Suspension Advice

[lhpanther]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a suspension upgrade. I am currently running the original stock suspension on my '76. I am wanting to go with a 2.5 inch lift. My bronco is uncut and is used as a street driver. I run 31 inch tires and plan on keeping the top on. I am wanting a nice, smooth ride with a level look. Here's what I am looking at:

2 1/2 inch 11-pack rear leaf springs
2 1/2 inch Deaver superflex coil springs
1 inch body lift
new shocks

What else do I need to consider when adding this lift?



Thanks!

 

[bigpitbull]

I picked up the JBG 2.5" sl kit and it comes with all the bushings you will need.. It also has the deaver springs...

 

[blubuckaroo]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a suspension upgrade. I am currently running the original stock suspension on my '76. I am wanting to go with a 2.5 inch lift. My bronco is uncut and is used as a street driver. I run 31 inch tires and plan on keeping the top on. I am wanting a nice, smooth ride with a level look. Here's what I am looking at:

2 1/2 inch 11-pack rear leaf springs
2 1/2 inch Deaver superflex coil springs
1 inch body lift
new shocks

What else do I need to consider when adding this lift?



Thanks!

That's the setup I have on my '77. I ended up with a bit of bump steer and fixed it with a dropped pitman arm. Also the standard front brake hosed will be close to the end of travel. A nice set of stainless braided ones would be nice.

 

[Crimson66]

Drive shaft?

My concern would also be the drive shaft. ?

 

[surfer-b]

You may also need shims under the rear leafs to get the correct pinon angle, I have 2.5 " lift on my 74 & 76 and installed 3* shims in both to get the right angle.

 

[Squid]

I have not done the suspension yet, but I watched one get done and the thing I took away was that removing the bushings in the shackles that hold the leafs is a PITA. It required a torch to melt and burn them out. When I do mine I plan on buying a new set of the HD shackles to avoid melting rubber in my driveway. Just my 2 cents.

Jim

 

[Fireball05]

I have just been doing research with a very similar setup.

I too have a 76, some have told me, including Chuck at BCB, that I will need a new tie rod kit. Others on here said you may not.

Are you looking at the JBG 2.5" superflex kit? That's the direction I'm leaning. I'd recommend the deluxe kit with all the new extended brake lines. Unless you've recently replaced those lines, they're probably a bit old anyway, and you might as well replace them with extended and not have to worry about any issues.

As for the driveshafts, trac bar and pitman arm, the general consensus is that there is none! Most folks don't need to make any changes with a 2.5" lift, but there are too many exceptions to that to call it a rule.

 

[Justafordguy]

X2, you need to replace the bushings for sure. If you have power steering get the 7 degree C bushings.

 

[Rockin69er]

Just remember the Superflex springs are liner rate and not progressive. I originally installed Superflex springs when I spent more time off road then on. Loved them. However when I switched to more on road than off they were to soft. I then switched to WH's progressive springs for better handling.

Also you can remove shackle bushings with a drill and a hacksaw/sawsall instead of a torch.

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

I have the WH 2 1/2" kit on both my rigs. Neither required a change to the tie rod setup. I have 1" BL on one and 2" on the other. I would recommend the extended emergency brake cables and perhaps you may need a new shroud. You can trim the bottom of the shroud to work with the 1" BL though. Also, I needed to extend my clutch rod on both Broncos. I ended up just buying the adjustable ones for each and it worked great. You should not have to worry about your drive shafts with that small of a lift. Pinion angle might be an issue, but it hasn't affected mine. I have heard pluses and minuses for every vendors kit and if you do a search you can find them. I have been nothing but pleased with the WH kits and they provide almost everything you need. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Oildog]

I too really liked the way the WH progressives rode on street and they flexed pretty well also. I did the hacksaw trick removing my bushings and it was fast and easy...no nasty, burning rubber for me!

 

[BR549]

if your truck is uncut will 2 1/2" SL and 1" BLwill that be enough for 31" tires, guessing those 31's are 10.5" wide. thats is my goal with my build also, and have been told it will rub by some of the vendors. i am primaraly going for a look and do not want the added hassel/expense of the 3 1/2" sl.

 

[lhpanther]

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like each bronco is unique unto itself when it comes to suspension changes. I'll probably go with the ultra deluxe kit from BG or one from WH. I suppose I will tackle any issues that arise once the lift is installed.

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

There's a video on WH site that shows how to make 33s work with stock suspension. 31s will fit easily with a lift.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[bad 68]

removing the bushings in the shackles that hold the leafs is a PITA. It required a torch to melt and burn them out. When I do mine I plan on buying a new set of the HD shackles to avoid melting rubber in my driveway. Just my 2 cents.

Jim

Why in the hell would you burn out good rubber shackle bushings to install urathane that won't last. Don't do it!