What is the best 3-4"lift kit for a 79 Bronco?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

GlennB

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Location
Lexington, AL
Hello, I’m new here so I’m sorry if I have missed a discussion on this topic. I am restoring my first vehicle, which is a 79 Ranger XLT Bronco. I would like some good input on what you think is the better lift kit for ride comfort. It probably won’t be a showcar but not a daily driver either. Thanks in advance!
 

miesk5

96 Bronco 5.0
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
9,071
Reaction score
1,019
Location
Floating in the Pacific
Yo Glenn,
Welcome!
We use 4 inch Rancho on our former 78 with very good results.

We have quite a few current 78-79 owners here who can provide their options, including:
@johnnyreb
@OX1
@NotaVegetarian

2 & 3 inch Sources, Stock Heights, Rear Lift Info & Tips for 78-79 by James O. @ http://web.archive.org/web/20090625065344/http://www.off- road.com/trucks4x4/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=198383

Rough Country® 4 inch Installation pics in a 78 @ https://www.supermotors.net/registry/4328/23720-4
Source: by Bigjohn8921 (Project Mayhem - The Dane)

Here's the 1979 Bronco/F Series Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual by Ford via Ziggy⚠ @
1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Manual pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net
It shows Electrical component location, operation, troubleshooting, with wiring and vacuum diagrams.

1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Schematics, Connector Pin-outs, etc by Ranger429 @ 79 wiring schematics

1979 Bronco Brochure @ https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1979-Ford-Bronco.pdf via Dezo's Garage

1979 Ford Bronco vs. Blazer Article by Ford via Indybronco @ 1978 Ford Bronco Bronco vs. Blazer (79) pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

Ford Shop Manual Diagrams: 1978-1979 Full Size Shop Manuals, partial @ Technical Diagrams Archives
My Tablet takes hours to download, so try the first in this list as long as you have Adobe Acrobat 9 or later installed.
Includes:
Wiring Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Rear Lights Diagram
Motor Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Air Cleaner Diagram
Chassis Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes '78 Brakes Diagram, Gas Tank Setup Diagram
Body Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes; Upper Body Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, heater Ducts Diagram, Tailgate Diagram, Console Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, Grill Setup Diagram, Heater Controls Diagram, Interior Trip Diagram, Rear Sheetmetal Diagram, Tiltwheel Diagram, Tire Rack
Let me know if the downloads are worth the effort.

Partial Chilton Manual for 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Bronco. Scanned by broncocity.com @ Bronco City

See Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop by Dave Resch
Al
 

OX1

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2004
Messages
42
Reaction score
63
Unless you are going to offroad and/or go with a larger tire than 35, I don't recommend a 4" lift.
2" front springs and add-a leaf (or 1 inch rear block), require almost no major concessions to the
rest of suspension and drivetrain, where 4 you start to get at the limits.

The rears are almost 1 inch higher than front stock, so the 2/1 deal levels that out. I've run 35 AT's.
(which are small 35's) for 20 odd years and they fit fine, even with extra weight of snow plow on front.
The only other mods you need with that setup are 'maybe" adj track bar to make it perfect (although I ran
without until just this year) and longer shocks (but only front is somewhat mandatory).

I like Superlift coils, but I haven't bought a new coil spring in well over 10 years. The progressive springs and
high number miltipack leaf spring setups ride the best. Again, for street, you want softer coils/leaves and
BIG sway bars front and rear.
 

muddrivermike

Active member
Joined
Jan 13, 2009
Messages
445
Reaction score
53
Location
Texas Arp
Ok so my opinion on this. My bronco has a 3 inch body lift and a 9 inch superlift thats been on there since 1983. If you just want a 3 inch lift, id just go with a body lift. Its cheap, easy, and your not messing with the suspension. Anything more than that and you have to go with a suspension lift. For ME, its not worth just going a few inches. I like riding high and running my big tires. But that's ME. Between whatever lift you put on and a bigger tire it will all give you a total lift. I have a massive amount of work into mine ive done over these years and still not done. Mostly due to currently not having a garage anymore at this time. Eventually ill get it done. Hopefully😆
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
Unless you are going to offroad and/or go with a larger tire than 35, I don't recommend a 4" lift.
2" front springs and add-a leaf (or 1 inch rear block), require almost no major concessions to the
rest of suspension and drivetrain, where 4 you start to get at the limits.

