Hi there I see a lot of broncos here have flipped rear leaf springs for extending the wheel base and it also allows the axle to drop lower( axle is farther out on the lever arm) but I was wondering if anyone moved the front spring hangers forward to keep the wheel base? I mostly wheel bush trails and they are tight and I like the fact that I can turn my full size tighter than most midsize pickups and even my buddy's yj. So I was thinking set up a 3 link or modified ladder bar to compensate for the axle wrap flip the leafs center the wheel in the wheelwell and remount the hangers. Does this sound OK? I will change shock mounts to top of the axle tubes and point them in / \ and extend brakelines but is there something Im missing?
thanks

If all it is is a trail rig, it won't be that big of a deal but consider this:

The eye wraps on the main leaf, one is larger than the other to take the added stress of being in that position (can't remember wheter it's the fixed end or the shackle end). If you flip the spring, the smaller eye will be in the position that takes more stress. Not the best.

But, if you're insistent on doing it, do this:

Reverse your rear springs and do a rear shackle flip. You'll get 4ish inches of lift, it'll push your axle back, but reversing the springs will restore your wheelbase. Throw a couple angle correction shims in there and you're golden.

Justin

I too am thinking about reversing my rear springs to increase my wheelbase and improve my departure angle. I did the shackle flip in the rear about a year ago and have been happy with the results. I plan to drill an extra hole for the center pin in the spring perch, rearward of the normally centered hole, on the axle though to move it back forward about 1" to 1.5" or so to bring the axle a little closer to the center of the spring instead of then being offset to the rear the same amount it is offset to the front today. The spring plate will also likely need some modification since to accomodate the center pin sticking up. You might want to consider doing this as well.

DK

A month or 2 ago I was thinking about reversing the springs and keeping the same wheelbase on my shortbox '77 F-150, but the frame is narrower in front of the front spring hanger so I would have to fab up completely new hangers. I don't feel like doing that so I said screw it and left the rear springs alone. You might want to check if Broncos are the same way.