Need help with picking suspension system

[sixtysick]

I now have the bronco down to the frame and would like some input on what type of suspension to run. I am looking for around a 2.5 to 3.5 inch lift. I will be running a NV3550, so no need for any body lift for clearances. I do want to replace all suspension components, ie do not want to just "add a leaf". But is there any reason for me to have more than four shocks if this will be a mostly streetable bronco, very very rarely taken off road? Also, do to it being streetable, is there a need for shock hoops?

I want a very smooth riding bronco, and have no limits with in reason on spending.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[SteveL]

I'm very happy with my 3 1/2" springs from BC. You can get by with 4 good shocks. You will need a longer shock set up to get full travel out of the better susp.. You can do that with the longer F-250 mounts in the front that are much cheaper than a hoop. I went with an inboard mount in the rear and it added some sway. I plan to put a stock type rear mount back on for the street and run the inboard off road. I've heard the WAH makes the ride better on and off road. I have that on the short list for the 66 but haven't installed it yet. I went with the f-150 tie rod over set up and it also improved the steering quite a bit. Since then most guys are going with the TRO heim set ups which may or may not be legal depending on inspections where you live

 

[broncow72]

I think any of the kits available from the Bronco specific vendors will work fine. I would call each one of them and discuss your needs and see what they recommend.. My opinion on the shock hoop is do it (had to edit this in, I agree with Steve, F-250 mount). It doesn't affect the streetability but, on those rare occasions, when you need that little extra travel afforded by having longer shocks, you have it.
Again, you may want to bring that issue up to the vendors you talk with.
Plus when you actually talk with the vendors directly, you get a better feel of what their customer service will be like. It's your money, they want it. Make them earn it.

 

[broncnaz]

No reason for 2 shocks at each corner even if you are going off road. unless your racing maybe. I'm running a 2.5 lift on mine it rides really good BC rears and skyjacker fronts. had skyjacker rears but broke a spring but they rode just as good if not slightly better than the BC springs my only thing with both setups is that the front is higher than the rear so I may go to 1.5" front springs to level it out but I run a hard top rear seat fullsized spare and tools. either that or get some 1in blocks for the rear to level it up. other than that I'm really happy with it. I'm pretty sure that with the 2.5 lift your shocks will have plenty of travel at full flex so no need for longer shock mounts but I can see the need with a 3.5in lift usually the shocks for 2.5 and 3.5 lifts are the same so you can see why the 3.5 may out flex the shocks. You may want to keep in mind that the 2.5 lifts are generally considered mild and need very little extra mods where the 3.5 starts needing drop brackets, pitman arms ect. but most kits cover all the bases so its not that big of a deal.

 

[tsmustangs]

2.5 Lift

Would recommend the Wild Horses 2.5 lift. Pre-Runner front springs and 11 leaf rear springs. Give you the lift with excellent ride. Myself and my friend have it in our Bronco's and ran the Baja 500 with no problems........

 

[SaddleUp]

You'll get a lot of opinions on the type of suspension to get (and all are probably pretty good) so i'll throw in my recommendation. Mine would be the Cage 3 1/2" kit including the Cage nitrogen pressurized shocks. If it's mostly street then skip the extended radius arms but use the Cage shock mounts. If it will be used off road then get the Cage extended radius arms. Only one shock on each corner is necessary.

 

[sixtysick]

Would recommend the Wild Horses 2.5 lift. Pre-Runner front springs and 11 leaf rear springs. Give you the lift with excellent ride. Myself and my friend have it in our Bronco's and ran the Baja 500 with no problems........

Do you feel alot of the bumps? What kind of kit did you get, ie how many things did you change? What kind of shocks did you get? I am leaning toward this kit, sorry for the specific questions.

SS

 

[rubiconbronco]

you are going to get alot of suggestions, but you need to have specific info to match up your rig to the type of ride you want. Have an idea on engine, bumpers, cage, hardtop, tire size, and winch.

I went through 3 suspension set ups before i was happy. Part of my problem was the changes i made to the weight on the rig. I now have BC front springs and national rear. I had WH springs but were to soft for me. The rig looked nice with the WH stuff but needed a stiffer spring for handling.

so shop prepared with your rig info to help the techs meet your needs