1973 Sport build

[DeepC73]

Folks, I am looking for feedback. I am looking for opinions on upgrades along the way. Attached is a pic of where I am at 350-400 hrs since starting. I drive it daily. You have all seen the pics posted lately, so it won’t be the first sighting for many. I’m putting in the Blue-top quick ratio power steering box tomorrow hopefully. I’m in need of better shocks. I replaced the factory shocks when I got it with off the shelf Monroe shocks from my local auto parts store. It made a HUGE difference. I can only imagine what Eibach Billstein’s will do. It drives pretty good now, but always looking for better. The rear springs are sagging a bit and are a bit uneven from side to side. I currently have 1 inch blocks in the back, although it measures 8-8 1/2 inches from axle tube to frame. I plan to replace the rear springs next summer. I’m thinking 2 1/2 inch springs in the rear to keep it where it is now. I have 2 1/2 inch coils in the front. It measures 9 5/8 inches from axle tube to frame. Once I add the full size spare on the back the added weight should even things out. Does anyone find anything wrong with my assessments? Speak up please.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/016Mk0r3NqMuB71MEsYrhp7sQ

 

[jmhend]

Folks, I am looking for feedback. I am looking for opinions on upgrades along the way. Attached is a pic of where I am at 350-400 hrs since starting. I drive it daily. You have all seen the pics posted lately, so it won’t be the first sighting for many. I’m putting in the Blue-top quick ratio power steering box tomorrow hopefully. I’m in need of better shocks. I replaced the factory shocks when I got it with off the shelf Monroe shocks from my local auto parts store. It made a HUGE difference. I can only imagine what Eibach Billstein’s will do. It drives pretty good now, but always looking for better. The rear springs are sagging a bit and are a bit uneven from side to side. I currently have 1 inch blocks in the back, although it measures 8-8 1/2 inches from axle tube to frame. I plan to replace the rear springs next summer. I’m thinking 2 1/2 inch springs in the rear to keep it where it is now. I have 2 1/2 inch coils in the front. It measures 9 5/8 inches from axle tube to frame. Once I add the full size spare on the back the added weight should even things out. Does anyone find anything wrong with my assessments? Speak up please.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/016Mk0r3NqMuB71MEsYrhp7sQ

Great looking bronco. Depending on where in VA ypu are there are a ton of broncos in VA. I wish I could offer advice based on the pictures but honestly, I don't tbinkni would change a thing. Drive it and enjoy it. There is a bronco event in Richmond if your in the area you should stop by.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[DirtDonk]

I’m in need of better shocks. I replaced the factory shocks when I got it with off the shelf Monroe shocks from my local auto parts store. It made a HUGE difference. I can only imagine what Eibach Billstein’s will do. It drives pretty good now, but always looking for better.

While I'm a big fan of the Bilsteins "in most cases" shocks are still a personal preference. I've never been quite satisfied with the ride/handling/control of any of the shocks I've owned. It's just that the Bilsteins are the closest so far. Very personal tastes and varies by each vehicle setup I would think. Certainly worth a try and with the 5100 series not a massive investment to experiment with

One inch blocks in the back, although it measures 8-8 1/2 inches from axle tube to frame.

Maybe there's also an add-a-leaf in the mix somewhere? Got any pics of your rear springs?

I’m thinking 2 1/2 inch springs in the rear to keep it where it is now. I have 2 1/2 inch coils in the front. It measures 9 5/8 inches from axle tube to frame. Once I add the full size spare on the back the added weight should even things out.

Not sure that's going to pan out immediately. Your math is correct, but the typical rear leaf pack tends to sit a bit high especially at first. Not a huge issue perhaps, and certainly not every setup has that result. But if you don't drive much or have much weight on the rear, they don't settle down any too quickly either. So while it's not every time, if it does sit high it might need to be tweaked a bit by you. Like said, it's not every time, but it's common enough to bring up for this discussion.
Even if at expected height though, pretty sure that just a spare tire's weight is going to bring them down any. How big of a spare though?

