I just bought a 73 with a 3"lift. I have now noticed that the tire clearance on the driver side rear fender opening is 1" closer than on the passenger side. I spent 2 hrs. under this thing taking measurements off everything I could think of. I even thought the frame might be bent, but all looks perfect. Spring shackles are all tight and I even looked at the body mounts, which all look good. It almost seems as if the body is sitting crooked on the frame, but only in the rear. This is not evident in the front. Any advice appreciated.
Rear End
- Thread starter towd
- Start date
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.
Past_Miner
New member
Do you mean the clearance from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender opening? If so that is the dreaded "Bronco lean" that sometimes (usually) occurs when you install new C bushings with a lift kit. One radius arm ends up rotated differently on the front axle from the other.
This usually shows up on both the front and the back, so I don't know if it can explain the front being ok. Are your fenders cut for flares? If so, are they cut the same? Those types of things happen all the time.
This usually shows up on both the front and the back, so I don't know if it can explain the front being ok. Are your fenders cut for flares? If so, are they cut the same? Those types of things happen all the time.
It is 1" off on the horizontal direction. This is an uncut Bronco. Like the rear differential is cocked on the driver side. One thing I forgot to mention, They raised the truck, but it doesn't look like they did anything with the pitman arm, or anything else.
I am assuming the lift is a suspension lift. If that is the case and they may not have install a dropped down track bar bracket or a adjustable track bar, your body is pulled or suspension whatever, off center. You will need one of the two items above to fix it. If you have an adjustable track bar then it may need a few more turns one way or the other.
texar72broncoboy
New member
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2004
- Messages
- 62
- Reaction score
- 0
it could be that ur frame is bent like you said you just cant notice it
Broncoholics
Broncoholics
I agree, the trac bar needs to be adjustable othereise it will look like the body is twisted on the frame. Look at the front tires, do they sit even with the body on both sides? If you adjust the trac bar its a good idea to get an adjustable drag link so the steering is centered.
Another idea is look at the leaf spring mounting bushings. If they are wasted you can get some movement but I wouldn't think an inch.
Another idea is look at the leaf spring mounting bushings. If they are wasted you can get some movement but I wouldn't think an inch.
Interested in your solution for the dreaded Bronco Lean. I have a 74, that has that lean...the left side is lower in the front by about 1"and the back is lower by 1 1/4" on the left side. I replaced the front springs ( 2" lift ) from Jeff's, and new leaf springs in the back (2" lift ) also from Jeff's, hoping that would fix the lean. No change in the lean. ( just higher )I change out the "C" bushings with urithien (sp), but was careful to keep the relationships the same. I think the original "C" bushings were there when I started. How can I tell if one of arms are installed wrong?
Interested in your solution for the dreaded Bronco Lean. I have a 74, that has that lean...the left side is lower in the front by about 1"and the back is lower by 1 1/4" on the left side. I replaced the front springs ( 2" lift ) from Jeff's, and new leaf springs in the back (2" lift ) also from Jeff's, hoping that would fix the lean. No change in the lean. ( just higher )I change out the "C" bushings with urithien (sp), but was careful to keep the relationships the same. I think the original "C" bushings were there when I started. How can I tell if one of arms are installed wrong?
Broncoholics
Broncoholics
You will have to buy new c-bushings for the lift you have. The old bushings are probably smashied unto the position as it is now with the lean. I run the 6 degree bushings from Duff with a 3.5" lift. 2" lift is like 4 deg. and stock is 0 I believe.
Once you have the new bushings you will have to take the suspension apart. Once the axle is on the ground put the new c-bushings on and have both radius arms connected to the axle and touching the ground on the ends. You have to tighten them up exactly the same. Go in an X pattern on the bolts and go from the left arm to the right until its tight. If you see one end of the radius arm lift off the ground you know you are too tight and they are not equal. Loosen it up and keep them equal until tight.
Most times people do one side at a time and this causes the bronco lean because the c-bushings are not tightened up equaly. Its tough to get both radius arms into the frame ears but with the help of a friend and maybe a come-along you should get it.
Once you have the new bushings you will have to take the suspension apart. Once the axle is on the ground put the new c-bushings on and have both radius arms connected to the axle and touching the ground on the ends. You have to tighten them up exactly the same. Go in an X pattern on the bolts and go from the left arm to the right until its tight. If you see one end of the radius arm lift off the ground you know you are too tight and they are not equal. Loosen it up and keep them equal until tight.
Most times people do one side at a time and this causes the bronco lean because the c-bushings are not tightened up equaly. Its tough to get both radius arms into the frame ears but with the help of a friend and maybe a come-along you should get it.
STLKIKN
New member
Towd,
Have you measured centre pin to spring eye along the springs?
Is there a possibility that the leafs are installed opposite to each other?
Or if there are blocks installed, that they are not installed correctly?
Have you measured centre pin to spring eye along the springs?
Is there a possibility that the leafs are installed opposite to each other?
Or if there are blocks installed, that they are not installed correctly?
M
MarsChariot
Guest
I wondering when somebody would notice this odd characteristics about early Broncos. I have measured two uncut and one cut Bronco and they are all like that. Either there is a difference in the panels on the left and right, or they all have same problem. It will be interesting to see if anyone else gets the same measurements. As far as I can tell, it is the norm. If so, the axle may be where it is suppose to be, its just that the fender openings are different.
