Original 75 with OEM suspension

[Johnnyb]

So my friend has a very original 1975 Ranger package, hardly ever modified except for some typical PO work on the wiring harness under the dash.
The stock suspension appears to be in reasonably good shape except being 45 years old.
There's no desire to go with a lift kit, so the question is whether to replace bushings and rubber with OEM replacements, or swap in a new suspension.
What do you guys think?
THX,
JB

 

[gnsteam]

If your not after any lift. You might want to take a look at Wild Horses stock height suspension upgrade. Better than stock spring for better performance and ride quality.

 

[Johnnyb]

If your not after any lift. You might want to take a look at Wild Horses stock height suspension upgrade. Better than stock spring for better performance and ride quality.

Thanks, I will recommend that, and we get most of our parts from Wild Horses anyway.

 

[BGBronco]

After individually swapping these components out over time on my previous Bronco, I would recommend replacing everything at once. New Shocks / Springs, ALL Bushings, including c bushings, steering, etc. Also, I had my original body mounts until ~6 months ago. HUGE difference when I took the pain and replaced them.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I expect all the stock rubber to be just about gone by now. I redid a '77 F250 about 5 years ago that spend its life in the AZ mountains. All the rubber needed replacing. For bone stock, I would do all rubber new bushings (don't forget the leaf springs, they really matter). The one exception would be the front axle bushings. I don't like the lack of Caster in the original setup. Manual steering, the 2° bushings, power steering 4° bushings. And that is stock height suspension.

 

[DirtDonk]

Is the stock suspension actually in need of replacing?
Some have certainly sagged over the years, but some are still at their original height. You might have them take some measurements at all four corners, and see how it plays out.
You’re looking for approximately 7 inches in front, and 6 inches in the back, as measured between the top of the axle tube, and the bottom of the frame rails.
If it’s still at or near stock height, maybe leave the stock springs in? Although I’m with the previous mentions of doing something about the rear springs.
At the very least the bushings, but possibly spring pads, and things like that, but the new modern replacements for the leaves really are much better.

As far as the body mount bushings/insulators, originally they were 3/4 of an inch tall at all eight locations. Anything less than that and they need to be replaced anyway.

 

[Johnnyb]

I think she'd like to go with the wild horses premium stock upgrade or one and a half inch lift. Also on the list probably replacing all of the body mounts.

I recall how much better behaving my EB got with every sequential upgrade. The suspension, the body lift, updated steering, everything started behaving better as I replaced stock or worn out components.
Disc brakes are on the list too.

 

[BGBronco]

I think she'd like to go with the wild horses premium stock upgrade or one and a half inch lift. Also on the list probably replacing all of the body mounts.

I recall how much better behaving my EB got with every sequential upgrade. The suspension, the body lift, updated steering, everything started behaving better as I replaced stock or worn out components.
Disc brakes are on the list too.

I have the WH 1.5" Love it.

 

[DirtDonk]

And don’t forget the tires.

 

[Johnnyb]

She'll probably be picking out some nice all-terrain tires in a near stock size.
Additionally, she fell in love with my Dakota digital gauge cluster, and wants that too.

 

[DirtDonk]

Old tires, even small ones, handle and ride like crap. Almost every time.
You might not even realize it until you put new ones on. But it’s a real thing.

 

[DirtDonk]

I understand the love for Dakota Digital!