I just picked up this Bronco and it came with some 33" Big OH tires on black steel rims. I swapped over my aluminum rims and brand new 35" BFG MTs from my 71 and love the look but, 2 problems. The aluminum rims are rubbing on something on the front axle. Brakes or something? I can hear it when I'm rolling.

Also, the 4" of lift just isn't enough clearance for the 35s. I don't want to spend the $$$ on a 6" lift since it's already lifted. I also don't care for BLs but will go that route if necessary. But, what I'd consider doing is trimming some fender and installing some slightly aggressive flares to compensate for the lack of overall clearance. The rubbing isn't horrible but, I hate body damage. Especially body damage that can be prevented easily.

Any suggestions?

Adding a 1" BL won't be enough but, will make my Bronco too tall for my Garage. 2" BL would be enough for the tires but, like I said... no more parking in the garage. Either way, a BL is going to take me out in the cold.

TIA:

Oh yeah, the 71 is going up for sale and I just put $1200.00 worth of tires on it. SO, I'm not interested in giving away an extra $1200.00 when the 33" tires off the 96 work well on the 71 and are practically new as well.

BTW: I already moved the front bumper out 1" to clear the 35s as well. If I install a BL, is there a replacement bracket to also move the bumpers up accordingly?

Do it the right way, buy the shocks and coils it takes to go to a 6" lift and be done with it. As for your wheels, might help if we know what size they are.

Do it the right way, buy the shocks and coils it takes to go to a 6" lift and be done with it. As for your wheels, might help if we know what size they are.
Sorry... Wheels are 15x10. Don't know what backspacing is. They were on my EB when I bought it. The black steelies that were on my 96 didn't rub and they were 15x8. I'm thinking the inside diameter on the aluminums don't have as much clearance as the steelies.

I agree, 6" suspension lift would be the way to go. But, I'm really trying to keep this rig as a daily driver that goes off road on weekends and not just an off road toy. I also like the fact that it does still fit in my garage (just barely) for these cold mornings. In the summer, that'll be much less of an issue. My next house will be built to my specs and the garage will fit a lifted Super Duty and my lifted Bronco. But, need something easy for now like flares. The gorilla war flares on EBs are quite aggressive but, would they work on a 96? HMM... Ideas? Ideas?

BTW: Eventually, my 96 will become an Expedition rig. It will be equipped with off road light bar and a full congo rack as well. If it grows up too much for the garage, it'll no longer have an excuse to not get the lights and rack.

Check the wheel clearance on the tie rod ends, and also make sure that if they have the stick-on wheel weights on the inside, that they aren't rubbing on the calipers.

I have 15x10's on my 95 f-150 with NO problems. I also run 35x15.5/15 SX's on it with a 4" lift and a little rubbing on the rear of the fender that I had to trim off. (need pics??)

Check the wheel clearance on the tie rod ends, and also make sure that if they have the stick-on wheel weights on the inside, that they aren't rubbing on the calipers.

Thats what I was thinking.

What are ya asking for the '71' ?.........And any pics?


Buzzzzz :jester:

Your steering will be a lot worse also at 6" lift unless you swap out the stock linkage.

Trim the fenders. I've seen 35s fit those things with NO lift and trimmed fenders.

BUZZISCRAZY2 - My 71 still needs a little bit of work on the tranny swap before I list it for sale. If I don't get it running right, I'm not gonna sell it. But, if I do get it running right, it'll go on eBay to see what others think I should get for it. Here's a short spec list on it:

1971 Ford Bronco
Engine:
- Rebuilt 351W Balanced and pusing around 300-320 HP (from Machinists speculation)
- Edelbrock Performer 351W intake manifold
- Edelbrock 1406, 600 CFM Electric Choke 4 barrel carb
- Serpentine belt
- 2G Alternator (or maybe a 3G)
- Full MSD Offroad Ignition, coil, box etc.
- JBA Short Tube Nickle Plated Headers w/ Stage 8 Header Bolts
- New dual exhaust w/ 2.5" tube exiting out in front of the rear tires. Sounds MEAN

Tranny:
- Recently installed C4
- B&M Mega Shifter
- New Tranny Cooler and lines

T-Case:
- Recently resealed D20 with Twin Stick conversion done. Detent balls have been removed.

Fuel System:
- 3/8" steel fuel line from both tanks forward w/ Head wrap where needed
- Carter Electric fuel pump
- Electric Fuel selector switch/valve
- Holley Fuel Pressure Regulator

Suspension:
- 3.5" James Duff Suspension Lift (no front hoops)

Axles:
- Stock D44 front w/ 3.50 gears open carrier
- Warn hubs
- Big Bearing 9" Rear w/ new brakes, 3.50 gears open or worn limited slip.

Tires/Wheels:
- Either AR Black steel rims OR Ultra Aluminum Rims (Depends on what works best on my 96)
- 33x12.5x15 Big-O MT tread tires with about 90% tread on them.
- No spare tire or rim offered. I do have extra rims but they don't match either set that may be on the Bronco when I sell it.

Body:
- Mostly good shape, some rust found hidden by PO and PO did a crappy job on the paint job but, it looks pretty at Viper Red.

Misc:
- Power Steering (from 73) with late model Mustang High volume pump (Serp)
- Power Brakes - Brand new setup from James Duff
- New braided stainless brake lines from the frame to the axles and new rubber on front axle ends.
- Aluminum Radiator
- New Poly Body Mounts - Replaced when I installed the Body Lift
- New 3" Poly Body Lift - To clear the aluminum radiator and MSD distributor and air cleaner
- Smittybuilt front and rear twin tube bumpers
- Receiver Hitch in rear (had one in front but I had it cut out)


I'm on my way home for the evening... I'll add more later.