If it ends up at the correct height for what you want, you're in business. But if it's high and you are running light with just the spare tire adding it's leverage, at least we have some experience with that. You can usually remove the lowermost leaves (usually two of them to work with) to fine tune the height. But as usual, your results may vary (don't they always!) and you might get a drop anywhere from the thickness of each leaf (roughtly 1/4" each) to as much as an inch. Depends on the brand of the pack and the weight of the vehicle.
If more is needed, the third leaf from the top (on most packs) will usually net you another 1 to 1.5 inches of drop. Sounds like you should not need that much, if any at all. But it's there if you need it.

Just throwing all that out there for you to digest. As I said there's nothing wrong with your math. Just that the real world of Broncos did not always ace their math in school!

Paul

 

[DeepC73]

While I'm a big fan of the Bilsteins "in most cases" shocks are still a personal preference. I've never been quite satisfied with the ride/handling/control of any of the shocks I've owned. It's just that the Bilsteins are the closest so far. Very personal tastes and varies by each vehicle setup I would think. Certainly worth a try and with the 5100 series not a massive investment to experiment with


Maybe there's also an add-a-leaf in the mix somewhere? Got any pics of your rear springs?


Not sure that's going to pan out immediately. Your math is correct, but the typical rear leaf pack tends to sit a bit high especially at first. Not a huge issue perhaps, and certainly not every setup has that result. But if you don't drive much or have much weight on the rear, they don't settle down any too quickly either. So while it's not every time, if it does sit high it might need to be tweaked a bit by you. Like said, it's not every time, but it's common enough to bring up for this discussion.
Even if at expected height though, pretty sure that just a spare tire's weight is going to bring them down any. How big of a spare though?

If it ends up at the correct height for what you want, you're in business. But if it's high and you are running light with just the spare tire adding it's leverage, at least we have some experience with that. You can usually remove the lowermost leaves (usually two of them to work with) to fine tune the height. But as usual, your results may vary (don't they always!) and you might get a drop anywhere from the thickness of each leaf (roughtly 1/4" each) to as much as an inch. Depends on the brand of the pack and the weight of the vehicle.
If more is needed, the third leaf from the top (on most packs) will usually net you another 1 to 1.5 inches of drop. Sounds like you should not need that much, if any at all. But it's there if you need it.

Just throwing all that out there for you to digest. As I said there's nothing wrong with your math. Just that the real world of Broncos did not always ace their math in school!

Paul

Dirt,
I appreciate the feedback. You solidified my concerns. The only real weight other than the 285/70r17 spare will be the original hard top in the winter and maybe a family roll cage from Kincer. I have attached a couple of pics of the rear springs as requested. The front springs are 18.5” when not installed. I have used the common measurements theory in the Bronco world of 7” stock in the front and 6” stock in the rear. I measured from frame to axle tube. Am I on track? Thanks again.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0046j8JJ2z0al0csIJTfZ5UTg

 

[DirtDonk]

Yepo, right on track. And not far off on the tire either, as a 285r 17 would be a pretty heavy tire and wheel combo. But I still think not enough to show up in the spring height.

Interesting thing though (isn't there always one of those "interesting things" these days!) is that your springs look all sacked out and flat. that thick lower leaf should have a gap between it and the rest out near the outer tips. It's an "overload" leaf and should not be in full contact with the next spring up unless the vehicle is really loaded down. So how yours are that flat and you still have what apparently ends up being 2.5" of lift is beyond my knowledge at this point.
How does it ride? Like a brick on wheels? This thick overload leaves are stiff!

Hmm, unless... It's possible someone removed the factory overload and installed a 2" add-a-leaf in it's place. That would explain the taller-than-expected lift, the leaves touching, and all that.
Next time you're under there with a camera, snap a shot of the leaf pack overall. Or at least a full half of it showing the tips of the leaves as well.

thanks

Paul

 

[DeepC73]

Yepo, right on track. And not far off on the tire either, as a 285r 17 would be a pretty heavy tire and wheel combo. But I still think not enough to show up in the spring height.

Interesting thing though (isn't there always one of those "interesting things" these days!) is that your springs look all sacked out and flat. that thick lower leaf should have a gap between it and the rest out near the outer tips. It's an "overload" leaf and should not be in full contact with the next spring up unless the vehicle is really loaded down. So how yours are that flat and you still have what apparently ends up being 2.5" of lift is beyond my knowledge at this point.
How does it ride? Like a brick on wheels? This thick overload leaves are stiff!

