Help build my 3.5" Suspension lift kit

[BeardedBlues]

I was planning on picking up a suspension kit from one of the vendors but I didn't see any with Bilstein shocks and after doing some research here I'm thinking it may be best to piece one together. Right now, my Bronco is a 1974 with a 200, 33" mud tires, heavy iron winch bumper on front, stock bumper on back and a family cage. Plus, I am fixing to have a 2" body lift kit added. She won't stay like this for long.


In the near future she will have a 302 or 351, heavy iron rear bumper, and 35 or 37" tires.

I am looking for a system that will provide a good smooth ride on the road and will still do fine on the trails. Also, I want something that will handle well enough that my wife will be able to drive it when she gets the urge to. The Bronco will see alot more road time than trail time and most probibly no rock climbing time. I like to sling mud. Here is a list of components that I have put together and would like to know if I am missing anything. I won't be installing this myself as it would counterproductive at this point due to work and my time off. So, I will be ordering these parts and will bring them to my local shop to be installed. Wish me luck.


1. Adjustable tracking bar ----------from BCB ----Is this needed?

2. Adjustable drag link

3. track bar riser -------------------WH

4. Drop pitman arm ---------------Not Needed?

5. Extended drivelines –-----------Only buy if needed after lift installed.

6. Leaf spring shim kit--------------2, 4 or 6 degree shim kit? JBG $33

7' Extended brake hoses and E- Cables

8. 4x Bilstein shocks---------Will make new post on this in a few days

9. New springs for front –------JBG Superflex 3 ½ inch springs

10. New leafs for back-----------JBG Super Flex Pack, 3½ inch 11 Leaf H05


11. JBG ------- Rear Spring Install Kit, Black & U-Bolts
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13276-rear-spring-install-kit-black-u-bolts.html $55


12. JBG ------ Rear Springs Hardware Mounting Kit
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13259-rear-springs-hardware-mounting-kit.html $23



13. JBG------ Leaf Spring Perches, Pair New
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13263-leaf-spring-perches-pair-new.html $20

14. JBG------ Spring Eye and Shackle Bushings Kit, Black
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13070-spring-eye-and-shackle-bushings-kit-black.html $38

15. JBG ---Rear Spring Hangers????

16. JBG---Front Spring Hangers????

17. Stainless Steel Rear Brake Line, Extended $38
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-12536-stainless-steel-rear-brake-line-extended.html

18. Stainless Steel Front Brake Line, Extended $38
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-12535-stainless-steel-front-brake-line-extended.html

19. 2, 4 or 7 degree 14 piece C Bushing Kit ??

20. Shock Boots --------Will find some

21. Stabilizer bar for front and or back?

 

[pipermike]

Personally I'd still go with a kit. If you want different shocks you could probably talk to the vendor directly and have them adjust the price accordingly. I just installed the WH kit and I'm very happy with it. Also if you're having someone else install it it would be easer to have one source if any questions come up. Just my opinion, some might see it differently.

 

[70_Steve]

1. Adjustable tracking bar ----------from BCB ----Is this needed?Yes. With the lift, the adjustable track bar is necessary to keep the wheels centered between the frame. Otherwise the front differential will be pulled to the drivers side

2. Adjustable drag link

3. track bar riser -------------------WH

4. Drop pitman arm ---------------Not Needed?No

5. Extended drivelines –-----------Only buy if needed after lift installed.

6. Leaf spring shim kit--------------2, 4 or 6 degree shim kit? JBG $33Measure your pinion angle after the lift is installed and you've put a couple miles on it, so everything can settle into place.

7' Extended brake hoses and E- Cables

8. 4x Bilstein shocks---------Will make new post on this in a few days

9. New springs for front –------JBG Superflex 3 ½ inch springsSuggest 2 1/2" instead

10. New leafs for back-----------JBG Super Flex Pack, 3½ inch 11 Leaf H05Suggest 2 1/2" instead


11. JBG ------- Rear Spring Install Kit, Black & U-Bolts
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13276-rear-spring-install-kit-black-u-bolts.html $55Consider http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Extreme_duty_U_bolt_kit/Bronco_Leaf_Springs It may be overkill, but... so what!!! Buy the bushings seperately


12. JBG ------ Rear Springs Hardware Mounting Kit
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13259-rear-springs-hardware-mounting-kit.html $23Price the bolts at your local Home Depot or Ace Hardware



13. JBG------ Leaf Spring Perches, Pair New
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13263-leaf-spring-perches-pair-new.html $20 Why? Are yours that bad?

14. JBG------ Spring Eye and Shackle Bushings Kit, Black
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-13070-spring-eye-and-shackle-bushings-kit-black.html $38 These come in that spring install kit. Buy these if you buy that Wild Horses Extreme Duty U-bolt Kit

15. JBG ---Rear Spring Hangers???? What?

16. JBG---Front Spring Hangers???? What X2?

17. Stainless Steel Rear Brake Line, Extended $38
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-12536-stainless-steel-rear-brake-line-extended.html

18. Stainless Steel Front Brake Line, Extended $38
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-12535-stainless-steel-front-brake-line-extended.html

19. 2, 4 or 7 degree 14 piece C Bushing Kit ?? Don't buy the Prothane bushings from Wild Horses. The c-bushings fit like a$$!

20. Shock Boots --------Will find some Don't use shock boots. They tend to trap water and mud, and will wear out the rod

21. Stabilizer bar for front and or back? Anti-Sway bar? If you stay with a 2 1/2" lift you won't need one. But wait till you put it together to find out if you really need one.

 

[Justafordguy]

Be sure to get the 7 degree C bushings no matter what size lift you go with. The more positive caster you end up with the better it will drive.

 

[70_Steve]

Be sure to get the 7 degree C bushings no matter what size lift you go with. The more positive caster you end up with the better it will drive.

And that got me to thinking... I didn't see any comments about already having power steering and disc brakes. And what about a cage? Make it safe first.

With my original 2 1/2" suspension lift, I used 4° bushings and the Bronco drove like a passenger car. There was plenty of caster. But too much caster with manual steering and you will find that it's work to drive.

 

[BeardedBlues]

Thanks for the guidance! The cage should be finished today and the brake upgrade will come soon after the lift is done. I have to get the body lift done first due to my hood smashing down against the air cleaner which puts pressure on the automatic choke and causes the engine to sputter and die.%) And, since I'm doing the body lift I just as soon get the suspension lift done too.

I havn't even thought about power steering yet but I will be looking into that after the brakes are done.

 

[jboomer]

I also didn't see mention of Auto or standard transmission. If standard, you'll most likely need the adjustable clutch rod as well.

 

[BeardedBlues]

It's a standard transmission but I have the WH Extreme duty adjustable clutch rod ordered with my batch of Body lift supplies.