Lessons Learned After Lifting the Bronco 2" (What Works & Doesn't)

[B Miller]

Here's what I learned after the process of lifting the Bronco about 2". My original goal was to lift the bronco 3" with the ability to adjust the level and run HD springs. Reason for the lift is to not collect so much debris under the bronco in the desert. (fire prevention) Hopefully this will help some folks out.

What does not work:

• Bilstein 6100 shocks combine with Old Man Emu springs. The springs do not work with the Bronco top hats
• Bilstein 6100 shocks combine with Eibach Pro Truck HD springs. Same issue as above

What did work:

• The pre-built Eibach Pro Truck set up with HD springs. They bolt right on
• Here's the package link
• Zone UCA
• Dobinson's front diff drop
• Rough Country adjustable rear track bar
• Rough Country beefed up front tie rods
• Headlight Adjustment

In the end I didn't get the height I was looking for, but I did gain the ability to adjust height and level at home with a simple floor jack and provided wrench. The Bronco rides and drives leaps and bounds better than factory. I was worried the HD springs would make the ride too stiff, but ended up great for my set up. I'd say don't be afraid of the HD springs, they are wonderful.

Here's what I learned after lifting / leveling:

• This can take all day, allow plenty of time
• After each adjustment, drive around the block to let it settle. Otherwise you will be getting a false measurement. Changes about 1/4" after driving, then make your next adjustment
• Front's settle about 1/4" & rears settle very little
• Use lube on the adjustable shock threads
• Once dialed in, make very small adjustments (an adjustment on one side will throw off the other side)
• One full turn of adjustment is approx. 1/8"
• Don't just max them out, it make's the ride stiff (meet in the middle between height and ride)
• Write down which way to turn the collar to bring the height up or down on all 4 corners. This can get tricky and hard to remember

Final Settings & Measurements:

• Front ground to fender flare 40.5"
• Rear ground to fender flare 40.75" (allow some rake for occasional extra weight)
• Front adjustable thread measurement (from bottom) 1.2"
• Rear adjustable thread measurement (from bottom) .5"
• Don't use factory alignment settings (ChatGBT for improved set up)

In conclusion, I didn't get the full lift I was hoping for. But I'm very happy with the set up and the ability to make height adjustments at home. The HD springs were a good choice as they are not too stiff. The cost is pretty darn decent. The bronco rides and drives much better than factory. Hopefully this will help someone out in the future!

Sponsored

 

[popo_patty]

How is the diff drop? Any clearance issues with skid plates? I really like the .5” drop and it seems like I would clear. Don’t have any desire to cut up my skid plate to clear

 

[B Miller]

How is the diff drop? Any clearance issues with skid plates? I really like the .5” drop and it seems like I would clear. Don’t have any desire to cut up my skid plate to clear

All this was done at the dealership. Final height and level was done by me at home. Normally the dealership calls me with any issues, since I didn't get a call about the diff drop install, I can only assume it was a simple deal.

 

[Shrek27]

Looks great, Brian! Will look for your next vid.

Since you ended up with 2" of lift, do you think the UCA, diff drop, track bar mods were necessary?

 

[bigdedition]

Looks great, I just did the 5100 series level lift 2.9' adjustable non sas, everything else stock and 35" tires. I love it and no issues. About 5" more lift with tires

 

[telenerd]

Explain more in the alignment. I’m dealing with mine now since the lift. What’s your caster and camber and toe?

 

[B Miller]

Looks great, Brian! Will look for your next vid.

Since you ended up with 2" of lift, do you think the UCA, diff drop, track bar mods were necessary?

Don't think so, but I may run 37" tires in the future for a little more height. In that case I may have to add a touch more lift. In any event, it's nice to just "have it done" for the future.

 

[B Miller]

Explain more in the alignment. I’m dealing with mine now since the lift. What’s your caster and camber and toe?

Take this with a grain of salt as I'm not a alignment expert. If there are folks who know more than I about alignment, please comment! You won't hurt my feelings. But mine is close to this set up.

 

[popo_patty]

All this was done at the dealership. Final height and level was done by me at home. Normally the dealership calls me with any issues, since I didn't get a call about the diff drop install, I can only assume it was a simple deal.

Can you look underneath your bronco and see if your skid plate is cut to fit?

 

[B Miller]

Can you look underneath your bronco and see if your skid plate is cut to fit?

I see no cutting, here's a photo. Let me know if you need more. Happy to help.

 

[Balt]

How is the diff drop? Any clearance issues with skid plates? I really like the .5” drop and it seems like I would clear. Don’t have any desire to cut up my skid plate to clear

The diff drop is complete overkill for this setup imo... Otherwise looking good!

 

[popo_patty]

The diff drop is complete overkill for this setup imo... Otherwise looking good!

This setup probably. Mine though….

 

[BadlandsCable]

Thanks. really great information. I am going to look into the diff drop. I don’t like the looks of my CV angle after installing my Icon EXP’s and raising front end ~2”. I am going to get my Bronco into SDHQ for alignment. I had it done at BigO and they did’t know how to adjust my Icon Billet UCA’s. I am bookmarking this thread for reference.

 

[B Miller]

The diff drop is complete overkill for this setup imo... Otherwise looking good!
[/QUOTE

The diff drop is complete overkill for this setup imo... Otherwise looking good!

This is true, but got everything done for any future changes.

Thanks. really great information. I am going to look into the diff drop. I don’t like the looks of my CV angle after installing my Icon EXP’s and raising front end ~2”. I am going to get my Bronco into SDHQ for alignment. I had it done at BigO and they did’t know how to adjust my Icon Billet UCA’s. I am bookmarking this thread for reference.

It's not needed for 2" but certainty doesn't hurt. It's cheap and easy. Set's you up for any future changes

 

[Sitruc_btb]

Why does an adjustable track bar negate the need for a drop bracket?

Sponsored