Leveling Spacers

[bassplayer07]

Hey so I was checking things out on broncograveyard.comn and found these spacers for the coil springs.

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-33190_...cers__black.htm

Has anyone else done this or something like it? If so, please let me know how it turned out. My Bronco currently is stock height and all, but my front end sits considerably lower than the rear.

 

[Broncobill78]

Hey so I was checking things out on broncograveyard.comn and found these spacers for the coil springs.
http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-33190_...cers__black.htm

Has anyone else done this or something like it? If so, please let me know how it turned out. My Bronco currently is stock height and all, but my front end sits considerably lower than the rear.

I've always tried to stay away from using any sort of spacer on the front end. Rear lift blocks are bad enough with their increased lever effect but at least the rear end only sees linear stress going from front to back along the same axis as the springs. Front blocks can slip out because they're subjected to stress from all sorts of angles as the front wheels turn & even more when the front axle is powered. I have actually *seen* this happen to a guy running front blocks on an F250. He was goofing around doing doughnuts in a meadow at the head of a trail and lost a block. It was pretty freaking scarey and I can only imagine what would have happened had he been down on the road at speed.

For what it will take to install the spacers you may as well just replace the coils. If it's sitting low because they're old & worn then it's just a straight replacement but if it's sitting stock & you just don't like the look then you'll need something with an inch or two of lift (but then you get into needing longer shocks, etc)

 

[bassplayer07]

So it sounds like what I should do is just get the longer springs and shocks to level it out instead of the spacers.

Thanks for the help!

 

[2NDTOUR89]

I ran the spacers before and they did not create any problems but this time chose the springs for the very reason that I am not putting any more stress on the mounting bolts by introducing a spacer between the plate and the spring. I am much happier with the spring. I think you can get the Rancho leveling spring (actually sets the truck a little high in the front) for less than $150.00. Get a matched set of shocks and you are set..

This is my suggestion to you..

 

[bidibronco]

Dumb question from me: To level the front end is it "required" to get longer shocks or will the stock shocks work?

 

[bassplayer07]

Dumb question from me: To level the front end is it "required" to get longer shocks or will the stock shocks work?

I have that same question. I don't have stock shocks on my bronco right now but it sure would be nice not to have to buy 4 new shocks for the front. I'm running the BDS 5500 series shocks

 

[Broncobill78]

I have that same question. I don't have stock shocks on my bronco right now but it sure would be nice not to have to buy 4 new shocks for the front. I'm running the BDS 5500 series shocks

I think this is one of those questions that gets answered with "it depends". I suspect that the existing shocks will probably survive with a set of leveling springs since the lift isn't all that much. You gotta remember though that it goes both ways, new springs will change the ammount of wheel travel you have not only at full extension but also under full compression so that gives you the opportunity to either yank the rod out from the top or force it down thru the bottom. I can tell you that the guy answering the spring mfg's tech line is really going to be one with the correct answer. On the other hand you could always just get away with using larger bump stops & limiting straps (a set of each will still be a lot less than 4 new shocks).

 

[2NDTOUR89]

Most shock manufacturers say that you can use their shocks within a range (see picture below). It depends on the amount of lift you are going with, some manufacturers say from 0-2" you can get away with stock part numbers, 3-4" 5-6" etc. I have stock length Trailmaster SSV's on my Bronco with the 2 1/2" Rancho springs and they work perfectly under full compression and extension and give a great ride in normal operation... Just check your shock specs and you should be able to find the shocks that work for you...

Ford SSV Invader SS

Year Lift F R F R .

Bronco 4WD 66-77 0 73470 72440 63470 62440 shocks

Bronco 4WD 66-77 3-4 73490 72510 63490 62510

Bronco 4WD w/staggered mount 78-79 0 (A)73490 (A)63490 (B)73470 72440 (B)63470 62440

Bronco 4WD w/staggered mount 78-79 3-4 (A)73450 (A)63450 (B)73490 72510 (8)63490 62510

Bronco 4WD w/staggered mount 78-79 5-6 (A)73500 (A)63500 shocks (B)73450 72510 (B)63450 62510

Bronco 4WD 80-96 0 73480 72430 63480 62430

Bronco 4WD 80-96 4 73460 72510 63460 62510

Bronco 4WD 80-96 6 73490 72480 63490 62480