When should you replace your front coils?

[WPS 73 Bronco]

My Bronco has a 2 1/2" lift and a 1" body lift. I'm getting ready to replace my front steering with the WH Clydesdale, and I'm installing the Duff Trex control arms. I have no idea when the lift was installed, so age of the coils are unknown.

I guess what I'm wanting to know, how do you know that you should replace the shock coils? Obviously since I'm doing all this work now, this would be the time to do it if they need it.

 

[ep67bro]

Depends on the condition of the coils. Is the front end sagging? Are they stock coils or are they aftermarket lift coils? Most people change them when you add a lift or want to improve the ride. Most modern coils are a better ride than the originals and also can flex much better. Some of the lift coils from the 80s and 90s were super stiff, they were for much heavier trucks and rode like crap. Any of the vendors have a much better option these days. In the scope of things front coils are not that expensive, might be a good time to upgrade when you have it all apart.

 

[WPS 73 Bronco]

Here’s my springs

 

[DirtDonk]

There are really only three scenarios (that I can think of at this moment) where springs need replacing.
One is when they have broken, or failed to do what they are needed to do.
Two is when they have sagged beyond where you want them.
Three is when you want to replace them.

There, that’s it.

 

[DirtDonk]

In the other thread, you discussed them actually not being lift coils. So you don’t in fact, have a 2 1/2 inch lift. Your suspension is at stock ride height.
What year and what? GVWR is your Bronco rated at?
The half-inch high in the front is within the range of stock.
The one inch high in the rear is a bit high, but maybe there are mitigating conditions.
Is the rig empty in the back? Are there any lift blocks or shims in the back? Are the springs original in the back? Maybe there’s an add a leaf?
Do we have pictures of the rear leaves?

 

[WPS 73 Bronco]

Paul,

Thanks for jumping in. I just got off the phone with one of the guys at WH discussing my order for the Clydesdale.

In that conversation it was suggested that if I replace my front coils with your #1033 stock height coil, I should expect an improvement in the ride quality.

My 73 Bronco (Ranger) rear has what looks to be stock 5 leaf spring configuration, but there is a shim lifting it about 1/2'. I'm now wondering if I should be replacing the rear springs too?

 

[DirtDonk]

How about some pictures of the rear anyway.

I’m 99.9% certain that the replacement front coils will ride better than your existing ones. Virtually a guarantee by the nature of their variable rate/proggressive rate design, versus your existing coils standard linear rate design.
But that does go along with tires and shocks to get the full effect.

As you all alluded to, now is the time to make those important decisions. In the future, are you going to be happy with stock height? Or would you rather go with a one and a half inch or 2 1/2 inch lift now?
All this time you thought you had a 2 1/2 inch lift where you really didn’t, But what do you actually think you’ll be happiest with?
Are you planning to change the tire size at all? Plan to change the engine, or especially the transmission at any time?
Just some other things to take into account before you make the investment in time and money.

Although, something you brought up in the other post, changing coils is a drop in the bucket compared to most projects on Broncos.
Once you’ve done it a couple of times you can actually change a pair of coils in half an hour, including set up time.
In fact, it probably takes longer to set it up on Jack Stands than it does to actually remove and replace a coil spring.
In other words, don’t worry over much about doing a coil spring now versus later. You can change them at any time. Making the right decision now still makes you feel better, and saves you 100 bucks or more. So there’s nothing wrong with that.

 

[Shimmy]

you stated you have a 2.5" SL, then mentioned going to a stock height coil when talking with WH. why get the t. rex arms or clydesdale steering if you're moving down in height? i think you need to decide what size SL you want then go from there?

 

[WPS 73 Bronco]

you stated you have a 2.5" SL, then mentioned going to a stock height coil when talking with WH. why get the t. rex arms or clydesdale steering if you're moving down in height? i think you need to decide what size SL you want then go from there?

Shimmy….sorry for the confusion. There’s another thread going about front steering and camber that I joined. I then posted this one asking the question about changing out the Coils. When I posted this one, I thought I had a 2.5” lift. I’ve since realized that I have stock height.

I’m running 34.4” tires with a 1” body lift. I’m happy with my stance, just want to improve steering and ride quality. I’m planning on adding the Duff Trex control arms to give me the camber adjustment I need. I’ve also ordered the WH Clydesdale tie/rod steering kit. Therefore the question came up about swapping out the coils while I’m in there already.

Paul, I’m the guy with the LS3/6L80 swap. So all my mods are done except for steering and suspension. That’s what I plan to do in 2026. I want to install the best components to optimize my ride quality….. for a street cruiser.

 

[DirtDonk]

Haha! Thanks for the refresher.
Yeah, I should’ve remembered what your rig is all about, but even though I’m very familiar with your username and talking to you here, I literally did forget your Bronco was the subject of the LS swap.

I’m not against overkill when it comes to the steering linkage. Thanks for ordering the Clydesdale from us.
In your case, the main claim to fame for it will be ease of replacement rod ends in the future.
Quick and easy and less expensively than standard, long and short rod ends. Bigger investment initially, smaller in the future.
Assuming you ever need to replace another rod and that is!

The new radius arms will give you more caster (not camber by the way) and best of all, give you a better turning radius as your tall tires won’t rub the radius arms anymore.

Putting it the way you did, and given what all you’ve been doing, yes, I would take this opportunity to replace the front coils.
Have you driven it yet? Those are pretty tall tires. Mind refreshing my memory on the details? What actual size are the tires and wheels, and do they hit or rub anything now?
This would certainly be the time to decide whether you need a lift or not.
I wonder if the half inch higher than expected 7 inches in the front, is due to a lighter engine? Is your LS on all aluminum version, or cast-iron?

Another aspect to bring back to the top now, (even though it’s actually the last item I’m touching on in this post!) with softer springs, your potential for more suspension/steering movement during driving, could showcase the bump steer potential of the shorter drag link in your system.
But I would think with everything else dialed in eventually, it won’t be a big deal.
Thought I’d bring it up anyway.

Oh, and got a picture of your upper track bar racket on the frame? For the thread at least?
I think you posted one showing it in the other discussion. If that was you anyway.
Looks like it’s been replaced with a dropped one, but I’m not sure.

 

[WPS 73 Bronco]

I’ve put about 3K miles on the bronco since the LS swap. Love it. There is a small rub on tight turns, but I did some trim/grinding on the inside of the wheel well to eliminate 95% of it. The tires are 315/70/17, so they should be 34.4 inches tall. The LS is an aluminum block, so for sure it’s lighter than the 302 that came out. Below are some pics of the pitman arm (not dropped) and my track bar.

I have another issue that adding the lift would address. My front yoke on the driveshaft has bumped into the oil filter during normal street driving. You may remember that I fought the oil pan clearance during my install and had to modify the pan 3 times.

 

[WPS 73 Bronco]

We can close out this thread.... I've ordered new front and rear springs from WildHorses4x4.

 

[DirtDonk]

To be continued in your next thread…
Stock trackbar bracket by the way.