The rears are almost 1 inch higher than front stock, so the 2/1 deal levels that out. I've run 35 AT's.
(which are small 35's) for 20 odd years and they fit fine, even with extra weight of snow plow on front.
The only other mods you need with that setup are 'maybe" adj track bar to make it perfect (although I ran
without until just this year) and longer shocks (but only front is somewhat mandatory).

I like Superlift coils, but I haven't bought a new coil spring in well over 10 years. The progressive springs and
high number miltipack leaf spring setups ride the best. Again, for street, you want softer coils/leaves and
BIG sway bars front and rear.
Helwig makes a really nice think rear sway bar. Plus they are really good people to deal with and supplys other parts to.Like bushing,the hard to find clamps that go around the bushing.
 

NotaVegetarian

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2008
Messages
280
Reaction score
363
with a two inches lift 35-12.5x15’s will fit. And will look awesome fills up the wheel wells. If your going off road on any aggressive trails you may want four inch’s
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
Ok so my opinion on this. My bronco has a 3 inch body lift and a 9 inch superlift thats been on there since 1983. If you just want a 3 inch lift, id just go with a body lift. Its cheap, easy, and your not messing with the suspension. Anything more than that and you have to go with a suspension lift. For ME, its not worth just going a few inches. I like riding high and running my big tires. But that's ME. Between whatever lift you put on and a bigger tire it will all give you a total lift. I have a massive amount of work into mine ive done over these years and still not done. Mostly due to currently not having a garage anymore at this time. Eventually ill get it done. Hopefully😆
Muddy,has the big tires taken much increase in price .If you know of. ? I,m think about raising the body 3 inches. It had 31,s with wagon wheels on it. I took them off and cleaned and painted the wheels and was thinking about putting them back on maybe next year.
 

muddrivermike

Active member
Joined
Jan 13, 2009
Messages
445
Reaction score
53
Location
Texas Arp
Muddy,has the big tires taken much increase in price .If you know of. ? I,m think about raising the body 3 inches. It had 31,s with wagon wheels on it. I took them off and cleaned and painted the wheels and was thinking about putting them back on maybe next year.
I haven't checked on tires like this in a while. I put the 44s on 6 years ago. And actually today, i have to drop my wifes suv off for tires. They're 265/65-18s, and just them alone are costing me a little over $1500. My tire guy said that prices keep going up. So who knows by time i need new ones on the bronco what thats gonna hammer me for.
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
I haven't checked on tires like this in a while. I put the 44s on 6 years ago. And actually today, i have to drop my wifes suv off for tires. They're 265/65-18s, and just them alone are costing me a little over $1500. My tire guy said that prices keep going up. So who knows by time i need new ones on the bronco what thats gonna hammer me for.
I have new ones --regular size--on mine,but looking at the pictures about the water drain I submitted. THEY LOOK LIKE THEY ARE WORE OUT. HAHAHA Pictures can be deceiving. I might not get them and if someone who buys it.Let them decide what to do. This SCAMMING PRICES IS BULL---. Alot of that stuff had been in warehouses for along time and gathered dust--like the politicians--they don,t do anything.
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
I have new ones --regular size--on mine,but looking at the pictures about the water drain I submitted. THEY LOOK LIKE THEY ARE WORE OUT. HAHAHA Pictures can be deceiving. I might not get them and if someone who buys it.Let them decide what to do. This SCAMMING PRICES IS BULL---. Alot of that stuff had been in warehouses for along time and gathered dust--like the politicians--they don,t do anything.
Muddie,did you check out the pictures how to solve the wet floor. ? It solved my problem.
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
Muddie,did you check out the pictures how to solve the wet floor. ? It solved my problem.
Muddie, I like the looks of the side view of you bronco. Could you show a front picture of it? I have a bunch of new parts to put on both of mine. One I have the new grill (cost me $310 about 15 years ago ) new chrome head light covers . Plus all the new rubber. I,m thinking about going with a older model chrome around the front window. It looks alot better then the narrow plastic cheap one that cracks and turns brown.
 

