Bronco Sasquatch suspension parts (shocks & springs) price quoted at $1300 from dealer parts department

[pwork]

Long time listener, first time caller...seriously considering doing this to my BD when it comes in if those that have done this think its worth it. Will be doing lots of back roads and gravel at speed. I'd like to start collecting parts, but interested in longer term thoughts.

@Bigmoose and @kodiakisland any updated long term impressions of the suspension upgrade?

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[Bigmoose]

Long time listener, first time caller...seriously considering doing this to my BD when it comes in if those that have done this think its worth it. Will be doing lots of back roads and gravel at speed. I'd like to start collecting parts, but interested in longer term thoughts.

@Bigmoose and @kodiakisland any updated long term impressions of the suspension upgrade?

Totally worth it. It's a bargain for what you get. Do it!

 

[RustysBronco]

Did I read somewhere that you need a spacer for the tailgate to push the spare wheel out a bit?

That's a good question.

 

[kodiakisland]

Long time listener, first time caller...seriously considering doing this to my BD when it comes in if those that have done this think its worth it. Will be doing lots of back roads and gravel at speed. I'd like to start collecting parts, but interested in longer term thoughts.

@Bigmoose and @kodiakisland any updated long term impressions of the suspension upgrade?

Very much worth it for what you get over the Hitachi suspension. I’d start looking for takeoffs for under $1000. That’s the simplest way as it’s a quick and easy swap. You are a lot better off doing this for more travel and about an inch in height over doing a spacer lift.

I don’t intend to run the Bilsteins forever, but they will be great for a year or so until the market catches up. I’m only concerned with performance upgrades and not looks. When I can get about an inch more lift with more travel at a decent price, I’ll change. Until then I will be very happy with the Bilsteins.

I think it’s a no brainer to ditch the Hitachi for the Bilstein. Bang for your buck value is about as good as it’s going to get for performance improvement.

 

[Djd7]

Very much worth it for what you get over the Hitachi suspension. I’d start looking for takeoffs for under $1000. That’s the simplest way as it’s a quick and easy swap. You are a lot better off doing this for more travel and about an inch in height over doing a spacer lift.

I don’t intend to run the Bilsteins forever, but they will be great for a year or so until the market catches up. I’m only concerned with performance upgrades and not looks. When I can get about an inch more lift with more travel at a decent price, I’ll change. Until then I will be very happy with the Bilsteins.

I think it’s a no brainer to ditch the Hitachi for the Bilstein. Bang for your buck value is about as good as it’s going to get for performance improvement.

What made you go with BL coilovers vs SAS? Given they ride ~0.4” over BL I would think you’d go with SAS.. not questioning your decision just curious as to the why!

 

[kodiakisland]

What made you go with BL coilovers vs SAS? Given they ride ~0.4” over BL I would think you’d go with SAS.. not questioning your decision just curious as to the why!

Articulation is everything. If upgrading for performance, I'll take articulation over height. The Badlands coilovers have the most range of travel of any of the stock setups.

Also, right now I have 33s and only plan to go to 34s down the road. I don't need or want a higher center of gravity but do want more articulation.

 

[redone17]

Articulation is everything. If upgrading for performance, I'll take articulation over height. The Badlands coilovers have the most range of travel of any of the stock setups.

Also, right now I have 33s and only plan to go to 34s down the road. I don't need or want a higher center of gravity but do want more articulation.

Did you install the Camburg trailing arm and Icon track bar yet?

 

[Beach_Bum]

Very much worth it for what you get over the Hitachi suspension. I’d start looking for takeoffs for under $1000. That’s the simplest way as it’s a quick and easy swap. You are a lot better off doing this for more travel and about an inch in height over doing a spacer lift.

I don’t intend to run the Bilsteins forever, but they will be great for a year or so until the market catches up. I’m only concerned with performance upgrades and not looks. When I can get about an inch more lift with more travel at a decent price, I’ll change. Until then I will be very happy with the Bilsteins.

I think it’s a no brainer to ditch the Hitachi for the Bilstein. Bang for your buck value is about as good as it’s going to get for performance improvement.

