Sponsored

Rancho vs. Rock Krawler vs. JKS sway bar links

CaJLMetalHead

Well-Known Member
First Name
CAJLMetalHead
Joined
Sep 6, 2018
Threads
19
Messages
948
Reaction score
1,808
Location
96049
Vehicle(s)
Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited
I ordered and received the Rancho disconnects. They look to be of solid build, but I had issues on the install that prevented me from completing the project. I followed the instructions and it seems pretty straight forward. I got the 2 relocation brackets on the axle mounted and went to install the links and realized they are way too long. I cannot shorten them enough to fit between the sway and axle. The relocation brackets actually raise the connect point which in turn shortens the link. The Rancho links at their shortest point are 3/4" longer than the OEM links. I don't see how that will work.
I've emailed tech support and hope to get a resolution soon. Of coarse it was a PITA because I had to take everything back apart and re-install factory parts. I was so looking forward to not have to wallow in the dirt to disconnect this weekend.
BTW, my local Jeep shop highly recommended the Rock Krawlers. I did like the Rancho solution for holding the links out of the way vs. a strap so i ordered the Rancho's instead. Maybe I should listen to the experts. :)
I had the very same issue!... the links are way too long... and I have the Rough Country 2.5 inch lift kit.. the long links combined with the brackets causes the sway bar to be at a 20 degree angle...

20190111_181312-3_zpspzitrd7m.jpg


also the links do not seem to have the appropriate curved shape to align with the sway bar...
20190111_181545-2_zps8t3z9wgf.jpg


Compare them against the Rough Country links:
20190111_190540-1_zpsluhwvwja.jpg
Sponsored

 

Attachments

JoeBelt

Well-Known Member
First Name
Joe
Joined
Jan 9, 2019
Threads
12
Messages
98
Reaction score
120
Location
Florida
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
All that exposed thread appears unsafe or a sloppy design at minimum. It’s a good thing it’s a Jeep and not an airplane.
 

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
I had the very same issue!... the links are way too long... and I have the Rough Country 2.5 inch lift kit.. the long links combined with the brackets causes the sway bar to be at a 20 degree angle...

20190111_181312-3_zpspzitrd7m.jpg


also the links do not seem to have the appropriate curved shape to align with the sway bar...
20190111_181545-2_zps8t3z9wgf.jpg


Compare them against the Rough Country links:
20190111_190540-1_zpsluhwvwja.jpg
Yikes.... @RanchoShocks is this an issue?? I ordered these from 4WP a week or so ago (still haven’t arrived for me to pick up) but if THATS how they’re to be installed and people are seeing too much height like that, I’ll return them and figure something else out.
 

RanchoShocks

Well-Known Member
Peak Sponsor (Level 2)
First Name
Matt
Joined
Oct 16, 2016
Threads
57
Messages
389
Reaction score
283
Location
CA
Website
www.gorancho.com
Vehicle(s)
2013 JKU
This is a non issue, and this is a popular item for us. Check out the install instruction attached. TO show how to adjust.
:)


Yikes.... @RanchoShocks is this an issue?? I ordered these from 4WP a week or so ago (still haven’t arrived for me to pick up) but if THATS how they’re to be installed and people are seeing too much height like that, I’ll return them and figure something else out.
 

Attachments

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
This is a non issue, and this is a popular item for us. Check out the install instruction attached. TO show how to adjust.
:)
So the photo of the installed links with all the exposed thread is of someone who installed it incorrectly?
 

Sponsored

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
Since they are adjustable a bit of thread show is OK. ;)
No I’m referring to the photo above where the top of the link doesn’t appear to fit into the sway bar itself
 

Arterius2

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jerry
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Threads
42
Messages
3,556
Reaction score
4,828
Location
Vancouver, BC
Vehicle(s)
2018 JLU Sahara 2.0L
Can we not manufacture a sway bar link so they are bent like the factory ones and still make them adjustable?
 

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
I’m not saying there should be a bent in it, but it doesn’t look good IF it’s supposed to not fully thread into the sway bar, as illustrated in the photo a few posts back. My guess is the person simply installed it wrong, but Rancho is apparently unable to confirm.
 
OP
OP
mgroeger

mgroeger

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Feb 1, 2018
Threads
150
Messages
5,454
Reaction score
7,844
Location
Hurricane, UT
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLUR 2.0T, 1991 YJ rock crawler
Occupation
I make microchips for a living.
Vehicle Showcase
1
I'm not poo-pooing Rancho's design at all just simply comparing them to JKS. The JKS links are straight as well but they do have a poly bushing that takes up that space where the disconnect attaches to the sway bar. I believe it is absolutely necessary to have that if the link is not bent because the way this is installed in the pics above, it will surely round out the hole in the sway bar very quick.
 

Sponsored

freddiegs

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2018
Threads
13
Messages
166
Reaction score
81
Location
DFW
Vehicle(s)
2018 JLU
I've had the JKS on for 5,000 miles and so far no complaints. Easy on and off. Really like the pinned disconnect solution too.
 

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
I'm not poo-pooing Rancho's design at all just simply comparing them to JKS. The JKS links are straight as well but they do have a poly bushing that takes up that space where the disconnect attaches to the sway bar. I believe it is absolutely necessary to have that if the link is not bent because the way this is installed in the pics above, it will surely round out the hole in the sway bar very quick.
I absolutely agree and I’m trying to get a straight answer from @RanchoShocks on this. For the sway bar link to not sit flush with the sway bar - even if by way of poly bushing - seems kind of silly. Hoping it’s as simple as the photo illustrates an incorrectly installed link.

See post #31, second photo where the sway bar meets the link... simple yes or No - is that “correct”
 
OP
OP
mgroeger

mgroeger

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Feb 1, 2018
Threads
150
Messages
5,454
Reaction score
7,844
Location
Hurricane, UT
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLUR 2.0T, 1991 YJ rock crawler
Occupation
I make microchips for a living.
Vehicle Showcase
1
I absolutely agree and I’m trying to get a straight answer from @RanchoShocks on this. For the sway bar link to not sit flush with the sway bar - even if by way of poly bushing - seems kind of silly. Hoping it’s as simple as the photo illustrates an incorrectly installed link.

See post #31, second photo where the sway bar meets the link... simple yes or No - is that “correct”
No. There is no way there should be a gap between the head of the disco and the sway bar. That would allow for movement and deterioration of both the bolt and the hole in the sway bar.
 

Sharkbite22

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
Threads
1
Messages
168
Reaction score
680
Location
NC
Vehicle(s)
2018 JL Sport
I just installed the Metalcloak disconnects today. They are long but very easy install and everything works great.

zKxJnA5.jpg


uQuglDm.jpg


xBBJlMk.jpg
 

tCub

Well-Known Member
First Name
Tyler
Joined
May 5, 2018
Threads
7
Messages
228
Reaction score
313
Location
Lakewood
Vehicle(s)
2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S JL, 2018 Renegade Latitude 4x4
I just installed the Metalcloak disconnects today. They are long but very easy install and everything works great.

zKxJnA5.jpg


uQuglDm.jpg


xBBJlMk.jpg
Is that too high of an angle??

I ordered my @RanchoShocks discos almost three weeks ago from 4 Wheel Parts. Still haven’t received them. They said they’re coming directly from Rancho..
Sponsored

 
 



Top