shocks and coil springs

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okimeister

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I have a couple of questions about shock and springs. i have a 1995 xlt that may start being used off road a little,

If i use replacement coils that lift the body 1-3 inches rather than the factory sized coils what will it actually do?

Also some opinions and suggestions on shocks please?

thanks

 

Justshootme84

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The 1-2" lift coils will affect the frontend alignment, and you may need new, adjustable camber bushings to get the alignment close to true. A good set of offroad shocks like Rancho, PRo Comp or Superlift will run about $35-$40/each, but are a big improvement over stock shocks.

 

Broncosaurus!

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Really? So if I got leveling coils or used coils from an f250 to raise the front end up, short of a real lift kit with drop brackets and stuff, I couldnt get it/keep it aligned? Or are you just referencing the 95, what about my 86, they are the same suspensions right?

 

swampthing

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you can do a cheap lift and run with e250 coil springs in the front and f-250 leafs in the back...bout a 3- 4 inch lift...but you will need new I-beam drop brackets

 
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okimeister

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The 1-2" lift coils will affect the frontend alignment, and you may need new, adjustable camber bushings to get the alignment close to true. A good set of offroad shocks like Rancho, PRo Comp or Superlift will run about $35-$40/each, but are a big improvement over stock shocks.


I've been hearing some things about Leveling Coils , do you know anything about those?

 

Justshootme84

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Yes, the "leveling coils" are 1-2" longer than stock. WHat they do is raise the front end slightly to make the Bronco appear level front-to-back. The factory suspension has the Bronco set up a bit higher in back, so when you carry any cargo the ride levels out instead of sagging in the rear. The problem with changing coils other than stock is you affect the geometry of the whole frontend. The design of the Twin Traction Beam (TTB) front axle is such that the camber of the tires will be affected most. THat's the lean in or out from the side, like the top of the tire leaning in inward. The way to adjust this is done through the camber bushings. THe factory bushings have a limit as to how much adjustment you can dial in, and sometimes the taller coils exceed that limit. Aftermarket, adjustable bushings have a wider range for alignment and a re often recommended for the leveling coils. Even with these, some folks have had trouble getting the proper alignment, especially if you have those eccentric/offest factory bushings. The best advice I can give is to use stock coils, or replace them with a properly designed lift kit that includes taller coils, drop brackets and new bushings. You have the option of a 2.5" or a 4" kit, in the price range of a bout $500 vs. the $200 for just the coils. Regardless of running stock or lifted, the frontend alignment can change after an offroad trip, and should be checked at least once a year or every 20K miles or after extreme driving offroad. iF you notice your tires leaning in or out of alignment, have it checked. Most of the offroad tires will wear out rapidly if out of line for a short time. JSM84

 

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