F150 front springs on EB

[00gyrhed]

Anyone out there use F150 springs on the front of EB. I have been told it works out well, but also have been told they are too stiff. I do not want a lot of lift, really just need a little higher spring rate and maybe an inch more lift due to the addition of plate bumper and winch. What year model spring was used?

 

[trailpsycho]

Spring technology has come lightyears in the last 5 yrs. Dont settle for a spring designed to be on a heavier truck. Winch bumper desgined coil springs are available (BCBroncos) or just go with a 2.5" spring. If you dont believe me, use the search functions and see what others are saying about the new springs available. Good luck.

 

[COBlu77]

F150 springs were my first lift in 1990. Only about 1-2" lift and very stiff. Those and an add-a-leaf in the rears made for quite a rough ride. Don't waste your time or money.

 

[Broncos n' VWs]

I have them on mine, but they are going away next week to make room for the JD springs that I picked up used. I joke around by saying that it would be a softer ride if I welded the axle directly to the frame. I would recommend getting one of the vendor's springs. Even with my plate bumper and winch, the front still sits just a bit higher than the rear.

 

[Cactus killer]

When Rancho put lifts on EB's in the early days that is what they used, that is why everyone doesn't want Rancho springs in their EB's, too stiff. That is also the reason lifts are messured in 1/2" sizes and it just stuck. For a long time you could only get up to a 3.5 lift(2" F150 spring) until Bronco houses made them specifically for the EB.

 

[SaddleUp]

The major suspension companies still use the same springs for the EB that they use for the Full Size. This includes Rancho, Superlift, and Skyjacker. Probably others as well. (Those are the 3 I have verified this with by checking the coil part numbers) As was mentioned the lift is approx. 1 1/2" different between them and is where the 1/2" increments come from. Normally lifts are designated in even inch increments. If for instance you buy a 5 1/2" Rancho lift for an Early Bronco you will get the same front coil spring included with a 4" lift on a Big Bronco or F150. 3 1/2" would be 2" on the full size. As to using the stock full size coils on an EB it can and has been done and will give about 1 1/2" of lift. The ride will leave a lot to be desired though as they are pretty stiff.

 

[00gyrhed]

Thanks to all,

I had also noticed that the part nubers were the same for the F150 and Bronce lifts, only differing lift hieghts. So when a Bronco 3.5 lift coil is used as a F150 2 inch lift is the F150 ride spongy? That is why I asked the question in the first place. Anyway I am convinced. I just really do not want to pay over $100 just to get the front right. I really do not want any suspension lift but can see a benifit to an inch or so.

Thanks again to those of you that have actually had them in you vehicles, I was interested in the ride.

 

[stlkikn]

IF you can find a set of 76 F 150 6 cyl coils, they may give you the lift you seek, and they have a slightly lower spring rate than the V-8 coils....
Also for a softer ride stay away from the cheaper shocks, they too are set up for multiple applications, and are not always valved for the weight of an EB

 

[DirtDonk]

Yeah, if you're just going for minimal lift and want a soft ride, go with something similar to what stlkikn said.
I used a set of Moog Cargo Coils from an early F100 6 cylinder application. Gave me just the 1.75" or so of lift I wanted and a great ride.
I forget the part number, but it was something like CC721 or whatever. Just check the Moog book if someone's got one. Or is Moog one of the old-time companies that's bitten the dust in recent years?

Back when I bought them new they were about $80 a pair at retail and well worth it.

Paul