66 Bronco Project

[totalchaos]

Well id like to get as much flex as i can and supposedly those monster lifts are suppose to be pretty good..I'm running 36s right now and she squats dow on them pretty good guess ill install the lift first and see how its gonna look and feel and if I need more put the body lift in

[Jesus_man]

Generally higher lifts don't flex as much simply because to gain that lift, more arch is put into the springs. The flatter the spring, the more they flex. If it's a lot of flex you want, you might consider 4-linking the rear. Or do a reverse radius arm setup. Not as easy as bolting on a set of leaf springs, but I fear you'd be very unhappy going with that much lift. Another thing to do is a shackle reversal. Oh and don't forget about those spring rockers from BC's. They give you great flex and 2"of lift.

Not to mention center of gravity. There is a big reason that low COG and big tires are so popular and same for high clearance fenders on our inferior counterparts (heeps). You get your rig up that high even if the springs flex well, you'll still feel unstable. The shackle will only allow that spring to compress and extend so far anyway.

Are you opposed to cutting your fenders out more? That's the direction I'd go... No more than 3-4" of suspension and 1-2 of body, especially on a rig that will see some technical wheeling.

J.D.

[crawlercreations]

I have to agree with jesus on the height and flex issue. I am running 5.5 of suspension lift with no body lift at all and I clear 37s. They rub at full tuck but just a little. I have a A LOT of flex too. I 4 linked my rear to achieve lowish lift with tons of travel. If you look through my build thread you can get an idea of my suspension travel. My next set of tires is going to be 40s. I will not be lifting it any higher to put them on, in fact I may lower it an inch! It will still have more than enough suspension travel and a great center of gravity.

[totalchaos]

I have to agree with jesus on the height and flex issue. I am running 5.5 of suspension lift with no body lift at all and I clear 37s. They rub at full tuck but just a little. I have a A LOT of flex too. I 4 linked my rear to achieve lowish lift with tons of travel. If you look through my build thread you can get an idea of my suspension travel. My next set of tires is going to be 40s. I will not be lifting it any higher to put them on, in fact I may lower it an inch! It will still have more than enough suspension travel and a great center of gravity.

Yeah you guys got a point I just dont want to have to cut my fenders out anymore then they are cuz I have a nice set of flairs on them Id hate to have to lose..crawler I saw your vid on utube some time back I think you were at one of the waterfalls at independance if I remember right and I just happened to catch a look at the coils in the rear of your ride is that custom that you built or is that an actual kit you installed? I was talking to the guys from james duff about there 4 link kit and the guy i was talking to had that 4 link set up in his rig said its an awesome kit but if he was going to drive it on the road more he would have went with the 5.5 monster kit with the leaves in the rear just because it was easier to control on the highway..my rig will be for both what do you think about that? I dont necessarily have to run 36s I also have a set of 35s just thought the bigger the tire the more the clearance I was also thinking about throwing some 2 inch spacers on the axles to kick the tires out more as well make it more stable but once again dont want to eat fender lol..I dont know keep the ideas coming Im all ears

[totalchaos]

Generally higher lifts don't flex as much simply because to gain that lift, more arch is put into the springs. The flatter the spring, the more they flex. If it's a lot of flex you want, you might consider 4-linking the rear. Or do a reverse radius arm setup. Not as easy as bolting on a set of leaf springs, but I fear you'd be very unhappy going with that much lift. Another thing to do is a shackle reversal. Oh and don't forget about those spring rockers from BC's. They give you great flex and 2"of lift.

Not to mention center of gravity. There is a big reason that low COG and big tires are so popular and same for high clearance fenders on our inferior counterparts (heeps). You get your rig up that high even if the springs flex well, you'll still feel unstable. The shackle will only allow that spring to compress and extend so far anyway.

Are you opposed to cutting your fenders out more? That's the direction I'd go... No more than 3-4" of suspension and 1-2 of body, especially on a rig that will see some technical wheeling.

J.D.

good point never really thought about that so you think I should go with like 3-4 inches of suspension? I think thats what I already have under there hell maybe I can save some money and just install the body lift that I have sitting in the garage and call her good for this season and see how she does if it sucks and dont flex the way I want it change it out this winter...just figured I was changing out the front axle might as well put in a new fresh susp lift in too while I had the cash coming in..think its got a rancho or rough country in it now at least thats the shock that it has in it..I liked that 5.5 cuz it came with some longer radius arms thats suppose to allow it to flex more..maybe I should just buy the set of longer radius arms and just install them..

[totalchaos]

Generally higher lifts don't flex as much simply because to gain that lift, more arch is put into the springs. The flatter the spring, the more they flex. If it's a lot of flex you want, you might consider 4-linking the rear. Or do a reverse radius arm setup. Not as easy as bolting on a set of leaf springs, but I fear you'd be very unhappy going with that much lift. Another thing to do is a shackle reversal. Oh and don't forget about those spring rockers from BC's. They give you great flex and 2"of lift.

