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Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height??? 3 Broncos compared.

SuperFord

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Some of my coworkers and I have finally taken delivery of our Broncos and are loving them!

We decided to park together at work yesterday when we noticed something odd.

One Sasquatch is noticeably taller than the other 2!

At first I thought maybe the FE was slightly lower because of the additional weight (hard top, hydraulic sway bar disconnect, etc). The weird part is the other two are both OBX soft tops and there is a significant difference between them!

The Carbonized Grey OBX does have a standard bumper instead of the modular, but I wouldn’t think that would make a difference of over 1/2” in height?

Area 51 OBX & LB FE measure less than 39” while the CG OBX IS NEARLY 39.5”

weird…

Ford Bronco Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height???  3 Broncos compared. 494AF065-348D-4183-A587-6D4573B51A0F


Ford Bronco Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height???  3 Broncos compared. 25C32ECC-62E0-48A0-838B-7F0FC74848F4


Ford Bronco Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height???  3 Broncos compared. 254B430D-5AD5-4945-8811-E988C2246D7A


Ford Bronco Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height???  3 Broncos compared. DDA1BF40-7712-4340-97B7-C2A92424DC46


Ford Bronco Mod Bumper causing over 1/2” reduction in ride height???  3 Broncos compared. 60B9D4F5-85AF-4BF5-9546-567651F88279
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Cheshire

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Probably the main reasons didn't want metal bumpers w/metal bash guards or rock rails is because of the extra weight. 1/2 inch is a significant difference. The metal has to be a part of this issue.
 

Tdifonzo

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What engine is in the OBX?
 

Tilzbow

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Could be the engine but my bet is the OBX is parked on a slight slope raising one side of the front slightly higher than the other or it’s backend is slightly lower which would raise the front end up. You’d need to measure all four wheel wells on all three rigs to eliminate this possibilit.

I doubt it’s the bumper weight difference but I’ve been wrong more than once.
 

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Lol 1/2 an inch?

Did you check the tire pressures on the one that's lower? :p
i know it doesn’t sound like a lot but all 3 of us noticed it immediately when walking up to them parked side by side. Visible from a distance at least when next to each other.
 

Ryuk

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What is the average weight of the passengers?
Maybe the lower one is just tired.
:ROFLMAO:
 

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Metal bumpers will for sure add more compression to the front suspension. You can easily drop an inch with a metal bumper and winch.
 

rtaylor

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The Carbonized Grey OBX does have a standard bumper instead of the modular, but I wouldn’t think that would make a difference of over 1/2” in height?
Bilstein front springs are supposedly 415lb/in, so that would be about 276lb/in at the wheels. But double that for both front springs (552lb/in).

I think the steel bumper, bash plate, and bar would have to weigh ~250lbs more to explain a 1/2" difference between the two OBX models. That doesn't seem likely, but maybe they are heavier than I think.
 

telenerd

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Just subscribed and seeing what happens. Good post!
 

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Probably the main reasons didn't want metal bumpers w/metal bash guards or rock rails is because of the extra weight. 1/2 inch is a significant difference. The metal has to be a part of this issue.
If the spring rate is linear and 600 lbs, 1/2" would equal 300 lbs. Easy way of testing that is get someone near as possible to 300 lbs to stand on the front bumper and see if it compresses another 1/2".
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