(UPDATE from EIBACH) Lots of Wrong Info Here re: Eibach Stage 1?

[lazynorse]

UPDATE 3.11.24. Eibach responded to my email inquiry, if the Pro Truck Stage 1 suspension kit needs aftermarket UCAs to accommodate the front 3" lift. Their exact response,

Typically at 3" of lift you are fine with the OE upper control arms. This shouldn't matter with either the Stage 1 or Stage 2 if you are at 3" of lift.

- Team Eibach


After a ton of research and YouTube and shop consultation, I've committed to Eibach Pro Truck Stage 1 kit, plus Icon leaf springs for a true lift rather than a front level.

I've seen multiple citations here of people speaking, incorrectly I believe, on various heights the Stage 1 accommodates. From Eibach and their Ranger-specific info, the front lift starts at 3." It is no less than 3." You can choose the next higher ring for 3.75" then the other rings they warn 'do not use.'

I've seen reports here claiming Stage 1 kits and setting under 3" of lift. I guess the only way to do that is to use OEM springs, and not the Eibach ones that come with the Stage 1 kit. What would be the point then, other than to achieve less than 3" lift?

Honestly, I'd rather have 2-2.5" of lift but to get less than 3" from Eibach, I have to pay $400 more for their adjustable coil over Stage 2 kit, which has the exact same performance as the Stage 1, just adjustable and more expensive.

Also crossing fingers I need no UCAs. Eibach doesn't say its needed on their Stage 1 kit, and since I'm also lifting the rear another inch or so, I understand back lift 'relieves' the front alignment more than not lifting the back at all. I guess I'll see on that. I wonder where the conventional wisdom comes from for 'UCAs needed over 3" of lift.' Ford doesn't say that, I only see it here but that's repeated in oral tradition. And by 'over 3" ' I assume at 3" is good. Assuming..

Anyway, making a couple observations here and I'd like to get to the bottom of it, lol.

Oh, last bit of context.. after upgrading to Firestone C Load Destination XT in a 255/75/17 (32"), the truck has performed admirably, including circumstances necessitating 4 Lo and rear locker. Rollover and breakover, approach and departure got a little dicey, so that's what I'm hoping to improve with this lift. Function over form.

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[Colo_Ranger]

UCAs are recommended at 3" of lift because of the angle of components in the front. Aftermarket UCAs allow for more adjustment in getting the alignment back in spec. There is some adjustments that would be 'out of spec' for factory, but can aid in quality of driving.

For example, the caster helps a vehicle track straight.

Positive caster will allow the wheels to return to straight easier than negative or nuetral caster. UCAs will give you more adjustability.

Also, the OR UCAs limit down travel when flexed out, so its good to have if you off-road.


Leaf springs shouldn't have any impact on alignment of the front, except maybe the caster angle being slightly different. Camber and toe are not impacted by the height of the rear.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

I'd say the discrepancy comes from which front setup people go with... One is +3 the other is 0-3.75 (had to verify after I posted)

 

[Joeiconic]

Honestly, I'd rather have 2-2.5" of lift but to get less than 3" from Eibach, I have to pay $400 more for their adjustable coil over Stage 2 kit, which has the exact same performance as the Stage 1, just adjustable and more expensive.

Why buy something that doesn’t give you the lift you want? Get the Bilstein 5100’s and you can get the lift you prefer. The Eibach’s and Bilstein’s get equally good reviews by Ranger owners.

 

[Tincan]

Have you tried reaching out to Eibach directly? They're super responsive - I had a question about their Stage 2 and they got back to me within an hour.

For what it's worth, when I installed the Stage 2, the fronts were around 2/2.5. Comfort-wise, they've been incredible. Got rid of the body roll from the FX4s but still eats up the big stuff when you're going quick. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

Edit: Also, if you're installing yourself - the Stage 2s come assembled with the springs already on... definitely helpful!

 

[Gibs45]

Have you tried reaching out to Eibach directly? They're super responsive - I had a question about their Stage 2 and they got back to me within an hour.

For what it's worth, when I installed the Stage 2, the fronts were around 2/2.5. Comfort-wise, they've been incredible. Got rid of the body roll from the FX4s but still eats up the big stuff when you're going quick. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

Edit: Also, if you're installing yourself - the Stage 2s come assembled with the springs already on... definitely helpful!

Truck is looking good Mr. Tincan, whoever you are ?

