1970 U14 upgrade replacement order

[jrcBronco]

I have a stock 1970 Bronco U14 half cab. I plan on replacing the following items:
· Disc brake conversion
· 2.5 suspension lift with Bilstein shocks (will probably remove smallest leaf)
· Body mounts
· All tie rods
· Column shift linkage items
· Rear axle seal (appears to be leaking)

For those that have done the same or similar work can you share the best order of replacement for the item list above and any lessons learned along the way. Any advice or tips is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!
Jeff

 

[SteveL]

All the bushings up front. They sell em in a kit.

 

[ep67bro]

I would say do one area at a time. So maybe you start with the body mounts, then the shift linkage as the body being out of alignment can effect the shift linkage.
Then jump the suspension, brakes and tie rods. I will say buy the most complete lift kit you can and get everything. Get all new bolts and all new bushings. Call the company you are buying from and tell them what you want to do and if they recommend any other parts. It sucks to get everything taken apart and find you need a new u bolts or some other bolt sheared off and you cant find the right size at your local hardware store. Most people would say do brakes fist and you certainly can but you will need longer brake lines for the lift in most cases. So make sure you get those too.

 

[Johnnyb]

What's your budget?

• Disk Brakes - Think about going to a Dana 44 - much stronger permanent solution - saw some on ebay marketplace recently
• If doing body mounts, think about a body lift (2"). I resisted this, but it doesn't look stupid or out-of-place at all and makes other things so much easier. Somewhat more complicated with column shifter (need to extend rods), but doable.
• Tie-rod: WH or Duff. Think about if you ever might want to go TRO when ordering.
• As others have said - ALL BUSHINGS, especially trac-bar, radius arm, and C-bushing (2.5" lift may include these)

I think the biggest thing is not to spend money on things or labor which might be wasted when you get more excited about your EB and want to "improve" it further. On mine, every step improved driveability.

THX,
-JB