Advice Suggestions on Suspension

[rean1mator]

I recently purchases a '74 Bronco Ranger that came with uninstalled Wild Horses 3.5" rear leaf and front springs. I was originally planning on installing these but decided against it as it's far than what I need. I'm not going to do any wheeling with it as it's uncut and I've got a modified FJ Cruiser that I offroad with.

I do like the stock look with my Bronco. Should I replace the spring as well as the shocks or Just replace the shocks with stock height suspension? I'd like to try to improve the ride quality on it and keep the stock appearance. It's going to be used as just a around town cruiser.

Suggestions and Advice welcome!

 

[rhino2104]

I'm still rocking stock suspension and replaced the shocks recently with some Monroe parts store models and it rides fine for what it is. It's no Cadillac smooth ride but it's not as bad as some Jeeps I've ridden in.

There's nothing wrong with the Wild Horses set up either. It'll allow you to run a larger tire if you choose to. I'm planning on using the Wild Horses 2.5" or 3.5" on mine despite it hardly ever going off road.

That being said, if you decide to get rid of the springs I might be interested in them if you aren't too far away or if shipping won't be that much of a killer.

 

[rguest3]

The 2 1/2" may be better for what you want, but the 3 1/2" WH suspension you have will look very nice with stock wheels and 31x1050s. I am assuming the wheel wells are Uncut???

I would add an adjustable Trac Bar, Bilstein Shocks and Front and Rear Axle Brake lines. I would also have new Poly Bushings installed if not included with the springs. All these parts can be ordered from Wild Horses as well.

This will give you a modest lift and a MUCH better ride than stock. Will be very comfortable on the road in comparison.

 

[bowhunter]

Really boils down to the look you are after. Installed correctly and with the right shock combo, there's no reason the WH kit you already have shouldn't ride as good, if not better than stock.

I'm not a huge fan of stock height, uncut Broncos. So for me it would be a no brainer....I would install the 3 1/2" WH lift, and stuff bigger tires up underneath for a LUBR.

 

[Justafordguy]

X3, the WH springs will probably ride better than stock springs.

 

[rean1mator]

been scouring the interwebz for 3.5" lift with the 31's and they do look nice!

only concern is whether the rear will rub at all on the fenders?

thinking about keeping components now... haha.

The 2 1/2" may be better for what you want, but the 3 1/2" WH suspension you have will look very nice with stock wheels and 31x1050s. I am assuming the wheel wells are Uncut???

I would add an adjustable Trac Bar, Bilstein Shocks and Front and Rear Axle Brake lines. I would also have new Poly Bushings installed if not included with the springs. All these parts can be ordered from Wild Horses as well.

This will give you a modest lift and a MUCH better ride than stock. Will be very comfortable on the road in comparison.

 

[Crawdad]

Here a suggestion and I might be pissing on someone's parade, but talk with WH and see if they will swap out what you need. That lift you have is not cheap, nor will it be cheap going back to stock. I'd check with DirtDonk (Paul) and see if you have some options.

 

[DirtDonk]

Here I am!
It's really a hit-or-miss regarding whether it's even possible or, if so, whether it's even a good deal for rean1mator.

First, if it's between a new 2.5 or the existing 3.5, even though my recommendation for a new purchase would have been the 2.5, by the time things are shipped (rear leaves being one of the most expensive shipping items we carry) back and forth, that 1" difference could get more expensive than it's worth.
Of course, if all you have is the springs, then you will still nee to purchase a few more items to make a 3.5" height increase work for you. Yeah, it's always something...%)

Next, while I can't answer from here with 100% certainty, it's a lower possibility that, as the non-original purchaser, we'd be willing to give credit for a part really of unknown age (unless there is a receipt) and condition.
This kind of thing is a tough call any time. Believe it or not though, I'm with Crawdad that it's probably worth a quick call. You get to know us, and we get to know you at least. Just not likely to result in any real joy on the return front in this case.
But maybe one of the guys will have another option I don't know about. You never know.

Obviously, the best deal for all concerned would be for someone local to him that wants a 3.5 to buy a 2.5 and simply trade the components in question.
Not always easy, since most newer owners don't know a lot of EB owners in their region yet, but it's been done before. And why we have ClassicBroncos in the first place!

