2.5 or 3.5 lift on an uncut

[JAFHR]

Hello, a while back I reported on this great little find on a 100% original uncut bronco I found. Originally I was going to either stick it in the corner or make a nice little driver. Well, it sacrilegious not to enjoy what you have so I've put in a disc brake conversion with a brake booster and new steering controls. My C bushing are totally worn out so I thought about just putting in a whole new suspension set up. I'd like to run some 31inch tires on it. I'm not looking for a huge lift, just one that is functional. I've seen a lot of guys running 2.5 Wild Horses or Duff, yet they also have a 1 inch body lift. What's the reason for the body lift. Is it because the 2.5 wasn't tall enough or is a 2.5 good for geometry then put an additional 1 inch body lift.

I am confused on this. What is better. 2.5 or go 3.5 Just want good tire clearance and very drivable.

 

[DirtDonk]

No need to be confused. People just do what people do sometimes.
Some people need new body bushings so they just take that opportunity to add a 1" lift at the same time in case they need it. Some do it because they're also adding other stuff. Such as modern automatic transmissions and such, which need more clearance under the body.
Some just want more lift on the cheap.

But the bottom line is that for 31" tires it's all about what look each owner wants, because you don't need any lift at all for 31" tires to fit on an EB.
A stock height, uncut Bronco will fit 31" tires on stock, or up to 7" wide wheels with the proper amount of backspacing.

Neither is better. It's what do you want that makes the difference.
A 2.5" "might" be less expensive, but only for those that can get away without adding the usual modifications typically used for a 3.5" lift. But some of us, including me, add the dropped pitman arms, trackbar brackets, adjustable draglinks and trackbars even with a 2.5" lift.

So like so many things with Broncos... "It depends"
And that's why you don't get the same two answers from the same two different people every time.;D

Paul

 

[JAFHR]

Too funny, of course you know I'm more confused then I started. I will tell you that I put in a complete new front adjustable track bar, and front end steering components. It's all tight up front. I'm just looking for a look other than function I suppose. I would like the wheel well an inch or two above the rear tire for a clearance look. When speaking with WH the indicated that 2.5 lift is very popular on the uncut. I just don't have much of a baseline.

 

[DirtDonk]

It is definitely very popular. It's been the subject of several recent discussions in fact, and there are even pictures showing both lifts I think on uncut Broncos with different size tires.
My own '68 is an uncut with 2.5" WH lift (plus 1" body) and 31" BFG Mud Terrain tires.

Sorry I don't have any direct links at the moment, but someone might. In the meantime you can search the first few pages of tech discussions and likely you'll find the pictures.

No worries looking for "the look" at all in fact. Broncos look exceptionally good with a very mild lift. They're pretty good stock too, but not as purposeful looking as they are with a slight lift.
So lots of us feel the same way you do about that. And it sounds like you already have most of the stuff you'll want.

What year is your Bronco? Do you have power steering? Have you ever had the caster settings checked on an alignment rack? If not, you may have to guess as to which C-bushing to go with.
The year can make a difference in which assumptions we use.
Normally a 2.5" lift would indicate a 2 degree C-bushing would be called for. But since most EB's have less than desirable caster, a Bronco with power steering likes the "more is better" scenario. Up to the max 7 degrees.

A 2.5" lift is a great start. Great look and not so high it makes trouble for family members to get in and out of. Got kids? Wife that does not like climbing?

A few more things to discuss before an actual decision is made. But you're on the right track.
Both lifts require minimal changes to the Broncos. Usually not even a longer driveshaft. But a 2.5 is easier than a 3.5 more often.
Part of the vagueness of answers can stem from the old "every Bronco is different" situation (and so are the owners sometimes!). Some get away with almost nothing, while others have to do more for a particular lift.

Hang in there. Hopefully the fog of confusion will dissipate.

Paul

 

[rguest3]

JAFHR - I have a couple Uncut Broncos. One has the 3 1/2" lift and the other 2 have the 2 1/2" + 1". I prefer the WH 2 1/2" with the Bilstein Shocks and I add the Adjustable track bar, HD Plates and U-Bolts and the Super Shackles. Dealing with removing the old shackles can be a real PITA.

What wheels are you looking to install with the 31/10.50s? You stated your Bronco is very original. Keeping that look?

Wheel Vintiques makes a 15x7" wheel with a 4" Backspacing and looks almost exactly the same as the original 5.5" steel wheels. These would be a great fit with 31" tires and the 2 1/2" Suspension Lift. However, if you want to install the original hubcaps the 4" Backspacing "Pushes" the cap farther out. You would have to reach inside the front cap to turn the manual hub. The 15x7" wheel and Hubcap are pictured.

If looking for an aftermarket wheel, there are many choices to choose from. I would also suggest a 17" wheel for additional steering linkage clearance and more options.

 

[kshinnall]

If you go with the 2.5" lift, make sure your rear leaf springs are than the stock 5 pack that has been arched to be 2.5" lift. I made that mistake and paid for it dearly (pocket book and busting knuckles). I bit the bullet and went with 3.5" 11 pack rear springs and front coils from WH. I also went with the 1" BL like it was stated earlier in this thread, my body bushing were worn out and the 1" kit from WH wasn't much more then a standard bushing kit. Also added adjustable tracking bar, drop tracking bar and drop pitman arm.
As far as wheels and tires, I'm running old school slots with Goodyear Wrangler AT 31x10.5x15 and rides pretty good.

Trying to upload a picture and it won't let me or I'm just computer illiterate, lol.

 

[JAFHR]

Hey you guys are great. DirtDonk, that was the explanation I was looking for. Thanks. I have manual steering. The 2.5 " with Bilsteins from WD comes with C bushings. I believe they are 2 degree. I will be getting a full alignment as the first thing I did was change out the King bearings and complete front end with an adjustable track bar. It's only lightly bolted on at this time. My bronco is a 1969 Sport

The WD kit also comes with nice Deaver leafs I think so no bending etc. I wondered if I need new shackles. I'll ad those. I will also look under the cab for the body bushings. I'd forgotten to look.

As for wheels, huh I haven't gotten that far down the road on that one yet. But thanks for pointing it out. I'll start looking into it.

Appreciate all the help

 

[Grinch]

My 74 Sport was stock when I got it with an older 2" Rancho lift. I added a 1" body lift from WH and it worked great for a bit extra clearance. Also provided the right clearance for the AOD install too. Running old school American Racing 16" rims with 265.75.16 Discover AT3's. Drives very well; course it has power steering. Have fun with your build.;D

 

[DirtDonk]

Once you know what your caster is, or even if you decide you simply want more (which most EB's benefit from) you can ask whoever you buy the suspension from if they will substitute the 2 degree bushings for 4, or even 7 degree versions instead.
I know we do it all the time, so it should not be an issue.

Paul