74 Suspension Insight and lean to the left.

[lomarker]

Hello

Needing some expert opinions on the current suspension setup of this 74. My tires are 2011 and need replaced. As I was measuring what options I couldn’t figure out if stock height in the front and just the 3” block in back. The current tires are 285/75/16 on 15X7 wheels.

Was thinking 255/85/16 or 235/85/16 for new tires. Something a bit skinnier.

The rear also seems to have a lean to the left. The left side axle to frame height is 1/4” different. I don’t see any obvious frame bends or rear spring pack differences. I can’t see the weight of the aux tank/fuel causing the lean/squat.


Any insight into the suspension (bought it this way) would be much appreciated. How to measure for a frame issue or other. Thanks.

 

[DirtDonk]

Where are you measuring from? The typical consistent point of measure is between the top of the axle tubes and the bottom of the frame rails.
Stock is 7 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear. Approximately of course, as there were various stock original Bronco trim.
I’m not sure the extension blocks on the front springs are legal, but they at least appear to be reasonably solid. Certain double checked the hardware and attachment on that.
The springs look very short by the way, but that could be a skewed angle from the picture.

A quarter inch is not much. Well within the normal parameters that might change just from driving it around the block.
However, lots of things can happen on these rigs. The front spring cups can compress overtime. Leaf springs and coil springs sag at different rates. Anything going on in the front can be transferred to the back through the frame via the radius arms acting as torsion bars.
Even the track bar can impart some lean under the right conditions.

If you’re measuring from body parts, however, that can be very inconsistent. Best to measure between the frame and the axles.

 

[DirtDonk]

Looks like you might still have the old original rubber C-bushings in the front radius arm caps, too.
Hard to say from here, of course, as they could just be deteriorated polyurethane. But in at least one picture they look like the old rubber ones.
They could be compressed differently and account for a tiny bit of lean.

 

[Chiclassics]

First of all someone did a micky mouse job with your suspension.

The rear also seems to have a lean to the left. The left side axle to frame height is 1/4” different. I don’t see any obvious frame bends or rear spring pack differences. I can’t see the weight of the aux tank/fuel causing the lean/squat.

Your right and left leaf springs are sagging at different rate - normal for what looks like stock leaf springs?

Do a quick test just push down and up your rear side of vehicle is it easier to do so and its bouncy ? then probably your leaf springs need immediate replacement. if its not bouncy, its just one of them sagged differently than other, you can pull few more years out of them .

You will need a full suspension upgrade if you want to do it right. The front lift block scares me more than the ones in the rear.

 

[Master Chief]

Bought my Bronco back in ‘04. It too had lift blocks under worn out springs and handled poorly. I grew up near Lansing so I drove to JBG in Brighton MI and left with new Deaver leaf springs/coils, and all the bushings. Replaced everything and drove it to Maine. Shortly after arriving I replaced the shocks with Bilstein.

I would decide on ride height/tire size/gear combination and replace the entire suspension with modern springs/shocks/ bushings from one of our incredible parts suppliers such as Wild Horses.

For example:

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/early-bronco-lift-kit-suspension-system

 

[lomarker]

Thanks for the replies and wisdom.

Talked with a local (early Bronco reputable) shop today and going to replace the suspension with 2.5” and steering components along with new tires.

 

[Chiclassics]

Wise decision, and its a well needed and deserved investment on the bronco.