I have been the proud owner of my '68 since 1991. It was all stock when I bought it, so I have done all the mods since. I installed the Superlift 3.5" lift springs about 20 years ago. Back then there weren't many choices, so that is what I ended up with. The ride has always been stiff and bouncy but I didn't mind when I was younger. Turned 40 this year and I don't just want to tolerate it any longer (or the wife's complaining about it).
I have done extensive research on past discussions here about the different vendors offerings in hopes that this will be the last set of springs I have to buy for this thing. Right now, I have settled on BC Broncos linear front coils and 9-leaf rears as it will be 90% street and 10% trail/camping duty. I understand these give a soft ride without too much lean when cornering.
The dilemma I have now is deciding what height to get. The initial thought was to get 2.5" since I had 3.5" and I would like to lower it a bit in the process intending to reduce tire size from 33" to 32" next time I have to buy tires. (Also to make easier to climb in as I age) The Bronco also has a 1" body lift that is neccessary for 5.0 SEFI hood and AOD tunnel clearance.
Supposedly, front stock height is 7" from bottom of frame to top of axle tube and rear is 6.5", and amount of lift is based on these numbers. Currently, my '68 measures 9.5" front and 7.5" rear, giving me 2.5" lift in front and 1" lift in rear. Obviously, the springs have sagged considerably over the years and also I had removed the unnecessary 1" thick overload leafs many years ago. Armed with this info, it looks like I will have to get stock height springs which defies logic and would likely make my 33x10.50's rub in the front since I would only be left with the 1" body lift. It actually looks pretty level the way it is, but when I add any load it squats pretty good in the back.
Other pertinent info: Stock bumpers, full hardtop, roll bar, no tire rack.
Bottom line is, it looks like a 2.5" will make it higher than it is now (at least in the back) and stock will be too low overall. Anyone have any helpful input?
I have done extensive research on past discussions here about the different vendors offerings in hopes that this will be the last set of springs I have to buy for this thing. Right now, I have settled on BC Broncos linear front coils and 9-leaf rears as it will be 90% street and 10% trail/camping duty. I understand these give a soft ride without too much lean when cornering.
The dilemma I have now is deciding what height to get. The initial thought was to get 2.5" since I had 3.5" and I would like to lower it a bit in the process intending to reduce tire size from 33" to 32" next time I have to buy tires. (Also to make easier to climb in as I age) The Bronco also has a 1" body lift that is neccessary for 5.0 SEFI hood and AOD tunnel clearance.
Supposedly, front stock height is 7" from bottom of frame to top of axle tube and rear is 6.5", and amount of lift is based on these numbers. Currently, my '68 measures 9.5" front and 7.5" rear, giving me 2.5" lift in front and 1" lift in rear. Obviously, the springs have sagged considerably over the years and also I had removed the unnecessary 1" thick overload leafs many years ago. Armed with this info, it looks like I will have to get stock height springs which defies logic and would likely make my 33x10.50's rub in the front since I would only be left with the 1" body lift. It actually looks pretty level the way it is, but when I add any load it squats pretty good in the back.
Other pertinent info: Stock bumpers, full hardtop, roll bar, no tire rack.
Bottom line is, it looks like a 2.5" will make it higher than it is now (at least in the back) and stock will be too low overall. Anyone have any helpful input?
