quick eb spring question

[MattyB4x4]

I have a 1971 EB that looks to have an older rancho lift on it. Of course the springs are stiff as all get out...and the rear has some worn out spring also.

I was wondering if anyone knew what lift height these front springs were. They seem to be around 3 or 3.5. I am about an hour and a half away from my bronco so cannot get a good measurement. I would like to replace both front and rear springs with 3.5 inch bc broncos springs. without messing with too much.

Will this be a direct swap or will I need a different drag link...steering, etc.? What lift height did the rancho kit come in?

I'm going to try to search some but it's bein screwy on my computer.

TIA
Matt

[1badb2]

im not exactly sure on it..but judging from the current lifts that are available from various manufacturers...id say it was 3" or 3.5". i dont see a reason you would have to change your drag link or anything else if the kit is a complete kit and you are just changing coils and leafs.. you might also want to check out wild horse and james duff.

[Gummi Bear]

To find your lift amount, measure from the top of the axle tube to the bottom of the frame. In the front, it's about 7", and 8" in the back IIRC.

BC Springs are really nice. I like the linear rate springs for what we're doing. The progressives ride really nice, but can unload on you at a inopportune time.

[MattyB4x4]

Thanks for the help. I checked rancho and there was no info on the site about eb lifts. I'm looking at the spring debates and am kinda torn between a linear and progressive rate. I'm sure at my level it won't make much of a difference. I just can't take much more of the stiff springs.

As for the rear, I kinda have the link bug. Seems for nearly the same price...and a good bit of research, I could link the rear and have a much better suspension...but that's a ways off.

thanks for the help guys...and gummi bear, i'll be sure to measure that when i can.

[Gummi Bear]

Links are cool, and I want to do them also. They're not as cheap as you think though....

I'm moving my springs back about 4-1/2" this fall, until I can affod to link it. Talk to BC about rear coils when you are ready, and if you choose to go that route, Chuck has the right springs figured out really well.

A good set of 11 pack leafs will flex really well.

FYI - a good comparison to the old Rancho springs, are the Superlift springs. Commonly in 'budget' lift kits (they ride like shit).

[MattyB4x4]

gummi bear...are you going to do a shackle flip in the rear or is there enough room to move the spring perches back?

I have also heard that a shackle flip and some stock f-150 springs also flexes pretty well.

I have got to find a money tree or something.

thanks again

[StoopidMonkey]

I would buy a Drop trac bar bracket at least if it doesnt already have one, and consider a drop pitman arm. I ran 3.5" with a trac bar drop bracket, but no drop pitman arm and i got alot of bump steer.

[Gummi Bear]

I'm not going to do a shackle flip. I scored some used 11 pack National springs from a guy in the club, and I'm going to leave the shackle orientation as it is.

There is enough room on the frame to move the hangers back that far with no issues. I'll do some additional plating just for good measure. At the same time, I'm cutting out my wheelwells (35's already rub the wheelwell) and I'll put minimal bumpstops in to keep the top of the axle from ever hitting the crossmember. WHen I move the wheelwells, I'll probably move the fuel filler neck to above the tail light, and get creative with the hoses.

A shackle flip will net you ~3-4" of lift if you do it right, so keeping stock springs will work just fine. They flex pretty good, and all you're out is your own labor and consumables. While you have it all apart, this would be a good time to replace all your spring bushings at the very least.


A track bar drop bracket and drop pitman are necessary on a 75 and earlier Bronco with 3-1/2 or more inches of spring lift. (start considering them for a 4-1/2" and larger lift for a 76-77) I don't run either on my rig, and I have perfect steering. Make sure you get the track bar drop bracket welded on really well, it is sure ugly when one fails.

[StoopidMonkey]

Even better would be the raised trac bar mount that welds onto the axle, so you eliminate that weak point on the frame.

[Stonyford]

The Ranchos you have are most likely 3" I have a set in my attic if anyone wants a set. Along with the three inch blocks for the rear. I went with 3.5 inch long tavel springs in front and 11 leaf rears no blocks. I did have to do a drop bracket for the axle control arm and recomend getting an ajustable control arm so you can properly center your axle...If and when I do it again it will be 5.5 inch coils with 3.5 leafs in the rear with b c spring rockers and inboard the shocks. With f 150 shock towers in the front... with some long ass shocks. We can never afford to do the job right once but can always afford to do it twice....