Not to mention center of gravity. There is a big reason that low COG and big tires are so popular and same for high clearance fenders on our inferior counterparts (heeps). You get your rig up that high even if the springs flex well, you'll still feel unstable. The shackle will only allow that spring to compress and extend so far anyway.

Are you opposed to cutting your fenders out more? That's the direction I'd go... No more than 3-4" of suspension and 1-2 of body, especially on a rig that will see some technical wheeling.

J.D.

good point never really thought about that so you think I should go with like 3-4 inches of suspension? I think thats what I already have under there hell maybe I can save some money and just install the body lift that I have sitting in the garage and call her good for this season and see how she does if it sucks and dont flex the way I want it change it out this winter...just figured I was changing out the front axle might as well put in a new fresh susp lift in too while I had the cash coming in..think its got a rancho or rough country in it now at least thats the shock that it has in it..I liked that 5.5 cuz it came with some longer radius arms thats suppose to allow it to flex more..maybe I should just buy the set of longer radius arms and just install them..

also what do you guys think of that hoop dual front shock set up? I have singles in the front now do you think the dual is neccesary?

[totalchaos]

Got a half cage

[Jesus_man]

A properly setup 4-link will do just fine on the highway. I would imagine anything off the shelf has a lot of compromises built into it so that it can be put on any bronco. But if you do you own, and do all the math right, it should be better than a leaf spring.

Dual shocks are not necessary. Properly valved shocks are. I wouldn't waste your time. If you don't have them already, the F-250 shock towers work great and are cheap!

I'll admit, I don't know much about the springs are you talking about, but I'd certainly be asking for flex pictures of other broncos. A friend of mine and I took two leafs out of each side of his 5.5" leaf pack to get it to flex better. Don't recall who's springs they were, although WH does ring a bell

BTW your fenders are cut pretty good. You already have a fair bit of clearance. Maybe get the suspension you want, and flex it out and see if you have clearance for larger tires.

Bigger tires do perform better without a doubt. But how hardcore do you plan to get? I see you are doing body work so I assume you're not looking at denting up that nice sheetmetal anytime soon. 35's will do most of the trails around here without much chance of getting body damage. You'd need rocker guards.

On a budget, I think 3.5" flexy springs and 2" of body lift with longer radius arms are a great way to go. If you are looking for more flex in the rear, go with 1.5" springs and spring rockers from BC's.

In the end, it's your rig. You do with it what you want. But if you know what you want from your bronco in the end, we will do our best to get you there the best way possible.

The cage looks great!

[totalchaos]

Cool I appreciate the info think what ill do for now is istall this 2 inch body lift and see what the suspension that's on it will do..I got the bronco in the shop Sunday morning and getting the paint and body done only an 800 dollar job so it won't hurt to bad to beat it up today I ran up and got almost all my power steering goodies thanks to aka frankcastle u the man! I also got myself a back seat along with belt, front race seats with harnesses, a rear tire rack, winch bumper, and a pretty good set of 35 inch bfg muds, ordered up my brake booster, quarter guards, and im getting ready to yank the dana 44 with disc brakes out of my donor bronco and putting it in my 66.. looks like i might just get her done by mid july hopefully

[totalchaos]

Stopped in today to check on my bronco in the shop its looking good body work is almost done and the whole passenger side is primed and straight should be sprayed early next week then I can take it back home and start throwing parts at it Ill post some pics when I get it back Im pretty excited to see what it looks like with a nice paint job on it and no dents!

[Entourage]

Thats exciting - seems like your project is moving along. Who is painting it and have you picked a color?

[totalchaos]

Thats exciting - seems like your project is moving along. Who is painting it and have you picked a color?

I have a guy in la junta painting it he works as a painter in a body shop and does his own work on the side so should turn out decent and I just went with that bright ford blue I was going to go with in the first place I have a ton of parts on the way just waiting to get it back so I can start putting it together...wont be long now and it will be on the street finally!

[totalchaos]

Making huge progress!! just went in saturday and looked at the bronco at the paint booth and the body works all done and its in primer just needs to be wet sanded and painted should be done in a day or so...really awesome feeling to see her all straight and looking good..Got all my parts in just waiting for the bronco to come home so i can get to work...I estimate it being on the road in hopefully 2 weeks..got a long list of things to do including
Installing 2 inch body lift
installing brake booster
axle swap dana 44 with disc brakes
installing power steering,rear quarter rock guards,fabing a rear bumper, building a prerunner for my winch bumper
finish up on my roll cage , installing harnesses, front and rear seats, a new b@m star shifter,new rear shock brackets,and a new set of wheels..then fabing a light bar off the windshield frame..lets just say theres a little work to do but Im highly motivated!! Heres some pics of her in primer..and Ill keep posting pics of the progress

[cobshane]

It's going to be one mean machine for sure!

[totalchaos]

It's going to be one mean machine for sure!

Yeah I hope so

[Entourage]

Exciting that it is coming together so fast. I am really excited to see the color! Really nice work.

