Help Starting My Project

[carcass]

I have a '96 Eddie Bauer Bronco and am planning on throwing a suspension lift on it with new wheels and tires. I was wondering if anyone out there has any good suggestions on what brand of lift I should use. I'm thinking of either going with a 4-5 inch lift or 5-6. I want to be able to throw on some 35x12.50x18 and be able to clear. Any suggestions and links to suppliers I would greatly appriciate it.

It won't be used for serious rock crawling, just a nice weekend off roader. Primary use will be for the road. Let me know. Thanks.

 

[highriderW13]

go 6inch lift it will clear just fine

 

[White90Bronco]

If your in the Southeast around North Georgia/South Tennessee I would call Spicer Off Road Center

706-375-5000

They can tell you everything you need to know.

 

[Justshootme84]

Welcome to Bronco Zone!!! &lt

There are several posts like yours on lift kits, try a forum search and do some reading. I have a Skyjacker Class II 6" lift, and would recommend a kit similar to that with 6" height for 35" tires. Check with local 4WD and truck accessory shops first, and compare to prices from the online sources like 4WheelParts, Rocky Mountain Suspension and Jeff's Bronco Graveyard. Take a close look at what each brand of kit comes with, as they do not all have the same items. Good Luck!!!

 

[carcass]

Thanks for the info. I've been looking around and it looks like most people are going with the Skyjacker Class II 6" lift. I don't want it to look too obnoxious, so how does your 6" look?

The cheapest I've been able to find online is at this site.

http://www.performancelifts.com/cgi-bin/ca...KY286XKS-A.html

It doesn't include the shocks but I think I might want to go with Rancho RS 9000 adjustables.

How does this setup sound? Does anyone know of any place where I can order it for less?

 

[Bradt]

Go to skyjacker.com, and do a search on the part number. You will then be able to locate a dealer, near you and start calling. Mention the price you found, and see what they can do.

brad

 

[Justshootme84]

Go to skyjacker.com, and do a search on the part number.  You will then be able to locate a dealer, near you and start calling.  Mention the price you found, and see what they can do.
brad

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That is exactly what I did, and I saved $100!!! Very good advice!!!

Carcass, I have pics in my superford.org gallery (see my profile for a link) of the SkyJ 6" kit with and without the extended radius arms, as they were on back-order for a few weeks after I bought the kit and had it installed for a show. With the SkyJ drop brackets and stock radius arms, it was impossible to get the correct CASTER in the front end. The tubular, extended radius arms which are the Class II option solved that problem. I use the stock radius arm mounting brackets, but there were moved rearward about 14". This allows for much greater wheel travel and less strain on the longer coil springs.

IF you have any questions on the Skyjacker kits, I can prolly answer them since I have used their kits for years. They do not flex like other brands, as they are stiff, but very sturdy with less problems. JSM84

 

[carcass]

Thanks. What is the largest size tire I could fit using the 6" kit? I could almost fit 33x12.50's on the stock suspension, but the front tires rubbed on the bumper about a half inch. I was thinking 35's but can I go anylarger without having to cut into the bumper?

 

[Justshootme84]

You may be able to fit 33" tires on your stock suspension simply by shimming the front bumper, or moving it forward 1/2". The same would apply for larger tires with a lift kit. I think 35" tires are the limit, maybe 36" depnding on tire brand and wheel width. THe thing to remember is that while a tire-wheel combo may fit inside the wheelwells, you may still have body contact when the suspension flexxes. You most likely will have slight rubbing on the radius arms at full steering lock.

It looks like I have enough room to fit a 37" tall tire on my 84 Bronco with the 6" SkyJ kit, but the 35's rubbed the rear wheelwell edges with just a bit of flex. I added a 1" block under the lifted spring packs, but still have to take it easy in the rough stuff. I added a couple of pics with the lift installed

 

[carcass]

What shocks should I go with? I was initially thinking the Rancho RS9000's but I'm not positive if they will fit. Let me know.

 

[Justshootme84]

The Rancho RS9000X shocks are made for the Ford Bronco, but you may have a very hard time finding them for a 6" lift. I wanted to go with their RS5000 shocks but had to settle for the SkyJacker Hydro's that came with my kit. I like these just as much, though, as they are a firm offroad shock. EIther the Hydro or Nitro shock by SkyJ is made to work with their 6" kift kit. IF you have the quad front shocks, I would recommend these for the Bronco. I have the RS9000X's on my 98 Z-71 and love them, but only use a 7 or 9 setting, as the lower ones are too soft for my driving. THey are also twice as costly ($80) as the $35-$40 SkyJ shocks. IF you need more info on one brand or the other, or still cannot decide on what shock to use, just ask. I think a lift kit should come with longer shocks, not sure why the PL offering doesn't have them.

 

[fearxfour1995]

I have a '96 Eddie Bauer Bronco and am planning on throwing a suspension lift on it with new wheels and tires. I was wondering if anyone out there has any good suggestions on what brand of lift I should use. I'm thinking of either going with a 4-5 inch lift or 5-6. I want to be able to throw on some 35x12.50x18 and be able to clear. Any suggestions and links to suppliers I would greatly appriciate it.
It won't be used for serious rock crawling, just a nice weekend off roader. Primary use will be for the road. Let me know. Thanks.

