Suspension lift question for an uncut 74

[Gweiner]

Hi guys - I want to put 31" tires on my 74 EB and would like them to fit under without rubbing new uncut quarters. can someone recommend a suspension lift size and kit? Was thinking a James Duff 3.5" SL should do it without a body lift. Planning to use stock 15x8 ford wheels. Going for a factory look with skinny (but aggressive tread) tires. Will be street only, no real offloading.

Appreciate any suggestions, photos, advice.

 

[Bigbird]

3.5 Duff kit should be fine.

 

[Fireball05]

3.5"SL will work fine. 2.5"SL + 1"BL might be the way to go to avoid some drivetrain issues/extra modifications that are needed with a 3.5" lift. Plus the 1" BL makes working on certain things a good bit easier, and paves the way for future tranny mods swaps, etc.

 

[rguest3]

It just depends on the backspacing of the wheels.

I've installed 265x70x17s (bigger than 31x10.50) with a 2 1/2" WH lift. The wheels are 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing.

Very top of tire is actually inside rear uncut fender, but does not touch at all.

 

[Gweiner]

Thanks guys. If I do a 1" BL, will I need to adjust anything to account for the body lift (I.e will ther be a gap by the bumpers and do I need a new fan shroud,etc). I have read that body lifts require other modifications like longer linkages and parking brake cables.

Looking for the simplest ( but right way) solution.

 

[darcytribe]

depending on how skinny you go with the tires you may not need any lift at all. I'm running 15x7 tires (31inch) on stock susp. The rear tires tuck under the back fenders slightly but no rubbing at all. Here's a pic:

https://picasaweb.google.com/100378034260651266186/October232012#5802321793276781794

Here's a thread on skinny tire options. Mine are Co-op grip spurs:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189269&highlight=grip+spur

 

[ericbee]

2 1/2 inch suspension lift, NO body lift. I fit 33" 10.5 tires with no rubbing and you cannot go any bigger, trust me.

 

[needabronco]

My 66' has 265/75/16's on stock steel wheels and stock suspension. It does rub but I'd say a 1" body lift would clear for street use, if you planned to use it on trails a 2.5" lift would probably be fine.

 

[Fireball05]

Thanks guys. If I do a 1" BL, will I need to adjust anything to account for the body lift (I.e will ther be a gap by the bumpers and do I need a new fan shroud,etc). I have read that body lifts require other modifications like longer linkages and parking brake cables.

Looking for the simplest ( but right way) solution.

For a 1" BL you should only need an extended/longer clutch rod and perhaps adjust the fan shroud. There will be a small gap at the bumpers, but it isn't very noticeable.

Here is some good info on a 1" BL.

You'll need an extended parking brake cable if you put 2.5" of lift on it. You won't need it with just a 1" BL.

I think you've gotten good advice above on what is required to fit the 31s. Now you just have to decide on what look you want, or which will best fit your needs. If I wanted 31s, I'd go 2.5"SL+1"BL. Or just do the 2.5"SL now and can do a body lift easily in the future if needed/wanted.

 

[JefeAZ]

3.5" with 1" BL: http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2241913&postcount=716

 

[Scoop]

3.5"SL will work fine. 2.5"SL + 1"BL might be the way to go to avoid some drivetrain issues/extra modifications that are needed with a 3.5" lift. Plus the 1" BL makes working on certain things a good bit easier, and paves the way for future tranny mods swaps, etc.

X2 on the 2 1/2 plus 1. A 1 inch gap on the bumpers is not noticeable. Only thing I had to with a 1" BL is adjust the auto tranny linkage. My radiator shroud worked with no adjustment.

 

[Georgelas]

Measuring suspension lift.

When deciding on lift height, I found the following very helpful. The stock ride height is when the top of your axle is seven inches from the bottom of the frame. For example, a 3.5 inch suspension lift would create a distance that is 10.5 inches between the top of axle and bottom of frame. When deciding what lift you want make sure to measure your current distance and decide from there. You may have some sag or a little lift.