[socofn]

Totalchaos, your progress is killing me. It looks GREAT, I am so jealous. I would like to know who did the body work and paint in La Junta. I am like you in that I am not looking for a perfect paint job just better that what I have. Good luck and congratulations. JP

[totalchaos]

Totalchaos, your progress is killing me. It looks GREAT, I am so jealous. I would like to know who did the body work and paint in La Junta. I am like you in that I am not looking for a perfect paint job just better that what I have. Good luck and congratulations. JP

If anyone would like a paint job i definetly recomend this guy and he said i can give out his name and number if anyones interested its fair priced and good work.. and thanks alot

[Jesus_man]

Awesome! Boy, that's a long list of things to do, and I really hope you meet your goal of two weeks! Keep taking pictures, not only to share, but also for records and memories!

J.D.

[totalchaos]

Awesome! Boy, that's a long list of things to do, and I really hope you meet your goal of two weeks! Keep taking pictures, not only to share, but also for records and memories!

J.D.

Yeah gonna be alot of work hopefully i can get it done..he has to keep it for a couple more days hes going to shoot undercoat under the whole vehicle before he s on the paint.. he said it will be completely done by friday..taking a little longer then I expected but he's doing a good job so its worth the wait..and yeah Ill definetly take alot of pictures..

[totalchaos]

Just got finished fabin up my bumper just took a stock bronco winch bumper and welded a prerunner on it..made it look alot better just need to sand it down and paint it now..then start the rear bumper

[socofn]

NICE bumper. JP

[totalchaos]

NICE bumper. JP

Thanks I hope it looks good on the bronco..guess we'll find out

[totalchaos]

started faben up the cage rear section anyway..think Ill throw a v in the very center back for more stability this is my first attempt at building anything on the cage so I hope it turns out good just have everything tacked into place at the moment and Ill have a friend do the real welding..does anyone have an idea on how high the harness bar needs to be behind the seat? mid back maybe?

[Jesus_man]

Looks like a good start. The harness should be attached 1" below the top of your shoulder. That so that's where I'd put the center of the bar.

Might consider some bars overhead, but put a bend in them to gain headroom, but not so much you can't put the top on.

[totalchaos]

Looks like a good start. The harness should be attached 1" below the top of your shoulder. That so that's where I'd put the center of the bar.

Might consider some bars overhead, but put a bend in them to gain headroom, but not so much you can't put the top on.

Yeah the plan is to run 2 more bent bars in the center and then run some plating on them to mount my cb we'll see how that works out..seems like my harnesses are long enough to go through the seat and to the floor of my bronco..i guess if i dont attach it to the bar i could put a bar there and run the harness through the seat then through a clip on the bar and down..not sure this is my first set of harnesses..they are 4 point if i had my bronco home it would make this so much easier..but tomorrows the day!

[Entourage]

Bumper and Cage turned out great! Keep the pics coming!

[Rox Crusher]

Looks like a good start. The harness should be attached 1" below the top of your shoulder. That so that's where I'd put the center of the bar.

Might consider some bars overhead, but put a bend in them to gain headroom, but not so much you can't put the top on.

Yeah the plan is to run 2 more bent bars in the center and then run some plating on them to mount my cb we'll see how that works out..seems like my harnesses are long enough to go through the seat and to the floor of my bronco..i guess if i dont attach it to the bar i could put a bar there and run the harness through the seat then through a clip on the bar and down..not sure this is my first set of harnesses..they are 4 point if i had my bronco home it would make this so much easier..but tomorrows the day!

You really don't want to anchor the harness anywhere below your shoulders as that would compress your spine. You want the harness to hold your legs and waist DOWN and the shoulder straps to pull and hold your torso BACK into the seat.

[Jesus_man]

You really don't want to anchor the harness anywhere below your shoulders as that would compress your spine. You want the harness to hold your legs and waist DOWN and the shoulder straps to pull and hold your torso BACK into the seat.

Yep - thanks! If you don't want to cut the excess off your shoulder straps, just wind them up and leave them hang. If you do cut it, make sure you leave yourself a fair bit of slack in case you ever need to adjust, but melt the ends to keep them from fraying. And it would help to cut them at an angle should you need to feed them back thru the buckles someday.

J.D.

[totalchaos]

Looks like a good start. The harness should be attached 1" below the top of your shoulder. That so that's where I'd put the center of the bar.

Might consider some bars overhead, but put a bend in them to gain headroom, but not so much you can't put the top on.

Yeah the plan is to run 2 more bent bars in the center and then run some plating on them to mount my cb we'll see how that works out..seems like my harnesses are long enough to go through the seat and to the floor of my bronco..i guess if i dont attach it to the bar i could put a bar there and run the harness through the seat then through a clip on the bar and down..not sure this is my first set of harnesses..they are 4 point if i had my bronco home it would make this so much easier..but tomorrows the day!

You really don't want to anchor the harness anywhere below your shoulders as that would compress your spine. You want the harness to hold your legs and waist DOWN and the shoulder straps to pull and hold your torso BACK into the seat.

ok makes sense thanks