 

[got3fords]

You can get 0-3" just by going with the Eibach pro truck shocks. Just use stock coils. I am very happy with mine. Didn't want lift, just a little level, set mine at 1.5".

 

[2021Ranger]

If you go with the icon rear leaf kit make sure you drill a hole in that one spring that does not have the spring cushion or it will squeak. I added F150 cushions.

 

[Fx4ranger2019Larait]

If you go with the icon rear leaf kit make sure you drill a hole in that one spring that does not have the spring cushion or it will squeak. I added F150 cushions.

Could you send a few more pictures of the hole drilled and part numbers (F150 Cushions)? I greased icon leaf pack when originally installed and added supplied cushions but it still squeaks. I haven’t heard of adding F150 cushions until this post I’d like to do the same just want to see some pictures of you have any thanks.

 

[Todd Chapin]

My pro truck 2.0 were adjusted at 2.5" from the factory. Although not required I have Icon UCA they made a big difference as well when paired with the struts Also notable they are adjustable once installed with the supplied spanner which others are not. Have 30k on mine and they were worth every penny.

 

[Glocker]

I'm running the Eibach ProTruck kit with the spring "perch" ring, or whatever you want to call it, set to the 3.75" position for maximum lift. The same weekend we installed the Eibach kit, I also installed an ARB Summit bumper with a Warn Evo 10S winch. Based on our measurements, we figured that with the weight of the bumper and winch, I lost .25" of that 3.75" of lift. I'll bet that's probably settled a little bit more, even now.

I also had the slightest touch of reverse rake to my truck, even with the weight of the bumper. I ended up adding a set of AutoSpring Add-a-Leaf to the rear of my truck, which really gave me a nice, even stance and helped with my boat towing.

After some time, I ended up adding a diff. drop kit to my truck to just mellow the CV angles. I was doing a fair amount of trail driving and just didn't want to risk adding extra stress to the CVs.

My truck has proven to me it's very capable with this setup, and I've run it a lot on the road and trail without any issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me!

 

[lazynorse]

Why buy something that doesn’t give you the lift you want? Get the Bilstein 5100’s and you can get the lift you prefer. The Eibach’s and Bilstein’s get equally good reviews by Ranger owners.

Fair point, my research - hours of it, lol - suggests Eibach are more forgiving in the stiffness category and are routinely described, by customers and retailers as 'between Fox and Bilstein' for on and offroad comfort. So, I'd prefer that, pretty sure.

The other kicker, the offroad shop I'm ordering everything from, including install suggested I save my money on the Stage 2 and go with Stage 1 instead, a $400+ difference. They assured its the same spring and shock, just using OEM top hat. Asked how often I would actually adjust shocks - zero was my answer. They said nearly no customers do, and to be happy with 3" lift (since I'm lifting the rear some with the Icon leafs), which will have almost no detectable difference from a 2" or 2.5." They could've talked me into spending more money but went the other way, a sign of honesty and experience, hopefully.

Khaotic 4x4 in Tacoma, WA, btw.

Other thought.. wonder how much the front shocks/springs settle, if at all, with no aftermarket bumper or winch. They must settle a little bit, but of course the alignment happens when they're new. Anyway, I'm no stranger to picking lines offroad but so far AT tires have been my mod of choice, for both this truck and my abused Subarus over 20 years, lol. I guess I'll find out if my logic and others' guidance pays off.

 

[lazynorse]

UPDATE. Eibach responded to my email inquiry, if the Pro Truck Stage 1 suspension kit needs aftermarket UCAs to accommodate the front 3" lift. I provided them all make/model details for my FX4. Their exact response,

Typically at 3" of lift you are fine with the OE upper control arms. This shouldn't matter with either the Stage 1 or Stage 2 if you are at 3" of lift.

- Team Eibach

I'm assuming Eibach designed these around an actual Ford Ranger. Hopefully this email helps me if for some reason the shop can't align properly and I need to get UCAs. Maybe I can waive this email in Eibach's face for a deep discount on their UCAs if I have to resort to them, and another shop install fee. Wishful thinking on a worse case scenario.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

That word "typically" is an interesting way of saying you may not, but you might need them, but we aren't going to tell you for sure either way... ?

 

[Colo_Ranger]

That word "typically" is an interesting way of saying you may not, but you might need them, but we aren't going to tell you for sure either way... ?

Extremely non-committal.

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