Hmm, unless... It's possible someone removed the factory overload and installed a 2" add-a-leaf in it's place. That would explain the taller-than-expected lift, the leaves touching, and all that.
Next time you're under there with a camera, snap a shot of the leaf pack overall. Or at least a full half of it showing the tips of the leaves as well.

thanks

Paul

Paul,
Sorry for the delay. I’ve been standing duty over the Holidays a lot. I take most of the duty days so my guys can get more family time. They give their all throughout the year. It’s the least I can do. Here are a few pics like you asked for. I had another thought. Would it be better to just get a set of Duff 1 1/2 “ lift springs and then zero in on the right height with a 1/2-3/4” block? Which would ride better?

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c3RUTMN-B2OyRMW8oASsHhFA
https://share.icloud.com/photos/032TWSY-toXwcZiKYqcbOnHtw
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a5WvKNH7eIkECJbVbjwCcB-w

 

[jmhend]

Paul,
Sorry for the delay. I’ve been standing duty over the Holidays a lot. I take most of the duty days so my guys can get more family time. They give their all throughout the year. It’s the least I can do. Here are a few pics like you asked for. I had another thought. Would it be better to just get a set of Duff 1 1/2 “ lift springs and then zero in on the right height with a 1/2-3/4” block? Which would ride better?

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c3RUTMN-B2OyRMW8oASsHhFA
https://share.icloud.com/photos/032TWSY-toXwcZiKYqcbOnHtw
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a5WvKNH7eIkECJbVbjwCcB-w

You could certainly upgrade the rear leaf springs and remove the spacer.

Not sure your ride will improve but I had to be better than a block that certainly isn’t moving.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sprdv1]

Folks, I am looking for feedback. I am looking for opinions on upgrades along the way. Attached is a pic of where I am at 350-400 hrs since starting. I drive it daily. You have all seen the pics posted lately, so it won’t be the first sighting for many. I’m putting in the Blue-top quick ratio power steering box tomorrow hopefully. I’m in need of better shocks. I replaced the factory shocks when I got it with off the shelf Monroe shocks from my local auto parts store. It made a HUGE difference. I can only imagine what Eibach Billstein’s will do. It drives pretty good now, but always looking for better. The rear springs are sagging a bit and are a bit uneven from side to side. I currently have 1 inch blocks in the back, although it measures 8-8 1/2 inches from axle tube to frame. I plan to replace the rear springs next summer. I’m thinking 2 1/2 inch springs in the rear to keep it where it is now. I have 2 1/2 inch coils in the front. It measures 9 5/8 inches from axle tube to frame. Once I add the full size spare on the back the added weight should even things out. Does anyone find anything wrong with my assessments? Speak up please.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/016Mk0r3NqMuB71MEsYrhp7sQ

Drive it, enjoy it and upgrade along the way as you have the funds..

 

[Jaybr]

I'm also in VB and have a used set of Duff 3.5" rear springs you could try if you're interested.

 

[DirtDonk]

No worries on a late reply. Wasn't that long and it sounds like you sure have things to do besides talk Bronco!

Your springs are certainly interesting. Both are different heights as you mentioned, but they look like they're even set up differently.
And your ride must suck!
As mentioned before, either those are add-a-leaves, or your springs have sagged down on top of the overload leaves. See how one of the lower leaves has a slight gap at the ends, where the other pack (driver's side) is fully sitting on the lower spring with no gap? The gap at the tips of that spring should be at least an inch!
The blocks won't hurt the ride, and they're doing their job, but there are other ways to get it done.

Great offer by Jaybr by the way! Even though it's a bit of work to do just as an experiment, it'd be totally worth it as an experiment.
If they're the usual modern 10/11 leaf packs you can probably remove the third leaf from the top and get your 2 to 2.5 inch lift and a better ride to boot. Not to mention new bushings where yours are likely clapped out along with the springs themselves.

Oh, and your tires are not improving your life right now either. You'd be shocked at how much of an improvement you'll see when you get new tires. By the time tires are worn down to the level yours are, they don't ride as good as they did when new either. So just getting new tires is likely to help get rid of some of the harshness you probably feel currently.
Just guessing of course, and every situation is different, but that's been my experience with truck tires over the years. Not as noticeable on car tires sometimes, but still there and maybe the softer car suspensions hide some of the bad tire characteristics.

So it's not just shocks I see in your not-too-distant future...

Paul