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Ford Wieck
2011 Ford Super Duty
The 2011 Ford Super Duty adds several off-road control features, including Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control(TM) and Electronic Locking Differential. (09/24/09)
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 1
Preparing your vehicle
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 2
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 3
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 4
Bump stop spacer installation
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 7
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 5
Coil spring installation
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 6
Brake hose drop bracket installation
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 8
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 9
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Illustration 10
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
Kit in box
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How to Install a Rancho Levelling Kit
RS6525B parts
Rancho Suspensions
A new leveling kit can improve the stance of your vehicle and give you greater ground clearance, allowing you to install larger tires on your truck and go places a stock suspension simply won’t take you.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to install Rancho’s RS6525B leveling kit on a 2011-12 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, including 1- and ¾-ton diesel models, raising the front of the truck 2.5 inches and fitting up to 35-in. tires. To complete the install, you will also need a Rancho coil spring kit, no. RS80116B.
“This leveling kit maintains the vehicle’s geometry with the exclusive competition tubular radius arms that add exceptional strength and stability to the suspension system,” said Chris Gauss, national sales manager, performance brands, Tenneco.
Before installing this system, it’s a good idea to have the alignment and frame checked by a technician. The alignment must be within factory specifications and the frame of the vehicle must be in good condition (no cracks, damage or corrosion).
Rancho recommends using only Rancho parts with a Rancho suspension system. The components in your system were specially designed for each other, so your vehicle’s performance—and your safety—depends on using them as instructed.
Here’s a list of some of the tools and supplies you’ll need:
- Ford Service Manual
- Right Angle Drill
- 9/32” Drill
- Torque Wrench (250 FT-LB capacity)
- 1/2" Drive Ratchet and Sockets
- 1/2" Drive Breaker Bar
- Combination Wrenches
- Heavy Duty Jack Stands
- Hydraulic Floor Jack (2)
- Wheel Chocks (wooden blocks)
- Center Punch
- Hammer
- Wire Brush (to clean bracket mounting surfaces)
- Tape Measure
- Safety Glasses--Wear safety glasses at all times
You will also need to purchase coil spring kit RS80116B for a complete installation.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Make sure you’re parked on a level surface. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels to ensure the vehicle won’t roll. Next, disconnect the sway bar end links from the sway bar and axle brackets. Be sure to save all original hardware, because you will be using some of it later.
Raise the front of your vehicle and support the frame with jack stands. At this point you can remove the front wheels, disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the lower spring, and if your vehicle is equipped with a vacuum hose from the axle hub and frame, disconnect it. Repeat on the other side. (Illustration 1)
Radius Arm Removal and Installation
To install Rancho’s radius arms, begin by supporting the front axle with two floor jacks, one under each coil spring. Now you’re ready to remove the front shock absorbers. Carefully lower the axle enough to relieve the tension on the coil springs, and tie or prop the front axle up so it isn’t hanging from any cables, lines or hoses. (Illustration 2)
Using a ratchet and deep socket, remove the bolt that holds the lower spring seat to the axle, and then remove the coil spring and lower seat as an assembly. Do the same on the other side. Support both radius arms with jack stands. Remove the rear mounting bolts and lower the radius arms out of the frame brackets. (Illustration 3)
Always support at least one radius arm from the front axle jack stand to keep the axle from rotating downward. Remove the driver side radius arm from the front axle.
In addition to adding exceptional strength and stability, Rancho designed these radius arms to conveniently bolt directly onto the original mounting locations without cutting or welding, so be sure to keep the original hardware. Start on the driver’s side and loosely attach the radius arm to the front axle. Use the original hardware and the 18mm nut from the kit. Remove the passenger side radius arm from the front axle. Loosely attach the right radius arm to the front axle on the passenger side using the truck’s original hardware. Lift the radius arms into the frame brackets and install the original bolts and nuts. Do not tighten them until vehicle is at normal ride height.
Bump Stop Spacer Installation
(Illustration 4) (Illustration 7)
To install the bump stop spacer, remove the bump stop from the frame bracket. Then remove the bracket from the frame rail and insert your spacer between the frame rail and the bracket, aligning the tab on bracket with the hole in the spacer. Attach the bump stop bracket to the spacer and frame rail with the 8 mm bolt and smaller washer from the kit. Tighten the bolt. Install the larger washer and 8mm nut on top and tighten the nut. Finally, insert the bump stop into the bracket. Move to the other side and repeat.
Coil Spring Installation
You’ll need your coil spring kit for this part of the installation. To begin the coil spring installation, install the original rubber washer on top of your new coil springs from kit RS80116B. Align the pigtail and install the lower spring seat on the bottom of the coil spring. Next, insert the coil spring assembly into the upper bracket and onto the front axle. Reattach the lower spring seat and repeat on the other side. Carefully raise the axle until the springs are snug. Install your new front shock absorbers. Do not lift your truck off the jack stands. (Illustration 5)
Re-attach the brake line brackets to the lower spring seats. If your vehicle is equipped with the vacuum hose to the axle vent, reconnect it and readjust the vacuum hose clips as necessary. Reconnect the ABS wires to the lower spring seat and attach the wires to radius arms with tie wraps.
Brake Hose Drop Bracket installation
(Illustration 6) Attach the brake hose to the drop bracket with the hardware from your kit. Using the original bolt and location, attach brake hose drop bracket to the frame rail. Tighten all nuts and bolts securely and repeat for the other side.
(Illustration 8) (Illustration 9) (Illustration 10)
Final Checks and Adjustments
Before you take your vehicle out, perform the following checks to make sure you’ve installed everything correctly. Turn the front wheels completely to the left, then right. Confirm that you have enough tire, wheel and brake hose clearance. Inspect the steering and suspension for tightness and proper operation. Ensure that the brakes are operating correctly. If new brake hoses were installed, verify that each hose allows for full suspension movement. Readjust your headlamps and have your vehicle aligned at a certified alignment facility.
Now that you’ve installed your leveling kit, the difference in performance is obvious. But the truck’s suspension is now even from front to back, giving it a stronger stance and a tougher look. Go ahead; leave the road in your dust.