.
Figure 1
NOTE: It may be necessary to use a bench vise or C-clamp
to press the bushings and sleeves into the cast links. Do not
use a hammer.
420025
530-4
1335

4) Slowly apply grease to each end of the links
(through the grease fitting) with a grease gun. Stop when
the grease begins to appear around the edges of the
bushings. Do not force the bushings out of the link.
5) Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the remaining link
ends, bushings, and sleeves.
FRONT SUSPENSION
TRACK BAR &COIL SPRING REMOVAL
1) Park vehicle on a level surface and set the parking
brake. Center front wheels and chock rear wheels.
2) Utilizing a straight edge, measure the horizontal
distance between the outer edge of each front tire and the
vehicle body (at top edge of fender well).
Left Side:_________ Right Side:_________
3) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the ball stud
end of the track bar at the frame rail bracket. Separate the
ball stud from the bracket with the recommended puller tool.
See figure 2.
Figure 2
4) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the axle bracket.
Remove the track bar. Save for reuse.
5) From inside the engine compartment, remove the
upper stud nut, retainer and grommet from both front shock
absorbers.
6) If applicable, remove the bolts attaching the
automatic transmission skid plate to the frame rails and the
transfer case cross member (Do not use an impact wrench).
Remove the skid plate.
NOTE: To reinstall the automatic transmission skid plate,
adapter kit RS904 must be purchased separately.
7) Raise the front of the vehicle and support the frame
with jack stands. Remove the front wheels and set them
aside.
8) Position a floor jack under the front axle for support.
Remove both front sway bar end links. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
9) Lower axle and remove floor jack.
10) Remove the shock absorber lower nuts and bolts.
Remove the front shock. DO NOT REUSE ORIGINAL
SHOCK ABSORBERS.
11) Remove the rubber bump stop and bump stop
mount from inside of the coil spring.
12) If applicable, remove the coil spring retainer bolt
and retainer. Push down on the axle and remove the coil
spring.
13) Repeat steps 10 through 12 for other side.
LOWER ARM REMOVAL &LINK INSTALLATION
1) Support the front axle with a floor jack.
2) If applicable, paint or scribe alignment marks on the
adjustment cams and axle brackets for installation reference.
See Figure 4.

Figure 4
3) If equipped with ABS brakes, remove sensor wires
and clamps from the inboard side of the lower arms. Save
clamps for reuse.
NOTE: Remove and replace one suspension arm at a time.
4) Remove the nut, cam, and cam bolt from the axle
bracket. Remove the nut and bolt from the frame bracket.
Remove the lower suspension arm. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
5) Install new Rancho suspension link 1335 to the
frame and axle brackets as shown in figure 6. Use original
hardware but do not tighten. Tightening the bolts at this
point could create ride height issues.
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other side.
7) If applicable, drill a 23/64" hole into each link and
reinstall the ABS sensor wires. Use the original clamps.
Figure 6
TRACK BAR RELOCATION
1) Locate the track bar mounting point on the axle.
2) Using a 7/16” drill bit, mark and drill a new mounting
hole ¾” inboard. See Figure 7. It may be necessary to
disconnect the draglink from the right steering arm to make
clearance to drill the relocation hole.
Figure 7
3) Do not reattach the track bar to the axle yet.
Leaving the track bar disconnected will make coil spring
installation easier.
COIL SPRING INSTALLATION
1) Lower the front axle and remove the hydraulic floor
jack.
2) Drill a 5/16" hole through the center of the coil
spring axle pad. Reinstall the rubber bump stop.
¾”
1335

3) Compress the new front coil spring to 16 inches in
length. Use a quality spring compressor like the one shown
in Figure 8.
Figure 8
4) Place bump stop perch 176443 inside the
compressed spring as you install the spring into the upper
and lower spring pockets. Carefully remove the spring
compressor.
5) Rotate spring so pig tail end fits back in spring
pocket. Attach the bump stop perch to the axle pad with the
3/8”-16 x 1.5 self-tapping screw from kit 860684.
6) Repeat steps 2 through 5 for other side.
BRAKE LINE DROP BRACKET INSTALLATION
1) Remove the self tapping bolt that attaches the brake
line bracket to the frame. Save for reuse.
2) Connect brake line drop bracket 176604 to the OE
brake line bracket using the 8mm hardware from kit 860516.
Torque to 23 ft-lbs.
3) Attach bracket 176604 to the frame reusing the OE
self tapping bolt. See Figure 9 for details.
Figure 9
SWAY BAR END LINK ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
1) Apply silicone lubricant and press bushings 545
from kit 860684 into both loops of front end link 176609.
2) Apply silicone lubricant and press sleeves 420084
from kit 860684 into the installed bushings. See Figure 10.
3) Repeat for other end link.
Figure 10
4) Connect the lower mount of end link 176300 using
the ½”-20 x 2.75” bolt, 2 USS ½” washers and 1 SAE ½”
washer. The 2 USS washers should go on either side of the
end link bushing to retain it properly. See Figure 11 for
details. Do not torque yet.
5) Attach clevis bracket 176300 to the bottom side of
the sway bar at the end link mounting hole. Installing the
bolt from the bottom side, use the M10-1.25x35mm bolt, 2
M10 washers and 1 M10 top-lock nut from hardware kit
860684. Torque to 32 ft-lbs. See Figure 11 for details.
5) Connect the upper mount of end link 176300 to the
clevis using the ½”-13 x 2.5” bolt, ½” SAE washer (under the
nut) and ½” top-lock nut from hardware kit 860864.
IMPORTANT: Insert the ½” bolt from the inside (ie. The bolt
head should be facing the inside of the vehicle). Torque to
70 ft-lbs.
420084
545
176609
OE Bolt
176604
OE Brakeline Bracket
7/16” Hardware

