Here at the Prototype Shop in Long Beach, Calif., Rancho Engineer Chris Batsch took the time to show us how to install the 2007 Rancho Rhino Long-Travel Suspension System.

The Rancho Rhino system features billet 6061 aluminum upper control 4-in. A-arms with contrast machining, HSLA steel lower control arms, exclusive self-lubricating control arm bushings, and high-strength tie rod ends and inner tie rod. This system is available for 2004-07 Yamaha Rhino models (p/n RS10001) and 2008-09 Yamaha Rhino models (p/n RS10011).

Let’s see how it is done:

To start the installation on the 2007 Rhino, begin by removing the caliper, wheel hub and steering knuckle. Be sure to wear eye protection during this installation!

Remove coil-over shock, then upper and lower control arms.

Remove the front axle and CV joint assembly. Now you’re ready to replace the axle shaft.

A. Remove boot clamps.
B. Remove circlip.
C. Remove inner CV.
D. Remove outer CV.

Now, transfer the reference marks to new axle shaft. Rancho has increased the length of the axle shaft to accommodate the system’s long-travel design.

Install components on new axle shaft.

Loosen and remove outer tie rod.

Unthread inner tie rod and remove from steering assembly.

Don’t forget to apply threadlock to new inner tie rod and install. Be sure not to overtighten!

Rancho’s suspension design includes highly engineered billet 6061 aluminum upper control arms with a contrast machined finish.

Assemble the upper control arm by attaching lower shock mount, male rod end and four bushings.

Place frame stiffener at front of frame rails and attach front and rear mount of upper control arm to the frame brackets.

Repeat the process with the lower control arm.

Re-install steering knuckle on outer CV shaft and attach Rancho’s precision high-strength rod ends with the high-misalignment sleeves.

Re-install brake shield, rotor and CV shaft nut.

A. Install adapter assembly on front shock absorber.
B. Place coil spring over shock absorber and install spring retainer.

Install front shock absorber assembly and adjust spring height with the supplied spanner wrench.

Attach reservoirs on front frame using the supplied clamps and self-tapping screws, then install the wheel. Repeat a similar process for the rear suspension.

Rancho recently participated as the main sponsor of the Reencuentro Del Jeep Show in Puerto Rico.

Over 2,500 jeeps and 10,000 people participated in a variety of exciting activities like Jeep Challenges that included an obstacle and mud crossing plus other off-road climbing and driving challenges.

Emilio Colon, president of Caribbean Parts Agency, narrated the entire event, and was able to get the crowd involved in different activities and competitions held at the main stage of the show.

Plans for the “4 x 4 Crossing The Island Road Trip” event have begun and will take place February of 2009.

Watch for more info about upcoming Rancho events!

Rancho takes the lead for aftermarket suspension companies participating in the Hummer Happening, Hermosillo, Sonora State, Mexico, on May 30 and 31. The Rancho-outfitted Hummers were driven through rough terrains - some of the toughest mountain, sand, mud and stone driving in Northwestern Mexico - during the two-day event.

Organized by Hummer dealers, the Hummer Happening allowed Hummer owners to experience the power of their vehicles (and Rancho suspensions!). Rancho had several Hummers at the event, outfitted with its newest suspension system.

Watch for more info about upcoming Rancho events!

Rancho participated in Mexico’s off-road series, the ‘Serie Caem Rancho Challenge,’ June 28 and 29 in Nayarit, Mexico. This event was the third of four stages during 2008.

About 300 people attended the track portion of the event, a total of 23 teams participated in the event and more than 1,000 people attended the stands of the sponsoring brands. The excitement of the event was covered by three local TV stations as well as Off-Road magazines and 4×4 publications!

Be sure to watch for more information about the rest of the series and get ready for the next big event- Yuretzio Cup in Michoacan State, August 11 through 17.

During the weekend of June 13, the Jeep Concentration event introduced Rancho products in Puerto Rico. The event, celebrated in Adjuntas, started at 8 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m. 563 jeeps took part in the event!

Enthusiasts from all over the island gathered to see all of the different kinds of jeeps and 4×4 vehicles. A promo tour of Rancho, DynoMax and Thrush products took place during the event.

Emilio Colon, president of Caribbean Parts Agency, said they took the opportunity to talk about Rancho products and exhibit the Rancho Jeep and the complete system they have on it.

The crowd was entertained by playing different games, participating in skills competitions and dancing. Tenneco raffled two Rancho RS 5000 series shocks to two lucky winners.

Watch for monthly Jeep activities and events!