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If you go with 4 to 5 go with Rancho it's a complete kit and it can fit 33's fine. If you want 6 in. go with the superlift. Make sure you get the super runner steering and the radius arms, that's what i have on my '95.

 

[carcass]

Thanks guys for the info. I live in the denver area and started calling around pricing out kits from different dealers. It looks like the PL price is the best deal I can find, but a dealer out here said they will match or beat the price for me if I come in so thanks for the help with that.

As far as the shocks go, most of all the quotes I have recieved were for the skyjacker class II kit without the shocks. I am kind of happy that they are not included because I would almost prefer to use the RS9000x adjustable shocks just because I have to commute so much during the week. So I can adjust them a bit softer for the highway use during the week and crank on it in the backcountry. The major question is if I can find them that will fit the lift. I checked my dealers for shocks and it doesn't seem that anyone is running any deals right now, even with fathers day coming up and all. So if anyone has any suggestions on where to get some good prices on shocks let me know.

Lastly I am currently running 31 x 10.50's on some custom 15 inch wheels. I want to purchase a larger and wider wheel to accomodate the large tires. What size wheel should I plan on getting. I wanted to get a wheel between 18-20" and I didn't know if I should get a 9" or 10" wide wheel. I was thinking about running BFG T/A KO's because I have them on my bronco now and I have been extremly happy with them. BFG makes an T/A KO for 20" rims at the size LT325/60R20/D. Allowable Wheel width ranges between 9-12". I was wondering if I throw this big wide tire on if it will rub during turns? If it should I will probably want to make a change in my plans.

Also I have been having trouble finding large sized custom wheels that will allow for the 4WD Auto Locking Hubs to stick out. If anyone has any suggestions on wheels I would appriciate it as well.

I'm not trying to go with a ghetto look with the wheels because I think large wheels look silly on broncos, but I have ran into difficulty finding nice smaller wheels. Thanks again guys for all your help. It is much appriciated. I'll try to throw some "Before" pictures on here soon.

 

[rubberdust]

How much time/distance will you be running off the pavement with this rig?

There are a couple downsides to the larger diameter wheels that you're considering if you plan on spending any time of road with it.

The two biggest issues will be pinch shock in the tire sidewall & bent wheels, both a result of the shorter sidewall height to absorb shock & flex over objects in your path.

An additional consideration will need to be larger brakes as unless you plan ahead further than I do the additional weight you'll gain in the wheel & tire assembly will increase your stopping distance.

18s are a little better than 20s.

Going to a 17 is as big as I've played with & they looked huge parked next to 15s.

Although I went back done to 16s needed the extra sidewall for pounding around.

You'll find a much larger selection of 17 wheels to chose from & wont need to take out a 2nd mortgage to come up with some real nice wheels. Not that I have any real nice wheels a bit to lazy to spend my time polishing.

 

[carcass]

Yes I was planning on upgrading the brake system if I went with the 20's. So what would you suggest? Either a 17 or 18 inch wheel with a width of 8 or 9 inches?

 

[rubberdust]

I'd go with a 17X9 or 17X8.5 wheel better selection of wheels & tires, the LT315/70R17 is the oe tire on the Hummer H2 & can't be found for less than the 35X12.50R15s in many instances.

You can still get pretty serious off road with the 17s most of the desert race stuff has gone to 17s & they take the pounding.

 

[Justshootme84]

Good advice from everyone!!!

You will find a very limited selection of 17"-20" rims for the 80-96 Ford F-150/ Bronco, check out Centerline, Mickey Thomsopn, and American Racing for wheels. THe problem will be the 5x5.5" bolt pattern as well as the opening for the 4x4 front hub. I think a 17"x10" rim would be great for mild offroad use with a 35x12.50x17. I think you will rub the radius arms with a 35" tall tire regardless of the rim diameter, but a wider wheel with 3.5" to 4" backspacing will minimze that.

CHeck out www.gorancho.com for the apllication guide for the RS9000X shocks. I know that Rancho has shocks that will work on a 6" lift, but they only offer a 4" suspension lift kit for the Bronco. It may take some searching or a phone call to them to find a part number.

Check out Summit Racing for the Rancho shocks. They have a "buy 3 get 1 free deal" on the RS 9000X each summer. That may expire soon, just check the website or call them. The deal may be on the Pro COmp ES 3000/9000 shocks now.

 

[carcass]

Yeah it looks like its for the Pro Comp ES. Oh well. I think I'm gonna take your advice and go with the 17x10 wheels. I think I found a few sets that should work that wont cost 500 a piece.

 

[Justshootme84]

The Pro Comp ES9000 shock is a good compromise for 50/50 street/light duty offroad driving. THe only problems I had with those is a bit of 'nose-dive' at a stop sign, and overheating or fade after driving down a long, washboard gravel road after a while. Any time the shock body is hot to the touch, it will fade or quit working. THe RS9000X is the only shock that does not have a wire holding it closed when you buy one, as it resists movement in either direction rather than relying mostly on compression. I have yet to experience fade, overheating or breakage with the Rancho shocks or my Skyjacker units. I have broken every thing else, including Monroe's & Bilstein's.

And I'm not miuch of a fan of the 'bling-bling' or big dubs so have stuck with 15" rims on my offroad rigs. But I have seen a couple of nice Bronco's with 17's or 18's that give it a cool street look. IT all just depends on how hard you abuse the rig, or how much offroad use you get to do.