Figure 11
6) Repeat steps 1 through 5 to assemble and install
the other end link.
7) Install one retaining washer and grommet onto each
new front shock absorber. Attach shocks to axle brackets.
Tighten bolts to 23 FT-LBS.
8) Position shock stud through upper mounting hole.
Install upper shock grommet, retainer and nut. Tighten to 17
FT-LBS. Repeat for other side.
9) Tighten the sway bar lower link bolts to 70 FT-LBS.
10) Align the reference marks on the adjustment cams
and lower arm axle brackets. Tighten nuts to 85 FT-LBS.
REAR SUSPENSION
TRACK BAR &COIL SPRING REMOVAL
1) Chock front wheels. Disconnect and remove the
rear sway bar end links.
2) Disconnect the track bar from the frame bracket.
See figure 12.
3) Raise the rear of the vehicle and support the frame
with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
4) Separate the track bar from the axle bracket.
Remove the track Bar. See Figure 12.
Figure 12
5) Support the rear axle with a floor jack and remove
the shock absorbers. DO NOT REUSE ORIGINAL SHOCK
ABSORBERS.
6) Mark the orientation of the coil springs on the axle
pads. Carefully lower the rear axle until the coil springs are
free from the upper mount seat. Remove the coil springs.
TRACK BAR BRACKET INSTALLATION
1) Place track bar bracket 130019 on top of the axle
bracket as shown in figure 13. To properly align the bracket,
insert a 12mm bolt from kit 860072 through both brackets.
2) Using the new bracket as a template, mark the two
additional mounting holes on the axle bracket. Remove
bracket and drill a 13/32" hole through the top of the axle
bracket and 15/32" hole through the side.
3) Reinstall the track bar bracket and attach it to the
axle with the sleeve and hardware from kit 860072. See
Figure 13. Tighten to specification.
176609
176300
M10 Hardware
½”
-
13 Hardware
½”
-
20
Hardware

Figure 13
4) Insert track bar into track bar bracket and install the
14mm hardware from kit 860072.
NOTE: Do not attach the track bar to the frame bracket or
tighten the mounting bolt at this time.
5) Bend gas tank skid plate away from track bar if
necessary.
LOWER ARM REPLACEMENT
NOTE: Remove and replace one suspension arm at a time.
1) Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
2) Remove the lower arm axle and frame mounting
bolts. Remove the lower suspension arm.
3) Install new Rancho suspension link 1335 to the
frame and axle brackets. See figure 14. Use original
hardware but do not tighten. Tightening the bolts at this point
could create ride height issues.
Figure 14
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other side.
BUMP STOP SPACER &COIL SPRING INSTALLATION
1) Remove the rubber bump stop and bump stop
bracket from the upper spring mount.
2) Insert Rancho spacer 420027 and reinstall the
bracket with the 10mm hardware from kit 860161. Insert the
bump stop into the bump stop bracket. See figure 15.
Figure 15
3) Repeat steps 1 & 2 for other side.
4) Lower rear axle and position the new coil springs
onto the axle pads. Align springs with reference marks.
Raise the axle until the spring seat in the upper mounts.
NOTE: When installing coil springs, make sure that the
rubber damper is positioned in the upper mount and the
small egg-shaped coil end is at the top.
5) Install new Rancho rear shocks to the upper frame
rail. Tighten mounting bolts to 23 FT-LBS.
6) Loosely attach shocks to the axle brackets.
SWAY BAR END LINK INSTALLATION
1) Apply silicone lubricant and press a bushing from kit
860155 into a new rear end link (176088).
2) Apply silicone lubricant and press a sleeve from kit
860155 into the installed bushing.
Link
176080
Shims From
Kit 860070
Grease Fitting
Frame
Mount
1335

