Replacing Suspension, so many options...
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Replacing Suspension, so many options...
I've been going back and forth for some time about what to do about my suspension and want to get some other opinions. Maybe just typing this will help me make up my mind.
At a minimum I'd like to replace the stock coil & leaf springs this winter. The truck will continue to be my summer transportation for the next 4 years so street handling is most important right now. I like the 30"x9.5" tires on the truck but they're a little tight so I'm considering also adding 1.5" spacers/lift blocks. After about 4 years it will become a weekend truck that I'd like to use occasionally in Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Nothing crazy just something to take the family in. At that point I'll probably want a 4" lift with 31"x10.5" tires. I'd just go ahead with the 4" lift now but am afraid it will hurt street handling. I also pull a light duty trailer occasionally so stiffer rear suspension might not be a bad thing. For now I could probably do explorer leafs with new coils and 1.5" spacers for under $200 then plan to add a real lift in 4 years. I don't know, what do you guys think?
At a minimum I'd like to replace the stock coil & leaf springs this winter. The truck will continue to be my summer transportation for the next 4 years so street handling is most important right now. I like the 30"x9.5" tires on the truck but they're a little tight so I'm considering also adding 1.5" spacers/lift blocks. After about 4 years it will become a weekend truck that I'd like to use occasionally in Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Nothing crazy just something to take the family in. At that point I'll probably want a 4" lift with 31"x10.5" tires. I'd just go ahead with the 4" lift now but am afraid it will hurt street handling. I also pull a light duty trailer occasionally so stiffer rear suspension might not be a bad thing. For now I could probably do explorer leafs with new coils and 1.5" spacers for under $200 then plan to add a real lift in 4 years. I don't know, what do you guys think?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
I found a set of used '94 Explorer leaf springs and believe they are the 4-leaf type. Just want to check in here first before buying to make sure they're the ones that I can flip the guide bolt and install on my '88 B2. The junkyard wants $100 (they remove) which doesn't sound too bad? I'm hoping they'll raise the ride about 1-1/2 - 2" and firm the suspension up a little for light towing.
As an update to my post above I plan to add explorer leafs, new stock coils, coil spacers, and bushings throughout. Then a few years down the road maybe a body lift. I'm just hoping to get better street handling now with the option for 31" tires later on.
As an update to my post above I plan to add explorer leafs, new stock coils, coil spacers, and bushings throughout. Then a few years down the road maybe a body lift. I'm just hoping to get better street handling now with the option for 31" tires later on.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
The street handling will be affected by any modifications to the suspension and/or using a body lift and/or changing the tire size. I was running a 2" body lift on my 88' BII with stock suspension and 31"x10.5" tires on the stock wheels. It was effected, as if I would accelerate hard while making a U-turn the front wheel would come off the ground about 24". Overall, I think that the body lift would be your best option for reliability and street use, not to mention the lower price. I would just pay someone to install it because it takes some time and can be stressful.
I actually have a brand new 4" rough country suspension kit with all new springs that I never used because my BII's engine failed.
I have to ask, 4 years...college?
I actually have a brand new 4" rough country suspension kit with all new springs that I never used because my BII's engine failed.
I have to ask, 4 years...college?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Thanks for the reply and the confirmation about street handling. I've got the B2 bob pretty bad when shifting gears so something does need to be done about the current 25 year old suspension. I'll be more or less replacing stock components for now with the plan to do a little customizing later on. Still trying to get some time away from work to make it to the junkyard for explorer leafs.
I replaced the body bushings on my ranger a little while back but have not done a body lift. Is it significantly harder?
"I have to ask, 4 years...college?"
Actually finished my 8 years a few years ago.
Really it's just been the plan for the Bronco II since I bought it, 5 years driving it in the summers then retire it for weekend use and buy a newer ranger as a dd to replace my current '94 that I drive in the winters. I put the Bronco II in storage a week ago and am missing it already.
Will give me time to do the suspension work though. Too bad about your BII's engine.
I replaced the body bushings on my ranger a little while back but have not done a body lift. Is it significantly harder?
"I have to ask, 4 years...college?"
Actually finished my 8 years a few years ago.
Really it's just been the plan for the Bronco II since I bought it, 5 years driving it in the summers then retire it for weekend use and buy a newer ranger as a dd to replace my current '94 that I drive in the winters. I put the Bronco II in storage a week ago and am missing it already. Will give me time to do the suspension work though. Too bad about your BII's engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
That's probably why I can't find any kits with the bumper brackets. Maybe I'll go that route too then. It would allow me to keep using the bumper hitch a little longer for light towing.
The front 2 body mounts came off today. What a pain that was. The 26 year old bolts were rusted solid... but I won. Only 8 more to go.
The front 2 body mounts came off today. What a pain that was. The 26 year old bolts were rusted solid... but I won. Only 8 more to go.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Mdr617, Did I see in another post that you didn't need to extend the steering, brake lines, or anything else since you went with 2" lift rather than 3"? 2" would suit my needs better anyway but omitting all the other mods that go along with a body lift would be a big plus.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
If you are still looking for lifts, I have a BRAND NEW Rough Country 4" suspension lift system/kit WITH NEW REAR LEAF SPRINGS instead of blocks, with new shackles, all ready to install. The only thing you would need to possibly add is a pitman arm.
I also have a NEW set of extended stainless steel brake hoses, which are listed for sale right now on E-Bay.
If interested, message me on E-Bay. My username is 1ford1988.
I also have a rare off-road Xlt package rear tubular NOS OEM bumper for sale as well. I posted in the classifieds on here as well, there are a LOT of parts I am going to be selling.
I also have a NEW set of extended stainless steel brake hoses, which are listed for sale right now on E-Bay.
If interested, message me on E-Bay. My username is 1ford1988.
I also have a rare off-road Xlt package rear tubular NOS OEM bumper for sale as well. I posted in the classifieds on here as well, there are a LOT of parts I am going to be selling.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Mdr617, Did I see in another post that you didn't need to extend the steering, brake lines, or anything else since you went with 2" lift rather than 3"? 2" would suit my needs better anyway but omitting all the other mods that go along with a body lift would be a big plus.
Yes, that is correct. I had ran a 2" set of coil spring spacers up front with a set of 2" lift blocks in the rear on a stock 88' Bronco II.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Brianm83
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Sep 27, 2014 01:12 PM