Body lift removal

[salineriverman]

I recently purchased a 71 bronco with a 3" body lift and 4" suspension lift. I plan on a major rebuild! When removing body lift kit what else will I have to change? I'm thinking
The steering linkage but it has a floor Hurst shifter which I think will just stick up higher.
Thanks for any info.

 

[DrDanWWW]

Well I suppose it depends on what was done when it was lifted. I will assume they went to a two piece adjustable steering shaft. There's probably an entirely different steering linkage, tie rod, and draglink and pitman arm, adjuster. Brake lines may need adjusting. It may have an extended drive shaft that will not shrink back to a short enough length. Um, what else?

 

[DirtDonk]

Make sure it doesn’t have front multiple shock hoops welded on extra high. If so then when you bring the body down the hoops will not clear the inner wheel wells. This is usually a problem with the front only, but there are shock mounts for the rear that could cause problems too.

 

[DirtDonk]

And watch the radiator fan shroud!
At the very least while you’re working with a body lift, weather going up or down, you have to remove the shroud and let it just sit on the fan. With a 3 inch body lift there’s no telling whether the previous owner modified the shroud only or the mounts for the radiator.

 

[Madgyver]

trans tunnel if transmission swap is a later model OD. rock rails if welded to frame. just things to watch for.

 

[jamesroney]

Clutch rod to pedal.

 

[sprdv1]

I recently purchased a 71 bronco with a 3" body lift and 4" suspension lift. I plan on a major rebuild! When removing body lift kit what else will I have to change? I'm thinking
The steering linkage but it has a floor Hurst shifter which I think will just stick up higher.
Thanks for any info.

figure out your future set up then plan off that. A 1-2" BL is not always a bad thing

 

[salineriverman]

T

Well I suppose it depends on what was done when it was lifted. I will assume they went to a two piece adjustable steering shaft. There's probably an entirely different steering linkage, tie rod, and draglink and pitman arm, adjuster. Brake lines may need adjusting. It may have an extended drive shaft that will not shrink back to a short enough length. Um, what else Thanks , I already know I've got to replace brake lines and gas lines. Didn't think body lift would affect driveshafts but will definitely check.

 

[salineriverman]

It was my brother's bronco and it's been setting up for 1o or more years. He bought it new and had lifts installed at shop in Monroe,La. Probably 30 years ago. I've got major work to do to get it restored and drivable.

 

[salineriverman]

I

Make sure it doesn’t have front multiple shock hoops welded on extra high. If so then when you bring the body down the hoops will not clear the inner wheel wells. This is usually a problem with the front only, but there are shock mounts for the rear that could cause problems too.

It does have dual shocks front and rear, I was worried about front mounts that are a lot higher than rear. Winch mount will also need lowered. Thanks for your reply.

And watch the radiator fan shroud!
At the very least while you’re working with a body lift, weather going up or down, you have to remove the shroud and let it just sit on the fan. With a 3 inch body lift there’s no telling whether the previous owner modified the shroud only or the mounts for the radiator.

well it doesn't have a radiator shroud , guess I'll install one once I get engine going and body lowered. Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

Most dual shock mounts, even if high mounted, do not interfere with the body. Mostly it’s the hoop style that causes the trouble. If yours are welded on to the front of the spring tower then they are probably good to go. They are higher than the original rear shock mount, but not so high as to cause trouble. Unless you think so. But go ahead take measurements just to be sure.

 

[salineriverman]

Thanks , I plan on getting it in a shop within a few weeks and then the fun begins!

 

[salineriverman]

Well here's my progress to date- got GM disc brakes and MM hubs installed on front and finishing up on rear brakes this week. Removed 3" body lift and shocks all cleared. Installed Borgeson power steering kit and got a tilt steering set up on the way. Also broke clutch rod during body lift removal and waiting on new one to arrive. New rear gas tank installed and cleaned aux. Tank. Got new headers installed and carb. Getting closer to the day when it's drivable for first time since 2009 or 2010. Hoping to get it back in our deer woods this fall. I think my late brother would be proud of what I've done to his old Bronco. Think I'll take his ashes for a ride through our old hunting woods we used to ride through 45+ years ago. Lot’s of great memories!! Next is new tires and roof repairs and paint. Just glad I have an understanding wife

 

[1969]

Let’s see some pictures!

 

[cldonley]

Let’s see some pictures!

This^^

Just glad I have an understanding wife

We ALL need one of these! I'm thankful for mine...

 

[salineriverman]

Going to pick up my wheels and remove old GY 35's and try and acid clean old vintage aluminum alloy rims and probably paint them Satin Black ! then get my new Cooper evolution MT tires mounted and balanced and put on Bronco. Got tilt installed from Tom's but haven't wired it up yet. Still got to mount winch bumper back on and when I get it home install new HF 12k winch.
Also got to run it to muffler shop for new exhaust. It's like those 70 song Mony Mony Mony!!!!!