Street Broncos - Suspension feedback and general tips

Heus33 · Aug 27, 2010

My Bronco has gone from "rides pretty okay" to "wow, I can't believe this drives so well!" ;D Just thought I'd share my current setup and feedback.

Year: 76
Factory power steering (inverted Y), and power brakes

Coils: 2.5" Deaver Super Flex coils (from JBG)
---> http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13205-super-flex-coil-springs-2-csh08.html

Shocks: Bilstein 5100 series (one per corner)
---> BE5-6528-H6 FRONT
---> BE5-6253-H5 REAR
---> Got mine from www.shockwarehouse.com

Springs: Older Ranchos (kinda stiff)

Front Sway Bar (Addco #147)
---> This can be found on eBay for about $150

All new bushings (14 piece bushing kit from Duffs, 7* C bushings on stock radius arms).
---> http://www.jamesduff.com/eb/bushing.html
---> instructions on how to install: http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144905

Tires at 35psi (275/60/20 Cooper Discoverer tires)

Truck drives and handles great. The soft coils soak up a lot of the bumps and the sway bar really REALLY keeps the truck planted and feeling secure. I no longer feel like its "floating" and don't have to correct my steering nearly as much. I'm also running a steering stabilizer.

I am VERY happy with this setup. If anyone is looking for a good street suspension, this is my recommendation. Feel free to ask any questions. FYI there is more info in my build thread below.

Justafordguy · Aug 27, 2010

Tom,
What Addco sway bar did you end up using? Do you have a part number. I really need to order something ASAP.

Thanks,

G

Heus33 · Aug 27, 2010

Justafordguy said:
Tom,
What Addco sway bar did you end up using? Do you have a part number. I really need to order something ASAP.

Thanks,

G

As far as I know there's only one that will fit the Bronco (I think its #147 but don't quote me on this). I got mine slightly used from a member here. Here's a link to one that Summit sells (this looks just like mine): http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-147/?rtype=10

If someone can confirm that 147 is the right part number for the Addco bar I'll update my original post.

FYI , they're cheaper on eBay

sprdv1 · Aug 27, 2010

Great info & specs Tom, thank you!

73stallion · Aug 27, 2010

i'm installing a set of addco sway bars tomorrow, can get pics for you when installed. part number 147 for the front, and number 218 for the rear.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-147/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-218/

Heus33 · Aug 27, 2010

Thanks Ben - I've updated my original post with the correct p/n

Madgyver · Aug 27, 2010

73stallion said:
i'm installing a set of addco sway bars tomorrow, can get pics for you when installed. part number 147 for the front, and number 218 for the rear.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-147/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-218/

Ben, I'm interested on how this works out for you.
Post another thread in the tech section so that we could follow it.

Justafordguy · Aug 27, 2010

Thanks for the info on the Addco. I'll wait and see how yours work out and then I'll get some ordered. I have heard that the front really makes a big difference but do you guys think the rear will make much difference? Pictures of the install would be awesome.

rdv350 · Aug 28, 2010

What coil springs did you have before the superflex? Did you replace your rear springs?

Thanks for you post this is exactly what I was planning on doing with my bronco.

Heus33 · Aug 28, 2010

Justafordguy said:
Thanks for the info on the Addco. I'll wait and see how yours work out and then I'll get some ordered. I have heard that the front really makes a big difference but do you guys think the rear will make much difference? Pictures of the install would be awesome.

Here are some pics of my Addco. I only have the front installed and its night and day compared to what was previously on there. Install was easy. I had to remove my header to allow access to get the holes drilled for the frame mount.

Heus33 · Aug 28, 2010

rdv350 said:
What coil springs did you have before the superflex? Did you replace your rear springs?

Thanks for you post this is exactly what I was planning on doing with my bronco.

Before the Super Flex coils I had old Ranchos - they were super stiff so there was no need for a front sway bar (but I felt ever bump in the road).

I did not replace my rear springs. They are stiffer than some of the other options out there but I chose not to upgrade. Since they are stiffer I don't plan on running a rear sway bar.

jdamach1 · Aug 28, 2010

Justafordguy said:
Thanks for the info on the Addco. I'll wait and see how yours work out and then I'll get some ordered. I have heard that the front really makes a big difference but do you guys think the rear will make much difference?

I've been thinking about this for some time too, so I'll be following this thread. I have the same question on the rear sway bar, is it necessary?
Thanks guys

av bronco · Aug 28, 2010

I have the Addaco front/rear setup, day and night diffrence for me.

Louie · Aug 28, 2010

Interesting. After new suspensions, bushings & shocks, my Broncos (6 different Broncos over a period of years) have never had a sway problem.

I even took an Addco front sway bar off one that a PO put on and then sold it! The problem was that the Bronco had a piece of crap suspension on it. Once I had the new Wild Horses SL on it it rode the way it should....although maybe the way "it should" is debatable???

Louie · Aug 28, 2010

Heus33 said:
I did not replace my rear springs. They are stiffer than some of the other options out there but I chose not to upgrade. Since they are stiffer I don't plan on running a rear sway bar.

You'll like it EVEN MORE once you get modern rear springs

Heus33 · Aug 29, 2010

Louie said:
Interesting. After new suspensions, bushings & shocks, my Broncos (6 different Broncos over a period of years) have never had a sway problem.

I even took an Addco front sway bar off one that a PO put on and then sold it! The problem was that the Bronco had a piece of crap suspension on it. Once I had the new Wild Horses SL on it it rode the way it should....although maybe the way "it should" is debatable???

I think you nailed it Louie. Ultimately it will come down to each Bronco's suspension/engine/weight combination. My setup uses very soft coils so I had body roll (almost by design). The sway bar allows me to keep a soft ride and still feel stable.

Justafordguy · Sep 7, 2010

I can't tell from the pictures but did your front axle have the factory sway bar brackets welded on? If so do they get in the way of the after-market sway bar brackets?

Heus33 · Sep 7, 2010

Justafordguy said:
I can't tell from the pictures but did your front axle have the factory sway bar brackets welded on? If so do they get in the way of the after-market sway bar brackets?

Yes - I had the factory bracket on the passenger side (no bracket on the drivers side). I used a cut off wheel to cut the spot welds down then smacked the bracket with a BFH and it came right off.

NYLES · Sep 7, 2010

Bc front coils, Toms 10 pack rear, Blisten 5125's all way around couldnt ask it to ride much better.....this is after the teeth rattling superlift superstiff stuff....rides way way better!

stonecrusher tie rods ....good stuff!

Justafordguy · Nov 15, 2010

Heus33 said:
Yes - I had the factory bracket on the passenger side (no bracket on the drivers side). I used a cut off wheel to cut the spot welds down then smacked the bracket with a BFH and it came right off.

I did finally get my sway bars installed. I had to cut off the factory bracket also. The front was easy but the rear was a pain. My exhaust was in the way so it took a little figurin. It does ride much better now. I think I need different shocks and then I'll be good to go. Everyone says Bilstiens but I don't know if I want to spend that much.;D

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