wobbly-pop

Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2021
Messages
42
Reaction score
40
Location
nw tennessee
Hello, I’m new here so I’m sorry if I have missed a discussion on this topic. I am restoring my first vehicle, which is a 79 Ranger XLT Bronco. I would like some good input on what you think is the better lift kit for ride comfort. It probably won’t be a showcar but not a daily driver either. Thanks in advance!
i made my own. put a 2" spacer under rear axle{channel iron} and had an old hydraulic cylinder the diameter of the spring pad, cut off 1 3/4" slice capped both ends some scrap steel plate drilled holes bolted it up. everything works like factory just taller. 2" is all you need on one of these. im running 33s and lots of clearance. could easily go 35. post some pics when i can. sit nice and even too.
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
I haven't checked on tires like this in a while. I put the 44s on 6 years ago. And actually today, i have to drop my wifes suv off for tires. They're 265/65-18s, and just them alone are costing me a little over $1500. My tire guy said that prices keep going up. So who knows by time i need new ones on the bronco what thats gonna hammer me for.
I saw where Speedy tires have Firestone 265-65-18 destination for $202. on the net-with free shipping. Might want to check it out.
 

OX1

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2004
Messages
42
Reaction score
63
Just to give you an idea with the 2" lift. This is my new wheels/tires. 315/70R17's, which work out to 34.4" actual dia.
Fit no problem.

20210818_173219.jpg

20210819_100724.jpg
 
OP
OP
G

GlennB

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Location
Lexington, AL
Thank you. That is exactly what I’m looking for. Nice rims. If you dont mind me asking, what brand are they?And also, I like your Bronco! That color combination is very clean looking.
 
OP
OP
G

GlennB

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Location
Lexington, AL
Yo Glenn,
Welcome!
We use 4 inch Rancho on our former 78 with very good results.

We have quite a few current 78-79 owners here who can provide their options, including:
@johnnyreb
@OX1
@NotaVegetarian

2 & 3 inch Sources, Stock Heights, Rear Lift Info & Tips for 78-79 by James O. @ http://web.archive.org/web/20090625065344/http://www.off- road.com/trucks4x4/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=198383

Rough Country® 4 inch Installation pics in a 78 @ https://www.supermotors.net/registry/4328/23720-4
Source: by Bigjohn8921 (Project Mayhem - The Dane)

Here's the 1979 Bronco/F Series Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual by Ford via Ziggy⚠ @
1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Manual pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net
It shows Electrical component location, operation, troubleshooting, with wiring and vacuum diagrams.

1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Schematics, Connector Pin-outs, etc by Ranger429 @ 79 wiring schematics

1979 Bronco Brochure @ https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1979-Ford-Bronco.pdf via Dezo's Garage

1979 Ford Bronco vs. Blazer Article by Ford via Indybronco @ 1978 Ford Bronco Bronco vs. Blazer (79) pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

Ford Shop Manual Diagrams: 1978-1979 Full Size Shop Manuals, partial @ Technical Diagrams Archives
My Tablet takes hours to download, so try the first in this list as long as you have Adobe Acrobat 9 or later installed.
Includes:
Wiring Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Rear Lights Diagram
Motor Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Air Cleaner Diagram
Chassis Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes '78 Brakes Diagram, Gas Tank Setup Diagram
Body Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes; Upper Body Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, heater Ducts Diagram, Tailgate Diagram, Console Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, Grill Setup Diagram, Heater Controls Diagram, Interior Trip Diagram, Rear Sheetmetal Diagram, Tiltwheel Diagram, Tire Rack
Let me know if the downloads are worth the effort.

Partial Chilton Manual for 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Bronco. Scanned by broncocity.com @ Bronco City

See Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop by Dave Resch
Al
Thanks for the welcome and a big thank you for all the links1
 

johnnyreb

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Messages
2,423
Reaction score
1,069
Location
West Virginia
I haven't checked on tires like this in a while. I put the 44s on 6 years ago. And actually today, i have to drop my wifes suv off for tires. They're 265/65-18s, and just them alone are costing me a little over $1500. My tire guy said that prices keep going up. So who knows by time i need new ones on the bronco what thats gonna hammer me for.
Muddy, have you checked the prices with SPEEDY TIRES on the net? They are family owned business in Louisana and their prices is alot cheaper then hear. Check them out on the net.
 

Members online

No members online now.

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
22,516
Messages
135,945
Members
25,119
Latest member
Sgariffo
Top