My wandering 76 Bronco. Help Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LHardin]

Thank you to all who have shared some good information, truly appreciated.

I now have enough information to process and keep me busy for a while. In other words, I no longer need more comments but thanks anyway.

As my friend Tommy Boshers (Power Nation) says: Keep it between the ditches.

Thanks again and happy motoring.

 

[stout22]

I'm surprised no one has asked how much lift you have in the Bronco - How much suspension lift is in the Bronco?

 

[Shimmy]

I'm surprised no one has asked how much lift you have in the Bronco - How much suspension lift is in the Bronco?

i asked but didn't see a reply yet.

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

Got this from OP, I'll ask about lift.
To me it looks like maybe the rear axle is bent given the different toe numbers, but I'm no expert in alignment numbers.

 

[66BlueGoose]

Given the rear toe and thrust angle settings in the alignment data, the rear axle needs to be aligned to point straight forward, equal toe, zero thrust angle. Pictures of the front suspension will probably tell the rest of the story.

 

[LHardin]

I'm surprised no one has asked how much lift you have in the Bronco - How much suspension lift is in the Bronco?

2" Body lift, 2.5" Suspension lift.

 

[LHardin]

I'm surprised no one has asked how much lift you have in the Bronco - How much suspension lift is in the Bronco?

2" Body lift, 2.5" Suspension lift.

 

[knack]

The "abrupt and random" part of your question reminds me of a problem I had with an '80 Bronco. The problem was caused by a semi-frozen front axle u-joint. The axle would randomly rotate around (with hubs unlocked and transfer case in 2WD) now and then it would rotate to a spot where the U-joint didn't want to flex and would stay there. As soon as there was enough steering input to overcome the stiff U-joint, the truck would launch itself in the direction I was steering.
It was pretty frightening. If I wasn't careful I'd wind up changing lanes. I remember it usually happening around 40-50 mph.

 

[DirtDonk]

What method did you use to retorque the wheel bearings?
And what were the results of retorquing the ball joints? Did you get a pull scale to test your twist resistance on the knuckle?

 

[Luckie1127]

every bronco is different. 2.88 caster may not be enough for some broncos... it wasn't for me. i needed +5 caster to track 65mph straight.

that being said, you could have something loose. perhaps an ovaled out hole even? i may have missed it, but you are lifted?

Jumping in as i've been following this thread also. If running 7* C bushings, how do you get more caster?

 

[Madgyver]

stock Y steering linkages? lift?

 

[Shimmy]

Jumping in as i've been following this thread also. If running 7* C bushings, how do you get more caster?

Long arms
Duffs T rex arms
cut and turn your axle Cs

 

[67sport]

Long arms
Duffs T rex arms
cut and turn your axle Cs

Honest question because one day I will do mine.... Are either long arms or TRex arms a substitute for the cut and turn, or just an easier solution that yields similar results, though not as good?
Cut and turn plus long arms is best all round solution?

 

[Shimmy]

Honest question because one day I will do mine.... Are either long arms or TRex arms a substitute for the cut and turn, or just an easier solution that yields similar results, though not as good?
Cut and turn plus long arms is best all round solution?

definitely not a substitute. Id say that radius arm changes may improve the caster, but its certainly not the main goal of that upgrade. The TRex arms have 4* built into them and LA accomplish the same by moving the mounts further back on the frame. If the main objective is accomplishing more caster and you're happy with ride handling and flex, then a cut and turn is the solution.

 

[Oldtimer]

Honest question because one day I will do mine.... Are either long arms or TRex arms a substitute for the cut and turn, or just an easier solution that yields similar results, though not as good?
Cut and turn plus long arms is best all round solution?

Long arms, TRex, and/or 'C' bushings can improve caster angle, but they negatively affect pinion/drive shaft angles.

I would use the above to improve suspension articulation and fix the pinion/drive shaft angles, THEN cut and turn to fix the caster angle.

 

[LHardin]

The "abrupt and random" part of your question reminds me of a problem I had with an '80 Bronco. The problem was caused by a semi-frozen front axle u-joint. The axle would randomly rotate around (with hubs unlocked and transfer case in 2WD) now and then it would rotate to a spot where the U-joint didn't want to flex and would stay there. As soon as there was enough steering input to overcome the stiff U-joint, the truck would launch itself in the direction I was steering.
It was pretty frightening. If I wasn't careful I'd wind up changing lanes. I remember it usually happening around 40-50 mph.

That's crazy. I guess I need to put a go pro on the Bronco to see what's happening.

Thanks for the information.

 

[ksagis]

That's crazy. I guess I need to put a go pro on the Bronco to see what's happening.

Thanks for the information.

Based on everything I have understand on EBs, 0.12 degrees of total front toe is on light side as it’s roughly 1/16”. Might be worth doubling it as standard is usually 1/8” to 1/4”, depending on tire and wheel combo. That would jive with degrading at faster speeds.

(Fixed typo and added some info)

 

[LHardin]

Based on everything I have understand on EBs, 0.12 degrees of total front toe is on light side as it’s roughly 1/16”. Might be worse doubling it. That would jive with degrading at faster speeds.

Good to know.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[bigmuddy]

Easy first thing to do, drop your tire pressure to roughly 25lbs total.

 

[LHardin]

Great Idea.