And speaking of which... Where are you located rean1mator?
Sometimes that can literally be the abiding deciding factor.

Paul

 

[rean1mator]

Yeah, thanks for the input! I would have gone with 2.5 myself if starting from scratch.

I'm in Oakland, CA. Need to think about this a little more and make a final decision. Not in a huge hurry on the lift right now so can take my time to decide. I did find someone whilling to buy the setup and pick them up locally here so could do that.

When all is said in done. May be just cheapest to keep the parts and buy the shocks and whatever pieces i need to complete the install. Seems a bit extreme tho' for my intended purpose of just cruising around town with the Bronco.

And here she is in all her unlifted glory!

Here I am!
It's really a hit-or-miss regarding whether it's even possible or, if so, whether it's even a good deal for rean1mator.

First, if it's between a new 2.5 or the existing 3.5, even though my recommendation for a new purchase would have been the 2.5, by the time things are shipped (rear leaves being one of the most expensive shipping items we carry) back and forth, that 1" difference could get more expensive than it's worth.
Of course, if all you have is the springs, then you will still nee to purchase a few more items to make a 3.5" height increase work for you. Yeah, it's always something...%)

Next, while I can't answer from here with 100% certainty, it's a lower possibility that, as the non-original purchaser, we'd be willing to give credit for a part really of unknown age (unless there is a receipt) and condition.
This kind of thing is a tough call any time. Believe it or not though, I'm with Crawdad that it's probably worth a quick call. You get to know us, and we get to know you at least. Just not likely to result in any real joy on the return front in this case.
But maybe one of the guys will have another option I don't know about. You never know.

Obviously, the best deal for all concerned would be for someone local to him that wants a 3.5 to buy a 2.5 and simply trade the components in question.
Not always easy, since most newer owners don't know a lot of EB owners in their region yet, but it's been done before. And why we have ClassicBroncos in the first place!

And speaking of which... Where are you located rean1mator?
Sometimes that can literally be the abiding deciding factor.

Paul

 

[Crawdad]

She's purdy as is!

 

[rean1mator]

She is! I rather like the stock look! Which is why I'm considering just upgrading to stock WH kit to just improve the ride quality as much as possible.

She's purdy as is!

 

[DirtDonk]

Nice! And Oakland too, eh? Close!
I'll have to remember to shout out the next time we get any kind of group get-together going. Had a couple of guys from your area join is in the south bay and peninsula gatherings.
But with more and more local to you, you guys could get your own group going now and then too.

We keep in touch on yahoogroups.com. If you're interested, just sign up to receive e-mails at the bronco@yahoogroups.com address.

And the next time you have a weekday off, with nothing better to do (family comes first) pop on over the hill and give a visit to WH in Stockton. Should be just less than an hour each way depending on traffic, but worth it for a little look-see and to get ideas and kill some time.
That said, your rig really doesn't "need" anything just the way it is.

On that point, I completely agree with the others that the modern design springs and shocks will ride better than stock. Especially if it's still original!
But unless you are going to go four-wheeling with this rig too, I would still consider the 2.5 at the top of the list. Not that 3.5 doesn't look good, as you've already seen, but I just think with the "stock-ish" look it's better served with just a little less. My opinion though.

31 inch tires can rub with the wrong wheels, or fit just fine with the right wheels. On your stockers (assume they are?) they might fit with no trouble. But make some measurements and do some figuring first. And get opinions from locals that can put eyes on your rig too.
What size tires are on there now?

Good luck. No matter what you do, you've got a great looking Bronco there.

Paul

 

[rguest3]

rean1mator - Just by looking at your truck, I would go with the 2 1/2" Lift and 31s on the original wheels. You have a VERY nice looking Bronco!

Here is my 69 U14 with a WH 3 1/2" lift and 31x1050s on a 15x8", US Mags wheel with 4" back spacing. NO rubbing at all in my case.

 

[rean1mator]

Yeah, I was looking at your bronco while I was looking for pics of lifted uncut bronco's! I agree, I think the 2.5" will be the best choice.

rean1mator - Just by looking at your truck, I would go with the 2 1/2" Lift and 31s on the original wheels. You have a VERY nice looking Bronco!

