BEFORE I start this thread....I know Broncos are very short. And not "ideal" to tow with.

Ok, let me begin.

My 1979 Bronco has a 468ci engine, 4spd NP435 transmission, Dana 44 front axle, Ford 9 inch rear axle with Detroit Locker. Both axles have 4.56 gears. It is lifted 4"-5". 35x12.50x17" tires. My brakes are four disc and hydroboost operated. The front calipers are from a Thunderbird thus has a little bit bigger piston than a stock Bronco caliper.

Now, my plans is to tow my tractor on my 20' double axle trailer. My tractor weighs in around 4500 or so pounds, but will possibly weight 1000+ more pounds once I armor it up. I am also planning to have like a harrow or mower attach to it from time to time. My goal is to start a side job and make extra cash.

I have no extra cash to go out and buy a complete tow rig. So I have to deal with what I have.

I have just bought a Curt Weight Distribution Hitch with sway bar attachment.

I am now needing to remove my shackle flip on my rear axle and get a lifted leaf spring kit. I think I am going to go with Wildhorses 4x4 leaf springs..they are a little stiffer than my initial choice of Deaver Superflex Springs.

Now I am also thinking about getting air bags to put under the reae when I tow.

Is there any good choices of air bags for liftes trucks?

Is my leaf spring choice good?

Thanks

 

Well, sir, back in the day, when I was still drilling oil wells I had a '79 Bronco with 351M, 4 speed that I used for a crew hauler but also doubled to pull my 29 foot camper trailer with when moving to different locations. I also had and equilizer hitch, but no lift or oversize tires on the Bronco. I never had any issues pulling the trailer; but never got in a hurry either.
As far as airbags, etc. I guess I would hook up and see how the rig sits first, then see what I may need or not need.
Best of luck to you.

 

Nothing wrong with towing with a bronco. Just gotta get your weight distribution right on the trailer.

 

Which rear leaf springs would be better?

The skyjackers are 5 leaf and would cost me less

Skyjacker FR54S 3" - 6" Softride Leaf Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E39MLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ub.azbMYZJCZX


These wildhorses havr more leaf springs kit but will cost me $700+ shipped

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Leaf_Spring_Kit/leaf_springs_FS

 

I suggest you post in the bronco forum. This thread hasn't much to do with towing at all...

 

They told me to come here because everyone on there is saying "Broncos cant tow".

Well..that was in the 73-79 truck forum because no one hardly replies in the Bronco forum

 

They're full of sheet... bronco has the same towing capability as any F150 truck.

Your question on which springs are better? I don't know... in regards to towing, it doesn't really matter anyway since you will just need a drop hitch...

 

Whats got me stumped is which leaf spring will be better because one is a 5 leaf and the other is a 9 leaf.

The 5 leaf people say are stiff but didnt know if would be better to get one with more leaf springs


Im going to try to run an air bag anyways too if I can find one

 

The thickness, width and arch will determine how stiff they are.

 

So the number of leafs dont matter?

 

Not really. More is stiffer than less of the same size, but big fat ones are stiffer than small thin ones.

So 5 big ones might be the equivalent of 9 smaller ones.

 

Deaver makes leaf spring pack replacements. I put a set of Deavers on my '91 Ranger because the OEM leaf springs were weak and allowed one side to lean. The number of leafs in the Deaver pack was more than OEM. The ride was a bit softer. However, there was a HUGE difference in how much weight the rear could handle. With only a couple hundred pounds in the bed it was squatting pretty good. Close to 1,000 lbs and it was resting on the axle.

So be careful about going up in leaf count. More leafs doesn't always mean more weight carrying capability.

 

ok i may just get the skyjacker leaf springs. lifetime warranty too with them. cheaper than wildhorses leafs thus leaving me extra money for air bags.