"Rocking Bronco"

[RPM289]

I was told my rig has a "soft 5.5 super lift kit" on it but when I take off it wants to rock back then forward. My 4 yr old says it like his rocking horse LOL Do I need different shock or something else?

 

[Apogee]

Softer spring rates will have more weight transfer under accel and decel. You can increase your spring rates, lower your CoG, lengthen your wheelbase or increase your damping rates to reduce this effect, but each has it's pros and cons.

The anti-squat and anti-dive characteristics are somewhat set on an EB unless you're willing to look at 3 and 4-link suspension options.

 

[RPM289]

I have heard 2 shocks per corner help this also?

 

[Apogee]

The number of shocks is irrelevant without knowing their damping rates, however the goal should be to critically damp each end of the rig, not overdamp it, which can lead to increased harshness in ride quality. My guess is that you may be underdamped now...if you stand on a corner of the rig and cycle the suspension, does stop relatively quickly (like less than 1.5 cycles) or does it bob and weave for longer than that? If it does, then it's most likely underdamped and/or the shocks are shot.

 

[00gyrhed]

Soft springs with lots of travel come with highway problems. Finding the middle ground that makes you happy may take some time and money. It is after all a straight front axle.

Shocks are an after thought. The are not really supposed to be a support component, just a damper to keep springs from oscillation. If you want to get technical that's is ALL the shock should do. Unfortunately there are all manner of shock absorbers out there to "FIX" spring problems, create lift, of otherwise stiffen a ride.

I run stock ford truck front springs with f250 cheapo shocks, and most people don't believe the ride. But my spring rate is matched to the weight of my front end. 393 stroker and 3/16" steel plate bumpers with a winch. Yes its a little rough, yes the wheel travel is somewhat limited off-road, but it will track down the highway with one finger on the wheel at 80 MPH all day long.

 

[RPM289]

Soft springs with lots of travel come with highway problems. Finding the middle ground that makes you happy may take some time and money. It is after all a straight front axle.

Shocks are an after thought. The are not really supposed to be a support component, just a damper to keep springs from oscillation. If you want to get technical that's is ALL the shock should do. Unfortunately there are all manner of shock absorbers out there to "FIX" spring problems, create lift, of otherwise stiffen a ride.

I run stock ford truck front springs with f250 cheapo shocks, and most people don't believe the ride. But my spring rate is matched to the weight of my front end. 393 stroker and 3/16" steel plate bumpers with a winch. Yes its a little rough, yes the wheel travel is somewhat limited off-road, but it will track down the highway with one finger on the wheel at 80 MPH all day long.

That is what i'm looking for i know it won't be perfect with my lift

 

[00gyrhed]

I have about 2" of lift with nothing but a ford F150 v-8 spring from the middle 70s but I would not recommend it unless you have quite a bit of weight up front, but in the old days its was a common way to get lift and some vendors still sell these repackaged springs.

Specialty spring companies and vendors are better now that they use to be about getting the rate right, but often rate is overlooked to get desired lift, and actually has to be. You cant have a stable ride with very compliant springs and long travel without stiffening them up with the shocks, which really defeats the purpose.

Its all a trade off. I am sure someone will chime in that they have your springs and this shock, and tell you rides great on the highway, but my engineering background tells me that's too much travel in a compliant spring to be stable on the road. Never mind the castor issues you have with that high a lift.

I tried actually have had 4 different coils under mine, but never any other shock that a 1996 F-250 OEM replacement. Cheapest one made. Started way to stiff (vendor recommended), then swapped out for a lower spring rate twice until I hit a good ride. Then went back up to the heavier rate once the 393/700R4 went in. luckily I kept the next step up in springs, I had already sold the super stiff springs.

 

[RPM289]

I will know more once i get it on the road and see how it drives. FINALLY got my tag issues sorted out so off to the DMV next Friday.

 

[bronconut73]

I will know more once i get it on the road and see how it drives. FINALLY got my tag issues sorted out so off to the DMV next Friday.

About the cheapest adjustable dampers you will find are Rancho RS9000's. About a hundred bucks a piece.
Then you can adjust them until you find that "happy medium".
They even have an in-cab controller/adjuster for changes on the fly....

 

[RPM289]

About the cheapest adjustable dampers you will find are Rancho RS9000's. About a hundred bucks a piece.
Then you can adjust them until you find that "happy medium".
They even have an in-cab controller/adjuster for changes on the fly....

Cool I will check them out!

 

[bronconut73]

Cool I will check them out!

Have you looked into it?


Procomp has some adjustable ones too but I have never met anybody that liked them......
Prolly too stiff but don't really know.

 

[RPM289]

Not yet working hard on my other project a 66 Mustang coupe I have had since 91 been on rotisserie for10 years and finally about to fire it up again! Bronco is in holding pattern