Here is my 69 U14 with a WH 3 1/2" lift and 31x1050s on a 15x8", US Mags wheel with 4" back spacing. NO rubbing at all in my case.

 

[rean1mator]

Just sent a request in to join the group.
I"ll swing by the shop when I order the suspension kit.

Had some questions about the front disc kit as well which I have and need to install so will give a call on that.

Current tires are 235/75/15's I believe.

Nice! And Oakland too, eh? Close!
I'll have to remember to shout out the next time we get any kind of group get-together going. Had a couple of guys from your area join is in the south bay and peninsula gatherings.
But with more and more local to you, you guys could get your own group going now and then too.

We keep in touch on yahoogroups.com. If you're interested, just sign up to receive e-mails at the bronco@yahoogroups.com address.

And the next time you have a weekday off, with nothing better to do (family comes first) pop on over the hill and give a visit to WH in Stockton. Should be just less than an hour each way depending on traffic, but worth it for a little look-see and to get ideas and kill some time.
That said, your rig really doesn't "need" anything just the way it is.

On that point, I completely agree with the others that the modern design springs and shocks will ride better than stock. Especially if it's still original!
But unless you are going to go four-wheeling with this rig too, I would still consider the 2.5 at the top of the list. Not that 3.5 doesn't look good, as you've already seen, but I just think with the "stock-ish" look it's better served with just a little less. My opinion though.

31 inch tires can rub with the wrong wheels, or fit just fine with the right wheels. On your stockers (assume they are?) they might fit with no trouble. But make some measurements and do some figuring first. And get opinions from locals that can put eyes on your rig too.
What size tires are on there now?

Good luck. No matter what you do, you've got a great looking Bronco there.

Paul

 

[Mustangs2]

That is a terrific looking Bronco.

I really invested extra time on the front end to learn all the options available to me for my truck. Most everyone has an opinion. Of course, the final decision is yours to make. I looked at hundreds of pictures and several Broncos in person.

I like the LUBER's. I went with WH 2.5" Suspension lift and WH 1" Body Lift. The body lift was really to accommodate the extra height of my 351W.
My tires are 31x10.50x15 BF Goodrich KM2's on stock rims.

There are a few pictures in my Garage under 'ol blue if it might help you decide.

All the Best!

 

[MyOriginal66]

A lot of this boils down to personal opinion but I think we can all agree you are starting with a great looking bronco.

Personally for that bronco I would sell the 3.5" lift and buy a 1" lift for the front and new stock height 11 pack leafs (I think someone makes a 11pack in stock height, if not I'd just get new 5 packs). Keep the 235's or upgrade to 29" tires. Stock look with a slightly more aggressive stance. The 1" lift in the front will level the bronco out so it doesn't have a rake to it, especially if you ever plan on removing the top.

 

[broncobsession]

The only stock height set with more than 5 leafs I'm aware of are BC Broncos 9 leaf.

 

[rean1mator]

That's a nice setup you got there. Looks like I have some decisions to make on this. Will spend more time doing some research. Hopefully can get to check out some in person to get a better gauge of the look in real life.

That is a terrific looking Bronco.

I really invested extra time on the front end to learn all the options available to me for my truck. Most everyone has an opinion. Of course, the final decision is yours to make. I looked at hundreds of pictures and several Broncos in person.

I like the LUBER's. I went with WH 2.5" Suspension lift and WH 1" Body Lift. The body lift was really to accommodate the extra height of my 351W.
My tires are 31x10.50x15 BF Goodrich KM2's on stock rims.

There are a few pictures in my Garage under 'ol blue if it might help you decide.

All the Best!

 

[MyOriginal66]

If you decide to go 3.5" or 2.5" I always suggest checking out the LUBR's known as Ketchup and Mustard (look here on page 3 in the LUBR thread) and Nick's Trix 401K build and Brainsurge. Great examples of stock looking LUBR's.

This is bteutsch's LUBR with the JBG 1" coils upfront and stock otherwise.... It also sticks to ceilings with this setup