Linear vs Progressive set ups

[NYC Bronco]

Looking to do some winter upgrades and I want the crowds thoughts on this: I have a '76, 302, C4 Auto, 31x10.5 on 15 wheels. I mostly drive in the street with some light beach or field driving (fishing/hunting type access). ostly cruising on the street.

thinking of adding a 2.5 suspension kit, either Duffs:https://www.dufftuff.com/2_5_2_1_2_suspension_lift_kit_early_ford_bronco_p/5000h.htm

or Bronco Graveyard: https://shop.broncograveyard.com/25-Superflex-Deluxe-Lift-Kit-System-1976-77/productinfo/13746/

given that I don't wheel it seems like the Duffs might be overkill...thoughts from those who have done it? Do you think my tire/wheel set up is going to . look to tiny with this? will the suspension lift create a bumper gap?

 

[Timmy390]

I can't say which rides better Linear vs Progressive but I will advise you get an adjustable track bar. I think one comes with the Duff kit. You need it to center the body after adding the lift. Even a 2.5 moves the body over. It's not much but enough I could tell.

I also added a drop track bar mount and drop pitman arm. Overkill maybe but you need the T-bar and the drag link parallel to each other and without steep angles. I then added an adjustable drag link to center the steering.

I'm 95% street and wanted the best manners I could get......

What degree bushings do those kits come with? I think most come with 4 degree and I had to go to 7 degree to get better caster

Tim

 

[NYC Bronco]

the Duff kit comes with 7 degree, not sure about the other on yet.

 

[bronconut73]

2.5" suspension lift with a 1" body lift is still a hot set up.

If you have cut rear fenders you can run 33x12.5 tires on a 10" wide wheel....so your 31's will prolly look a little too small Bud....sucks I know...

I can not say enough about Duffs.
Their R&D and time in the industry is second to none.

Reach out to MonsterMike here on CB.
He is the Duff mascotte... well actually that is Caesar the boxer but Mike is a close second.
Seriously though call on MonsterMike Brother.

 

[Okie69]

The suspension lift will not create a bumper gap. The gap is caused by body lifts.

 

[ame]

Unless the suspension has atleast 14+" of travel I prefer linear as there is not enough travel to properly use a progressive setup.

 

[rjlougee]

I prefer a linear setup for coil springs. The linear acts the same way around corners, etc... meaning it's going to lean about the same (meaning less) as you turn, go around corners, etc..., but **may** sacrifice some droop off-road.

The progressive rate **may** give you a bit more articulation off-road; however, that comes at the expense of significantly more body roll while driving curvy country roads, switching weight from side to side.

For a mostly street rig, I'd go linear. I am also pretty partial to the coils BCBroncos puts out. I've always been happy with the way they ride/flex. I have just about NEVER bought an off-the-shelf setup from any of the vendors, although I can see the attraction.

That was my experience.
My $.02, HTH, Joe

 

[englewoodcowboy]

It’s a loaded question but it does have a singular answer now. Get the Duck Tuff lift from Duffs. I worked closely with them to fine tune and develop this system. If you get the complete system as it’s advertised you will have the best all around performing suspension. Smooth on the bumps, on rails in the corners. It will out handle everything else out there.

 

[fordguy]

Is this the suspension you refer to https://www.dufftuff.com/2_5_2_1_2_suspension_lift_kit_early_ford_bronco_p/5000c.htm

 

[toddz69]

Is this the suspension you refer to https://www.dufftuff.com/2_5_2_1_2_suspension_lift_kit_early_ford_bronco_p/5000c.htm

No, it's this one:

https://www.dufftuff.com/DuckTuff_2_5_Lift_System_p/ducktuff.htm

Took some googling to find it!

Todd Z.

 

[Monster Mike]

No, it's this one:

https://www.dufftuff.com/DuckTuff_2_5_Lift_System_p/ducktuff.htm

Took some googling to find it!

Todd Z.

Keep in mind you can piece the DuckTuff lift together if you need this to be budget friendly. Buy the basic setup now then add as you have more money to throw at it.

Basic 2.5" lift here:
https://www.dufftuff.com/2_5_2_1_2_suspension_lift_kit_early_ford_bronco_p/5000a.htm

If you can afford the Ducktuff lift its exceptional and you will save a decent amount in bundling and shipping costs. It will be the last lift you will ever need & It will handle and drive like a 6 figure bronco built by one of the premier Bronco shops like Lick Creek Restorations.

MM

 

[Monster Mike]

Also, anyone that is looking for our parts on dufftuff.com. Use our search function first at the top left of the screen and type in a key word like DUCKTUFF or T REX or if you have the 4 digit part number. Then click GO. That is the quickest way to search for our parts.

Hope that helps. Especially old timers like Todd Z. ;D;D;D

MM

 

[toddz69]

Also, anyone that is looking for our parts on dufftuff.com. Use our search function first at the top left of the screen and type in a key word like DUCKTUFF or T REX or if you have the 4 digit part number. Then click GO. That is the quickest way to search for our parts.

Hope that helps. Especially old timers like Todd Z. ;D;D;D

MM

Just can't quite get the handle on this new-fangled technology sometimes .

