Best rear suspension

[Marsh]

Im looking to get new rear suspension, i currently have lift blocks and the ride is not the smoothest. What manufacture makes the softest/smoothest or best feeling leaf springs?

 

[NYLES]

James DUFF!........

 

[Bronco Junkie]

Deaver makes a damn good spring!

 

[BoureeOne]

Be prepared for a very angry person to tell you to use the search function....

But beyond that, if you really want a smooth ride, I would replace the entire system.... Coils, leafs, shocks.... You also need to post what your intention is for the truck.... Street only, Street/Offroad, Offroad...... How much lift do you want?

 

[Marsh]

Be prepared for a very angry person to tell you to use the search function....

But beyond that, if you really want a smooth ride, I would replace the entire system.... Coils, leafs, shocks.... You also need to post what your intention is for the truck.... Street only, Street/Offroad, Offroad...... How much lift do you want?

The bronco was built by build a bronco, it has a 3.5" lift and 31" tires. The truck is used mainly on road with some dirt roads and sand driving. The rear suspension is on blocks and feels a little firm. Is there a brand that is softer feeling than others? And what is the advantage to outing on leafs with the suspension build in vs blocks under the leafs?

 

[70_Steve]

The rear suspension is on blocks and feels a little firm. Is there a brand that is softer feeling than others? And what is the advantage to outing on leafs with the suspension build in vs blocks under the leafs?

Lost of things contribute to the ride feel. The two obvious pieces are the springs and the shocks.

To really tell if the springs are what's creating the firm ride, disconnect the rear shocks and go for a short ride. If the ride is still too firm, then consider replacing the springs.

With a stiff spring, lift blocks aren't too bad. But lift blocks contribute to spring wrap. For a street truck, that may not be too impactive. But for off-roading spring wrap can really be an issue, creating several different problems.

Most of the springs for a 3 1/2" lift will be 11 leaf packs. These are made for the off-roader looking for some flex from the suspension. A side benefit for the street driver is they are much softer than the stock springs. But then, since most things are a compromise, this will affect handing with increased body roll. You might investigate BC Broncos rear leaf springs. Chuck had them designed with 9 leafs. Probably a better compromise between handling and ride.

Of course, then, don't forget the shocks...

 

[bronconut73]

WH rear leaf packs and Bilsteins.
Can't go wrong there Bud.

 

[5001craig]

I will be going with a Duff 3.5" 4-link as soon as I can.

 

[dave67fd]

WH rear leaf packs and Bilsteins.
Can't go wrong there Bud.

x2 on WH's and Bilsteins.

 

[rockslut]

Shackle angle has quite a bit to do with ride quality. If they are to vertical your ride will be a little harsh.

 

[rguest3]

I have had a variety of suspensions on different Broncos.

But, I also prefer the WH suspension kits with the Bilstein upgrade. Both of my current broncos have this set up.

 

[Pa PITT]

... So I guess I'll have to bit on this one ... How do I change the Shackle angle. That a new one on me.
... Seems to me it only hangs down & swings back & fourth when you hit bumps.
.. Can you explain. THANKS.

 

[FlogginHarvey]

Another vote for Wild Horses leafs & coils. Bro-in-law had 'em and I did the swap. Great on the blacktop - I went with King 2.5 smooth body reservoirs for trail and sand runs. Just getting it back together and wrinkles ironed out, finally. No offroad yet but so close.

 

[rockslut]

I guess this apply's to more of a custom set up than a bolt on kit. But when changing spring lengths, stretching wheel base, reverse shackle, shackle lengths ect.. You need to set up your shackle angle at about 45deg. If it is to strait up and down It will not let your spring work right. Hope that makes sense.

 

[DirtDonk]

Probably the most common cause for a shackle angle change, other than the truly custom options just mentioned, would be using a leaf pack with the same length main leaf eye-to-eye (measured along the leaf) but with more arch. This shortens the effective length (eye-to-eye across the gap) and would tilt the shackle forward. Same result from simply making the main leaf shorter for some reason.
Doing the opposite (longer leaf or less arch) would push the shackle angle back.

With those causes too, whether the angle of the shackle causes any change in perceived stiffness, both a leaf spring with more arch OR a shorter leaf spring would contribute to more ride harshness for a given spring rate.

Obviously, those same parameters do change during suspension cycling. A leaf spring with any arch at all will cause the shackle to angle rearward when in compression, and to angle more forward when in extension.

Paul

 

[NYLES]

4 link it! awesome ride