To lift or not to lift

[Meddle]

Hi folks, long time lurker here. I just acquired a 1974 Bronco. It is uncut with 265/70R17. I do not intend on cutting it. Frankly, I’m surprised the previous owner was able to fit 31s without any rub. Looking for opinions, would you put a body lift kit on, and if so, how many inches would you go?

 

[Scoop]

It would look good with a small lift. I personally like a combination of small SL and BL. Say, 2 1/2" SL and 1" BL. You'll get a few folks who hate body lifts, but they add clearance and working room between the body and frame. And 1 inch is not very noticeable and does not require bumper relocation (IMO). With 2" or 3" BL you get into needing a bumper relocation or filler panels to look good.

 

[67sport]

There are as many reasons to not lift as there are to lift. It's gotta be your choice because it's your truck.

I went 3" coils in front and 2" blocks in the rear on my LUBR, and I like the stance and ride it has on 32's. {Pics in my garage). I agree with Scoop that a 1" body lift or those combo body mount/body lift bushings give some benefits.

What do you want to end up with?

 

[gnsteam]

I'm with Scoop on this one. Would look much better. And with the new suspensions that are available. The ride quality is improved over stock original springs.

 

[Hallboss]

Nice looking 74! I'd agree, little lift with upgraded suspension components. Love the look of the LUBRs

 

[Broncobowsher]

I think the height looks perfect as it is now. One of the worst things I did to my last Bronco (as for drivability) was to lift it. All i got out of the lift was less dragging of stuff off-road. Axles still hung up the same, frame, gas tank, and rocker panels didn't rub as much. Lost a LOT of highway stability. I actually started looking for springs with less lift.

As nice as that Bronco looks I don't see it getting beat on rocks like I was doing. What are your plans for it that would include needing more clearance?

I look at things like the gap between the front tire and the fender opening. It looks nice and even on the top, front, and back. Lifting would throw that balance off.

 

[Wild horse 75]

I would look at doing a 1” lift. I think that would give you that little bit of extra clearance for those tires but not really change how the truck acts. As far as how you do it, if the suspension is newer I’d just do a body lift. If the suspension is older and needs some work might as well kill two birds with one stone and get the lift while you refresh the suspension. A body lift will be way less expensive.

 

[DirtDonk]

First things first.
Find out what it’s got now.
I know, it’s probably stock all the way around. But what I mean by finding out is, is it at original stock height, or is it sagged a bit?
Measure all the body mounts and find out what they are. Are they original rubber and look really crusty? Or are they replacement, new rubber or polyurethane?
Stock height for a body mount is 3/4 of an inch. Anything less than that, and even just installing new body mounts of stock height will “lift” you slightly.

Same for the springs.
Measure between the top of the axle tubes and the bottom of the frame rails at each corner.
Stock in the front is roughly 7 inches and stock in the back is roughly 6 inches. If you’re at that height, then everything’s in good shape under there.
If you’re less than that, then even installing stock springs will bring you up a bit.

I don’t think you said, but are you doing this to keep the tires from rubbing? Or just to change the look?

 

[bmbm]

Great looking Bronco! I have the 1" body lift and am going back to stock spring height and also to 31" tires. As stated evaluate your current springs to determine if they are sagging.

 

[BRONCOchild2.0]

In my opinion and If I had a LUBR, I would go with a small 1 to 1.5 inch lift. Just for clearance purposes. Then, everything else will stay as stock as possible. You have a great looking EB. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[MarsChariot]

Looking at the side images it looks like the rear is a little sagged. So just going with new stock suspension would help. The WHs 1.5 inch suspension might be the best compromise overall: would give it that high-rider 4x4 look without actually be much higher than stock. I did 2.5 inches on an uncut and like Broncobowsher said all it has done is create handling and bouncey problems.

 

[FordFarmer]

I think the front looks perfect. It’s probably just the taller tires but it does look just a tad low in the back. Maybe a fresh set of leafs in the back?

 

[Meddle]

Here is the back “simulated” with a 2-1/4 inch lift. I think it looks much better. The back does ride ever so slightly higher than the front, but not obnoxiously. What is considered the better option to achieve this (other than completely new leaf packs)? Add a leaf or lift blocks?

 

[Shimmy]

i dig it. did you already confirm you don't have a lift? adding a leaf will in theory make the pack a little stiffer. a block will add a little more axle wrap.

 

[Meddle]

i dig it. did you already confirm you don't have a lift? adding a leaf will in theory make the pack a little stiffer. a block will add a little more axle wrap.

I didn’t consider the axle wrap issue blocks may present. Cost notwithstanding, it sounds like new leaf pack is the best way to go. I believe the PO had put a 1 inch body lift on it, no blocks, and stock leafs, but hard to tell for sure (see pics).

I think the front rides at a proper height, though I do notice the grille rides 1/4-3/8” higher on the passenger side versus driver side. The rest of the body appears to be lev both sides — just the grille is off slightly in relation to the bumper. Wondering if I need to shim the front drivers side mount to even it out a bit.

 

[DirtDonk]

Not a body left. Looks like a stock height, polyurethane replacement.
The crooked bumper could be either something bent on the body or frame, or perhaps one body mount was crushed down a little bit.
You’ll have to take some measurements.

 

[Madgyver]

in my opinion, that rig does not need a lift.

 

[Meddle]

in my opinion, that rig does not need a lift.

Thanks for the feedback, I definitely agree, the only thing I’m contemplating is putting new leaf packs or add-a-leafs on the back to gain 1-1/2 to 2 inches clearance in the wheel wells as the back tires are very close to rubbing and the back end sits just a tad low in my opinion. Decisions!

 

[Yeller]

Bite the bullet and order new leaves from one of our vendors. There are less expensive options, but none of them will be anything like close to the ride and handling quality of their spring packs. They have all done their homework and had springs developed that exceed anything else you can do short of buying direct from Deaver or Alcan spring.

 

[Meddle]

Bite the bullet and order new leaves

I believe you are right, that’s exactly what I should do. Why compromise? I am eyeing the WH 10 pack all-terrain kit. Would the 2.5” kit put me right about where I want to be?