Suspension question

[Bloodwulf]

Hey yall, I warned ya that there would be some hand holding goin on. />

As best as I can determine, my 75 has a 2-2.5" lift. As it sits right now, it sits level. However, while I was under it today pullin stuff out, I noticed this:



Also, the PO gave me these:



So, as best as I can tell, the lift kit was suppose to have those blocks put under the leafs, but someone removed them to make the bronco ride level. If I put those blocks back in, it looks like the bronco would sit REALLY nose down. Does that seem right to yall? However, Im not comfortable with those redneck engineered spacers on the shackles, but I dont want a nose down bronco either. If there is already a lift, I dont want to spend the money to buy another of the same size if I dont have to. I like the height it sits now. Im actually plannin on running 33x12.50 tires so I think the 2.5" lift is fine with no body lift. I plan on cleaning the leafs and coils then powdercoating them and only replacing the shocks with new units. And suggestions or ideas? Leave it alone?

 

[Bully Bob]

As I see it.., an "add-a-leaf" and a "load-leveler" leaf was added instead of the blocks to achieve the correct lift height. They're both thick., & I believe the stock springs were 5pac like the ones on there.

This works but gives a "stiff" ride.

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Blood,

I'd replace the U-bolts with the correct length. 33s will fit under what you now have just fine.

Good Luck

 

[hotrod351]

you can measure from the top of the front axle to the bottom of the frame to see what you have now. 7" is stock. so say you come up with 10" then youd have a 3" lift. U-bolts would probably be ok for now. that looks like a fun job getting them out. if your going to do all that then you might as well take the springs off and clean them up and paint them. its always something.

 

[Bloodwulf]

Yup. Ill be disassembling and either replacing or cleaning/powdercoating all parts of the suspension. Ill also be wire-wheeling the entire frame and both axles and squirting some POR15/Rust Converter on them to ward off any further rust. Its definately always something. Ive got a couple lines on places nearby that can go through my C4 and make sure its right. Ill be getting that done while I have the block out getting it punched .060 over to clean all the rust pits from it. Im actually considering a new lift kit instead of reusing old components simply for time and ease, however, money being tight will dictate if that happens. :/

 

[Bully Bob]

"If there is already a lift, I dont want to spend the money to buy another of the same size if I dont have to."

Show us some pics of the front end/suspension. You may get by with just some rear 11pac springs, etc.

"Im not comfortable with those redneck engineered spacers on the shackles"

Didn't want to say but, the shackles are at the end of the springs. What your seeing (all that monkey motion) on the top of the U-bolts is extra nuts for some reason. They have no affect on the lift height. The lift was obtained by the arch of the springs & the two bottom "fat" leafs.

If the threads "no workie" on the U-bolts, you may have to just cut them off. They're pretty cheap.

 

[mikeiam82]

Those are pretty rusty, just make sure if you are going to re-use them that each leaf is safe. When i pulled my leafs out of mine i was going to re-use them and i noticed the second to the top leaf had worn halfway through the leaf that bolts to the frame. I should have bought the 11 pack from any of the suppliers but i didnt. im still a long way away from driving mine but its prob going to be kinda stiff. From what i keep reading it really is the way to go, even if you dont id save up for them. I am.