Rear Lift...

[LEB Ben]

I'm looking to bump the Bronco to a 6" lift...it's currently a 4" with rear blocks. I have a lock on the front springs, but the rear is what I'm having difficulty deciding. The rear block is coming out for sure, but do I want keep the stock spring and go shackle flip, which is by far the cheapest route. Or do I want to go ahead and pick up some 6" leaves from Deaver???? The Bronco doesn't haul or tow all that much, so the issues of a shackle flip not handling as much weight, doesn't really matter. Which set up will offer more flex? Do I need to worry about 30+ yo springs with the shackle flip, and if I'll have to replace springs, may as well just get lift springs, right? What says you guys.

 

[m78]

Just a guess but I would think the new lift springs and good shocks would keep the Bronco from getting that mushy sway feeling.

 

[Skandocious]

Shackle flip if you're trying to save money, lift springs of you wanna do it up right. But be aware that Deavers are very soft-- which results in improved ride quality and possibly offroad performance but also decreased towing capabilities and possibly a loss in on-road performance due to squishiness. They're also substantially more expensive than other lift springs. Great product though.

Food for thought.

 

[Jolly Green]

In my experience any Bronco eventually starts to sag in the rear over time.. I don't think the stock springs they put in them were all that great. (Of course, I'm open to hearing opposing arguments here.) That said, though, if you're going to do it, get the new springs.

On edit: I cast my vote for keeping it at four inches. I like lifts..just not huge lifts. What's the real benefit of another two inches. ( I am talking about suspension here...get your minds out of the gutter!!)

 

[LEB Ben]

Seeing as this'll be in the Bronco, it's trending towards a fun only vehicle and sees minimal on road use. I'd be looking for flex and ground clearance. I think I've mentioned before, but the plan is to turn the Bronco into an expedition rig.

 

[LEB Ben]

Now that I see the leading category says keep it at 4", 2 questions 1) Any particular reasons you say that? 2) Are you saying you'd keep it as is 100%, or would you ditch the rear blocks and go springs.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

I said 4" because I like the stance and it really does have quite a bit of clearance. If you want more flex (I'm about to get smacked here), I'd put on smaller tires first.

Ryan

 

[LEB Ben]

I'd put on smaller tires first.

Ryan

Me and you...we're done here.

 

[BuzzGun79]

ditch the blocks & go with the springs Ben,this is the correct way to lift a vehicle.being an expedition vehicle & you got the dough to invest ide lift it to the 6" why go through all the hassle to keep the same lift.you will gain more,with the lift springs.they will also offer the correct articulation {flex}in off road situations.dont forget about the shocks tho..but i think you know that.good luck!

 

[LEB Ben]

Yeah man...I was pretty much going the 6" route unless I heard a knockout reason against it. Shocks will get done, have no worries, as well as brake lines, pitman arm, dshafts, etc. etc.

 

[Jolly Green]

Yeah man...I was pretty much going the 6" route unless I heard a knockout reason against it.

So, you asked for input with full intentions of doing whatever you wanted to do anyway?

Do they make lift springs in pink? 'Cause you're starting to sound like a woman!

 

[LEB Ben]

I was leaning heavily that way...but then thought for the cost, a shackle flip is peanuts.

 

[73F100Shortbed]

If you are going to go with a 6" lift I would do it with springs. I didn't vote because I have 2 suggestions depending on what you want to do. If you go to 6" I think new springs and no block would be the best route. But your truck looks good at its current height so maybe some new springs and shocks and get rid of the block may be a good compromise for you. I think trucks that get too high are lame. A person I know bought a truck all lifted up too high and is afraid to even get it dirty. From your posts your truck seems to be doing well at its current height so why not just some upgraded suspension components and put the saved money from bigger tires toward some other cool accessories to make your offroading more fun and comfortable?

 

[BuzzGun79]

In some cases you will need height depending on the type of off road one will be doing.& 6" isnt that critical of a lift from a 4",ide rather do it now & have it,then to get on the trail & find out you need it.but keep in mind you have to get into it also,my rig has the Carr tubular type step up bars{see my gallery of my rig}along the cab side around the door area not the full lenght,& a step up rear bumper to aid in bed access,their heavy duty & have an aggressive look to them.they came on the rig when i bought it,my rig is has the skyjacker springs with blocks 6" plus a 3" body lift,which is ok but 9" is alot of lift,for my needs but the steps aid in getting in it with little effort,besides i like the big tires as well & the rig looks good at that height.i jus love going down the road riding high especially when a hot lookin babe pulls next to you showing off her assets..lol..yes dear i love you dearly & wont touch but im not dead yet..lol..

 

[LEB Ben]

Keep in mind guys...this is for the Bronco, only plan on going to a 38" tire. The blocks are getting ditched regardless, and I figured if this is going to get done, might as well add a little ground clearance and a good bit more flex.

 

[BuzzGun79]

38's are on mine Ben the front is going to be the issue as far as clearance,mine are 38x12.50x16.5 & in my opinion if the truck was any lower they would rub at full lock even with my lift the inner liners had to be removed,i was just out there turning my wheels side to side to see,if i recall the set your going with is wider 38x14.50x15.its going to be very close either way with a 6" lift

 

[LEB Ben]

Thanks for the info...the tire size you're referring to was a 36" tire and at current height. How wide and what kinda backspacing do you have on your rims???

 

[BuzzGun79]

since im not the one who did the setup Ben,im going to have to take measurements of the rim or look em up.i will get this done as time permits,within the next day or two...Bob

 

[BuzzGun79]

OK Ben,keep in mind ive got 16.50 chrome wagon steel wheels,they measure 14" across, pretty wide in my book for a 12.50 tire it is what it is,but he put em on for a reason which im not aware of,the back spacing is 7", my tires stand 36" tall from the concrete to the top of the tire.tread width is 9" wide side to side.now i talked to Otis at summit racing,told him what your planing to do,they do offer aluminun wheels 15x 12 which he recomended by tire manufacture for your size of tire you want to go with they do go higher in width,the cost is a bit more than steel starting at 133 bucks,steel wheels start at 83,& also available in 12 &14".imo you may want to think about the 14" wide rim if you are going to a 14.50 width,my experience tells me the tire tread will be more flat to the contact surface,the 12" may baloon the contact surface,take it for what its worth.in my case i feel the tire is to narrow for the wheel but the tread is good & dont seem to be wearing the centers out,so im gonna run em for a bit,they are dry rotting tho at the side walls but not bad yet,probably will be looking for a similar set that your going with to have on hand next spring.hope this helps clear things up for you.Bob

 

[LEB Ben]

Holy geebus that's a whole lotta rim. Thanks for doing the digging...I have all the rims I could want readily available to me, so getting the right rims shouldn't be an issue. I'm also not that fond of super wide rims, I've run 14.5" wide tires on 9.75" wide rims several times with no issues. Thanks again for the info Bob.