I've been following this thread and also the market for takeoffs. As was discovered early on was that the Bilsteins are tuned different for the respective build. And when looking for takeoffs, it would be ideal to match the takeoffs Bronco build spec to the Bronco adding them. As you found, there isn't a lot of takeoffs that have hit the market when you bought yours. There is even less that match both Bronco build specs.

So I ask you and others for your opinion on adding a 4-dr 2.3 Badlands Bilsteins to a 2-dr 2.3 Black Diamond? I found a somewhat local seller selling (less than $500 for the Bilsteins). I just want to make sure that the non-matching build specs can be ignored especially at that price point.

 

[redone17]

I've been following this thread and also the market for takeoffs. As was discovered early on was that the Bilsteins are tuned different for the respective build. And when looking for takeoffs, it would be ideal to match the takeoffs Bronco build spec to the Bronco adding them. As you found, there isn't a lot of takeoffs that have hit the market when you bought yours. There is even less that match both Bronco build specs.

So I ask you and others for your opinion on adding a 4-dr 2.3 Badlands Bilsteins to a 2-dr 2.3 Black Diamond? I found a somewhat local seller selling (less than $500 for the Bilsteins). I just want to make sure that the non-matching build specs can be ignored especially at that price point.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the only difference is the springs. I think 4-dr match would be best. Since Badlands and Black Diamond are very close in weight otherwise.

 

[kodiakisland]

I've been following this thread and also the market for takeoffs. As was discovered early on was that the Bilsteins are tuned different for the respective build. And when looking for takeoffs, it would be ideal to match the takeoffs Bronco build spec to the Bronco adding them. As you found, there isn't a lot of takeoffs that have hit the market when you bought yours. There is even less that match both Bronco build specs.

So I ask you and others for your opinion on adding a 4-dr 2.3 Badlands Bilsteins to a 2-dr 2.3 Black Diamond? I found a somewhat local seller selling (less than $500 for the Bilsteins). I just want to make sure that the non-matching build specs can be ignored especially at that price point.

No problem, but you may get a little more lift in the front than expected due to weight differences. That might be good if you plan on adding a heavier bumper or winch. For $500 I would do it.

 

[kodiakisland]

Did you install the Camburg trailing arm and Icon track bar yet?

I did the Camburg arms at the same time I did the coilovers. I’m still waiting on the Icon track bar to ship.

Here is what I found on my new, well dirt mountain new, factory trailing arms. The hard rubber was already cracking. Not what I expected to see, but glad I replaced them.

 

[Beach_Bum]

No problem, but you may get a little more lift in the front than expected due to weight differences. That might be good if you plan on adding a heavier bumper or winch. For $500 I would do it.

That is what I was expecting as the chassis is heavier. I'm not planning on any new bumper (might on the winch). This BD is a holdover Bronco until my original reservation/order is built from allocation purgatory. So I'm not looking to throw a ton of money into the BD, but $500 is a bargain even if the build specs don't match. Of course, I may just love the BD and leave my original order to remain in allocation purgatory while I enjoy this Bronco. If that happens, then yeah, I'll be updating the bumper and other components.

 

[kodiakisland]

That is what I was expecting as the chassis is heavier. I'm not planning on any new bumper (might on the winch). This BD is a holdover Bronco until my original reservation/order is built from allocation purgatory. So I'm not looking to throw a ton of money into the BD, but $500 is a bargain even if the build specs don't match. Of course, I may just love the BD and leave my original order to remain in allocation purgatory while I enjoy this Bronco. If that happens, then yeah, I'll be updating the bumper and other components.

For $500 it is more than worth it to upgrade over the Hitachis. Let's say worst case scenario you get a 1/2 inch more lift in the front than you want, you can always add either 1/4 or 1/2 inch top plate spacers to the rear to add back the rake, if you want it. I think it will be fine as is though.

 

[redone17]

For $500 it is more than worth it to upgrade over the Hitachis. Let's say worst case scenario you get a 1/2 inch more lift in the front than you want, you can always add either 1/4 or 1/2 inch top plate spacers to the rear to add back the rake, if you want it. I think it will be fine as is though.

Or you get a $500 lift and level + better suspension. I feel like a chump for paying $1200. Ah well. I also thought I’d have my tires then…still backordered.

 

[pwork]

@Bigmoose and @kodiakisland appreciate taking the time to give an update! Search is on for parts

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