Drove a Velocity Restorations Bronco last weekend and it handled and rode very well. I noticed it had Duff springs on it.

Todd Z.

 

[NYC Bronco]

Keep in mind you can piece the DuckTuff lift together if you need this to be budget friendly. Buy the basic setup now then add as you have more money to throw at it.

Basic 2.5" lift here:
https://www.dufftuff.com/2_5_2_1_2_suspension_lift_kit_early_ford_bronco_p/5000a.htm

If you can afford the Ducktuff lift its exceptional and you will save a decent amount in bundling and shipping costs. It will be the last lift you will ever need & It will handle and drive like a 6 figure bronco built by one of the premier Bronco shops like Lick Creek Restorations.

MM

what is your take on the Linear vs Progressive topic? I like the basic 2.5 kit Duff is offering but I'm unsure on the L vs P coils for my use.

thank you for posting and offering your advice.

 

[bax]

OK, my .O2. I have 2 broncos, similar suspension set up. similar weight up front. (large motor in one, winch on the other ) Duff long arms and shocks on both. same leaf spring packs on the rears. Linear spring in one and progressive in the other. On the street, The linear spring is better in corners, less body roll, much easier to regain control if/ when you get sideways. I do stupid stuff. The progressive spring rides much better in a straight line. The progressive spring seems to smooth out the bucking on the bumpy roads. The progressive sprung bronco has a Detroit locker in the rear. On the street the locker and the progressive spring is not a great combo. Detroits are fun to begin with but when you add the soft corners of the progressive spring you have to deal with the pulling side to side mucsh more than with the linear spring. Now off road, I think the progressive spring is best, it flexes bettered keeps the tires on the ground more often. Deaver makes a great linear spring. Thats all I got.

 

[Apogee]

Progressive springs with a sway bar?

I've always run progressive springs, at first Duff and then CAGE, and they've worked well. The Duff's offered up minimal body roll, however they were paired with some overly stiff factory leaf springs with add-a-leafs which I think minimized sway. When I went to the CAGE springs front and rear (3.5"), I picked up noticeably more body roll, but it also rides much smoother on and off road. My plan is to add a sway bar after my full-width axle swap, but I'm having a hard enough time right now getting that done versus just talking about it on the internet

Tobin

 

[Monster Mike]

what is your take on the Linear vs Progressive topic? I like the basic 2.5 kit Duff is offering but I'm unsure on the L vs P coils for my use.

thank you for posting and offering your advice.

Well, there's a lot of good info here. I think a lot of these guys not only know their stuff but they have great insight from behind the wheel.

I've ran both and agree that linear shines in cornering and Progressive shines everywhere else.

If you want the benefit of a linear coil in the corners but the ride of progressive I would suggest pairing the progressive spring with a premium shock that is designed for the Bronco that runs a progressive spring setup.

Sorry if this comes off like a sales pitch but...I think you should look at upgrading to the new MS2020 shock we just came out with.

The reviews are just what we hoped for and we think it will achieve what you're after.

Check out the link for more info: https://www.dufftuff.com/MS2020_10_Inch_Travel_Shock_James_Duff_Inc_p/8210.htm

Below are more benefits of our new shock design. No, I don't want to derail this thread but lets all agree that you really should match your springs and shocks when trying to achieve the best ride.


JAMES DUFF MS2020 SHOCK - WHY IS THE MS2020 THE BEST SHOCK FOR YOUR BRONCO?
NITROGEN GAS CHARGED SHOCK
MONOTUBE DESIGN vs TWIN TUBE
WHY IS MONOTUBE BETTER
BIGGER PISTONS
BIGGER VALVES
HOLDS MORE OIL
STAYS COOLER LONGER
SPECIAL VALVING
SPECIFICALLY ENGINEERED TO WORK ON A BRONCO AT ANY SPEED
SPECIAL DIGRESSIVE VALVING FOR LOW SPEED
RESERVOIR NOT REQUIRED
DESIGNED TO STAY COOL ON OR OFF ROAD
14MM NITRILE STEEL BLACK CHROMATE PISTON SHAFT (FAR SUPERIOR TO CHROME SHAFTS)
EVERY SHOCK IS DYNO & FATIGUE TESTED BEFORE IT LEAVES EIBACH
STRONG, DURABLE BLACK DIAMOND POWDER COAT (SUPERIOR TO ZINC PLATING & LAST MUCH LONGER)
SALT SPRAY TESTED
SILVER METALLIC JAMES DUFF STICKER INCLUDED(ADDS 10 HORSEPOWER PER SHOCK) ;D
BEST RIDE QUALITY & CONTROL IN THE INDUSTRY PERIOD (MATCHED WITH JAMES DUFF SUSPENSION OF COURSE)

*NOT DESIGNED FOR RACING APPLICATIONS* (WE HAVE TO SAY THIS...)

Hope that helps.

MM

 

[bax]

Sounds like a sales pitch.

 

[Apogee]

LOL...chrome may not get you home, but those shocks sure will. All kidding aside, I'll agree that a good monotube shock is going to help, but won't replace the need for a sway bar in many applications.

 

[Monster Mike]

Sounds like a sales pitch.

Well he did ask a Vendor lol