3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 to install the rest of the
bushings and sleeves.
4) Attach the new end link assemblies to the frame
brackets and rear sway bar with the hardware from kit
860155. See Figure 16. Tighten the end link mounting bolts
to 40 ft. lbs.
Figure 16
NOTE: It may be necessary to enlarge the mounting holes
in the sway bar and frame brackets to 7/16”.
5) Place the track bar into the frame bracket and install
the original hardware. Do not tighten the bolts at this point.
NOTE: it may be necessary to use a come-along device to
move the axle over to allow proper alignment of the track bar
and mounting hole.
6) Tighten the shock absorber to axle bracket bolts to
74 ft. lbs.
7) Grease new lower suspension arms until you see a
slight amount of grease coming out of bushings. DO NOT
OVER GREASE!
TRANSMISSION & TRANSFER CASE
NOTE: See Important Note O before proceeding.
CROSS MEMBER RELOCATION
1) Place the transmission in neutral. Support the
transfer case crossmember/skid plate with a hydraulic jack.
Loosen the 6 bolts holding the crossmember to the frame.
See figure 17. Do not use an impact gun.
Figure 17
2) Remove 3 bolts on one side and carefully lower the
cross member/skid plate.
3) Place 3 spacers from kit 860161 between the cross
member and the frame with the conical end of the spacer
facing down. See figure 18a. For vehicles with an
automatic transmission, add 3 shims.
4) If flat head screws were removed, install a conical
washer and apply thread lock to 3 flat head screws from kit
860161. Insert the screws through the crossmember,
spacers, and into the frame. See figure 18.
Figure 18
5) If hex head screws were removed, install the
hardware from kit 860483. See figure 19.
6) Repeat steps 3 through 6 for the other side of the
cross member. Tighten all bolts to 45 FT-LBS.

Figure 19
LINKAGE RELOCATION &ADJUSTMENT
1) Pull back carpet/mat to gain access to torque shaft
bracket mounting screws. If necessary, loosen the screws
attaching the console to the floor panel.
2) Remove the four screws that attach the torque shaft
bracket to the floor pan. See figure 20.
3) Slide the torque shaft bracket off the torque shaft,
and remove the bearing plate & gasket.
4) Attach the bearing plate (with gasket) to shift
relocating bracket 176090 as shown in figure 21.
5) Using bracket 176090 as a template, mark the two
mounting holes locations on the torque shaft bracket. See
figure 20. Drill a 9/32” hole at each location.
Figure 20
6) Attach the shift relocating bracket 176090 to the
torque shaft bracket with the hardware from kit 860160. See
figure 21.
Figure 21
7) Insert the torque shaft into the bearing plate and
reinstall the torque shaft bracket to the floor pan. Verify that
the torque shaft is level and the shifting linkage moves
without restriction. If necessary, file the end of the shift rod
to provide adequate clearance.
8) Shift transfer case into 4L position and loosen lock
bolt on adjusting trunnion.
NOTE: Be sure shift rod slides freely in trunnion.
9) Verify that transfer case range lever is fully engaged
in 4L position. Tighten adjusting trunnion lock bolt.
10) Reinstall carpet/mat and tighten console mounting
bolts.
FLOOR PAN MODIFICATION (MANUAL TRANS ONLY)
1) Move the seats to the full rearward position.
2) Pry up the shift boot and bezel from the floor
console. See figure 22.
3) Remove the bolts attaching the console to the floor
pan.
4) Lift the console upward and remove through the
passenger door.

Figure 22
5) Remove the 4 screws attaching the cover boot to
the cover. Slide the boot upward to expose the opening in
the cover and floor pan.
6) Shift the transmission into 2nd and reverse. Verify
a minimum of 1/8” clearance between the shift lever and
floor pan. If necessary, enlarge the opening in the floor pan
with a half round file.
7) Reposition the cover boot. Install one screw on the
left side or 9 o’clock position.
8) Rotate the boot clockwise to match the increased
floor pan opening. Mark and drill the three new mounting
holes. See figure 23.
Figure 23
9) Reinstall the cover boot, console, and shift boot.
FINAL CHECKS & ADJUSTMENTS
1) Install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the
ground. Tighten lug nuts to 80-110 ft-lbs.
2) Torque the axle mounts for both the front and rear
lower links to 85 ft-lbs. Torque the frame mounts for the
both the front and rear lower links to 130 ft-lbs.
3) Apply grease to the new lower suspension arms.
DO NOT OVER GREASE!
4) Attach the lower mount of the front track bar to the
newly drilled hole using the OE hardware. Torque to 55 ft-
lbs.
5) Torque the upper and lower mounts of the rear
track bar to 70 ft-lbs.
6) Turn the front wheels completely left then right.
Verify adequate tire, wheel, and brake hose clearance.
Inspect steering and suspension for tightness and proper
operation.
7) With the suspension at maximum extension (full
droop), inspect and rotate all axles and drive shafts. Check
for binding and proper slip yoke insertion. The slip yoke
should be inserted a minimum of one inch into the transfer
case and/or transmission.
8) Readjust headlamps. Have vehicle Aligned to
manufacturer’s specifications.
Alignment Specifications
Adjustment Preferred Range
Caster 7°±1.0°
Camber (fixed angle) -0.25°±0.63°
Toe-In (each wheel) 0.15°±0.15°
Thrust Angle 0 ±0.15°