Suspension - stock to 3.5

[Unaweep]

I'm looking for a new front lift setup.

My Bronco rides pretty rough, it has a suspension lift from the late 80's or early 90's. I spoke with the previous owner who did all the work and it turns out the lift was a custom job...aka home made. No wonder I couldn't figure out who made it. Rides like a home made unit too.



My specs are to keep the current 33" tires and the vehicle needs to ride soft off road with about a 3.5 lift (I'm not really sure on the lift currently). My engine is the 351W, and the current front springs are not progressive (but the shocks are blown if that helps). Radius arms are stock, yea it dives a bit when braking too.

Its just a around downtown and local vehicle with trips to Moab and Rabbit Valley, etc... so I would prefer it ride softer offroad.

Any recommendations on a front set-up for softness?


Erik

[Justin]

I was very happy with my older Duff progressive springs. 11 leaf packs in the rear, with a high quality shock all around will make a difference. Bilstein 5100s are good bang for the buck, and can be purchased with Wild Horse's lift kits. Part of the rough ride may actually be the blown shocks. I used to have adjustable Ranchos and my rig rode a little better with the shock set stiffer. I think it was the shock controlling the rebound better, so you'd hit a bump and the spring would take a little longer to lift the rig back up. Or it was in my head, which is very possible.

[akaFrankCastle]

Or it was in my head, which is very possible.

It wasn't in your head. Since I swapped your old shocks into my truck, the ride has improved. I run them around 75% firm and it has improved things, even with the crappy old as dirt lift kit in my truck. Still, I'm looking forward to the WH coils and 11 pack going in with new Bilsteins.

[Unaweep]

That's a good idea to buy some new coils and new shocks and see how that works.

Erik

[Justin]

Honestly, I'd be tempted to just do shocks first unless the long term plan is a lift. Then I'd just save up and do it all at once.

[Unaweep]

Honestly, I'd be tempted to just do shocks first unless the long term plan is a lift. Then I'd just save up and do it all at once.

It's already lifted and I like the height, just rides really rough...but this suspension is 25 plus years old.

[Justin]

Gotcha. Does it have an add a leaf in the rear? That could be a major part too.

[Jesus_man]

Yes be concerned with rear springs too. I don't recall the measurement but if you measure the distance between top of axle tube and bottom of frame will determine how much lift. Someone with a better memory than I can tell you the stock measurement.

My guess is add a leaf and f150 coils...

[Gunnibronco]

Gotcha. Does it have an add a leaf in the rear? That could be a major part too.

Or a 5 leaf pack rear. Swapping mine to 11 leaf packs made a big difference.

Also, if you are running dual shocks, just run good singles. After running duals up front for 10 years, I pulled one off each front corner, and it softened up the ride, alot. Even though those shocks were pretty wasted, they added up to a very stiff front end.

[Unaweep]

I don't care what's in the back except the amount of lift, as I'm going to replace those springs and hangers. I know its old and droops and needs replacing.


If ya'll say 11 pack rear springs are the best riding, that's what I'll install.
Erik

[Unaweep]

Also, if you are running dual shocks, just run good singles. After running duals up front for 10 years, I pulled one off each front corner, and it softened up the ride, alot. Even though those shocks were pretty wasted, they added up to a very stiff front end.

It has attachment points for dual shocks, but only single James Duff shocks...probably 1989-90 era shocks. I'm guessing that age as the tires when I bought it were 35" BGF Muds from 1988 ( they lasted 8 miles and then popped while crossing the Colorado river bridge).



Eriki

[landshark]

Shocks make a HUGE difference in ride quality but with the age of everything in your suspension I would wager your coils are probably a factor as well. Shock and coil technology has come quite a way since the 80's and 90's. Coils are relatively cheap ($150 or so) - as others have mentioned the duff coils or I am a big fan of Deavers althrough they are a little softer than Duff, either one depending on what your goal is with the bronco the ride will be very nice. Also mentioned before - Bilstein 5100's ( or 5150's i think now?) are the way to go for base shocks.

[Jesus_man]

I'll love my 11 leaf pack. I think made by deaver. Bought mine from toms

[Unaweep]

Spoke to the previous owner. Bronco front end is from a 1976 Ford Bronco. They owner before him might of worked for James Duff in Washington, sounds cool.

I measured height from top of axel to frame on front end is 9.5", rear is 8.5". I'm not sure what the height is for stock or other lifts.

Sorry, I don't know why the pics went sideways..I can't seem to see them until after I post.

Like how the power steering pump keeps rust off the axel with its oil bath drip..:)

[ManTruck]

I have experience with a few set ups and the WH set up is awesome. It made a world of difference in everything. I know it's a big step and some $$$ but do the front first. The shocks and springs rock in my opinion. Mine is 3.5 with 1" body lift and 35 tires. I feel I have all around set up and would be hard pressed to change it up.

[Unaweep]

Can any of you give me a measurement and points of where measured so I can figure out my lift? I'm not sure how much lift I have, but I want to keep it the same amount of lift when rebuilding.

Erik

[Justin]

Ask and ye shall receive.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6622&p=61348&hilit=frame+axle+measurement#p61348

[Unaweep]

Thanks Justin!

Erik