Installing RS9000XLs in a 1992 4Runner.

[Medalist]

Has anyone installed Rancho RS9000XL (Part # RS999145) in a 1992 Toyota 4Runner 4WD before? I double checked with Rancho that this is the correct part for my vehicle, and that what I received has the correct lower mount type, but it's quite a bit wider than the mount on my vehicle (being entirely stock, as far as I know).

The shock's lower mount:

The mount has a steel sleeve that protrudes about 1/8" on either side. The lower mount on the truck itself is not quite wide enough to fit over the red bushing even if the sleeve wasn't there (I could probably force it enough, though, if it was just the bushing).

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue (or perhaps they fit your 2nd gen runner just fine?). Rancho tech support line didn't have any suggestion on how to proceed, other than they "should fit."

 

[BigRyan1986]

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue (or perhaps they fit your 2nd gen runner just fine?). Rancho tech support line didn't have any suggestion on how to proceed, other than they "should fit."[/QUOTE]

Are those the front or rear shocks?

 

[Medalist]

Are those the front or rear shocks?

Correct front shock part # (http://www.gorancho.com/products/sh...-absorber?find=1992-toyota-4runner-4wd-313376), attempting to install them in the front as well.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

This has been a really, REALLY long time ago for me, but when I had ranchos in front, (or was it in the rear, I just don't recall), I believe I had to grind down the sleeve to fit the mount. IIRC, I made the sleeve the same width as the urethane bushing.

Pretty sure it was the front, as I still have those old ranchos in the rear (I really need to get rid of them!), and because I have a straight axle now, there's no way for me to see what the old mount looked like.

And here's an old reference chart for Rancho shocks. This may help you figure out what part numbers you need...

http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/ranchoshockmountspec.pdf

 

[v_man]

Why don't you just grind the sleeve down , get a narrower sleeve, or get rid of the sleeve all together? FWIW I have those Ranchos front and rear and have been pretty happy with them ...

 

[Medalist]

Upon closer inspection, I think the person who installed the previous shocks reshaped the lower mount a bit:

I doubt anyone has a picture of a stock mount handy, but I think if I straighten the arm on the left out, the RS999145 will fit.

 

[UnderFire]

I can take a picture of the mount on my brother's 93 for you tomorrow if you need me to.

 

[Medalist]

I can take a picture of the mount on my brother's 93 for you tomorrow if you need me to.

I'd be curious to see what it looks like if it's easy for you to do, but don't go out of your way. Thanks!

 

[KidVermicious]

The mount narrows when the bolt is torqued and compresses the bushing. You'll almost always have to open it up again when putting new shocks on.

 

[BigRyan1986]

I'd be curious to see what it looks like if it's easy for you to do, but don't go out of your way. Thanks!

I can try to get a pic today too. I also have some lower control arms i can sell you if you want to pay to ship them.

 

[Medalist]

Using a propane torch and a lot of hammering, I was able to get the mounts into shape to fit the new set of Rancho shocks. The mount looks more natural to me now, too, so I'm guessing it's back in its original position.

She's back on the road and handling much better now.