Hey guys!

I am starting on my project EB.Rebuilding the front suspension is top priority due to the infamous "Bronco Shimmy". (Trac bar bushings are GONE!)

My problem is, when I bought the truck it had late model (-'83-'86??) wheels on it. Sort of the wagon spoke type. Well the backspacing for these on the bronco is all wrong. The previous owner had flat washers and then two spacers behind each front wheel. The lug nuts were only pulling on about 5-6 threads. Unacceptable!

I realize I'll have to get new wheels, I was just wondering if anyone knew the correct backspacing without having to "try on wheels" down at the tire store.

Chuck

 

Chuck,
I'm not sure what the back spacing problem is on those wheels. They are pretty standard in the Ford 1/2 ton line and should fit your bronco. I don't understand why they would need to be spaced out unless it is a 76-77 disc brake front end.

I run 3 15/16 backspacing on mine with drum knuckles and GM disc brakes. I haven't heard of anyone having a problem with a 7-8" wheel. I have seen several around with the factory spoke or the newer aluminum mod wheels. I personally think they look good with the factory center caps and trim rings though.

 

RCrawler,
It's the strangest thing. They are Ford factory wheels, but if you mount them without spacers, they lock down tight on the rotor. Yep, it's a '77 with the disc brake front-end.

I hate it because I think they look great on an EB too.

Chuck

 

Chuck,
The wheels are probably hitting the knuckles where the tie rod mounts. I found that guys are running no more than 3 1/2", but can get away with 3 5/8". There are some quality wheel spacers available that would let you run those wheels and still have enough thread bite to be safe.

Jason

 

Thanks Jason.

<you're right, they're supposed to lock down tight on the rotor. DUH! What I meant was, it's hitting the caliper>

Just as soon as I get this front-end back together, I'm gonna try removing spacers until I get the bare minimum. Then see what it looks like. 1 washer and two alum. spacers is just too much. Right now the axle is on the shop floor.

I hope they (previous owners) were just going for overkill. Or maybe they thought that shimmy from the front-end was caused by the wheels rubbing.lol (trac bar bushings were non-existent!)

I really like the way those wheels look on a EB. Hope I can use 'em.

BTW, when I took the front suspension apart there were some rubber spacers under the springs. They are not supposed to be there are they? It doesn't show them in the parts book. I think they were going for a cheap attempt at a lift maybe?

Chuck

 

It's amazing some of the stuff you see out there. Pretty scary.

Your right on the coil mounting. You should have a inner coil cup, outer coil cup and then the radius arm and cap. Spring sits on the outer cup and is held by the inner.

Jason

 

My '77 R tie rod was bent by the PO. I took the "T" style" linkage offa my '70 cuz I'm unemployed n can't buy 'stone crusher' style DOM linkage or original replacement, don't wanna stay with the inferior "Y style' (76/77) linkage. I will B completing the TRO but just learned the (77/76) back spacing will NOT work unless I go with the F150 knuckles. I assume they are from the 73-79 model. Something to think about in your case as well...