Towing with a 1979 Bronco
#1
Towing with a 1979 Bronco
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
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
#2
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
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
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.
#4
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
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
#6
Well..that was in the 73-79 truck forum because no one hardly replies in the Bronco forum
#7
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Originally Posted by ManfredVonRichtofen
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
Well..that was in the 73-79 truck forum because no one hardly replies in the Bronco forum
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...
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#8
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
#12
Join Date: Oct 2015
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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.
So be careful about going up in leaf count. More leafs doesn't always mean more weight carrying capability.
#13
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