Lifting (about 1.5-2in) without sacrificing uptravel

[Jfman]

Hello all,

I have a bone stock SAS on stock tires.

What are the ways that allow to lift the Bronco without losing any uptravel?

I was looking at strut spacers but I realized that at full compression, the tires wont stuff all the way up into the fender like they did before.

A long time ago, I lifted an IFS "bubble" Explorer and after the lift, it teeter-tottered more and I had lost some articulation with the lift.

I would like to avoid this issue with my bronco.

Thank you all.

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[F-Spot]

There are way more knowledgeable people here than me, but my understanding is common coilover lifts will give you more up travel but decrease your down travel...you are just changing the resting position in your arc of travel.

 

[CitrusBronco]

No lift I’m aware of will allow a Sasquatch to go higher without doing that on the front. well actually you could remove the bump stops in the front coilovers to get some of that back.
That will be my next mod is removing the bump stops in the coilovers.
The rear axle is only limited by the front ifs.
Let’s see what the pros have to say.

 

[Valhalla]

You can have custom coilovers made. Kings have the most travel to my understanding. Definitely have them re-valved for your use. I think Icon may keep some. What you have to do is look at stock total travel vs. new suspension total. some move it down. The rear binds because the bushings are rubber and bind under twist. You might look at a long arm or mid travel system. Need to get aftermarket control; arms with heims or johnny joints.

 

[TruckCamper]

Up travel (compression travel) will increase from ride height with lift as the compression (bump stop) remains same/similar to stock.

You loose down travel (extension travel) as you lift (IFS especially).

There is additional extension travel to be had without compromising parts but it's not more than 1". ICON is probably the best for maximizing all available travel possible without seriously compromising parts.

As long as you have 3-4" extension travel it will handle just fine in most all situations. Quality suspension with proper springs (correct spring rate) and shocks valved for the springs/weight with enough damping to control will feel excellent.

Many cheap shocks won't be able to control extension travel and it will feel as though the suspension is ripping itself off the vehicle if unloading quickly. Any higher quality (larger diameter) shock will not do this (Fox, Icon, King, ETC)

 

[87-Z28]

This doesn’t directly address the OPs question but does provide some insight to ponder the question more deeply.

Some suspension coilover design philosophy for Bronco IFS.

What ever lift you get a primary goal should be to have the shocks near mid-stroke at static equilibrium (ride height). This requires the appropriate spring rate for your corner weight, along with proper spring preload.

Springs are the primary driver for suspension response and you need to get them right. They are the primary controllers of frequency response, displacements and forces. The dampers (shocks) are a second order knob to control displacements. The greater the displacement control the greater the forces transmitted through the suspension. Hence aggressive displacement control produces a harsher ride.

Also a criteria that tends to be forgotten or ignored. If increased travel is desired, then you don’t want to be over sprung. Since springs drive displacements. Stock springs produce good displacement travel. Springs, springs, springs. Choose them carefully.


The challenges.

1. how to get lift?

For Bronco IFS CV half-shaft health, the max allowable shock extension is 24.3”. Most coilover aftermarket manufacturers adhere to this. The issue is the OEM coilovers have a 23.4” extended length. so that only provides (24.3-23.4)*1.65=1.5 inches of lift (MR of 1.65). Most want more than this.

Additional lift can come from spring preload. Only 0.9 inches of preload is required to get another 1.5” of lift. So now a total of 3” lift. This is about where many of the coilover manufacturers live. The issue created is that static equilibrium becomes unbalanced, ie, skewed towards full extension reducing allowable rebound travel.

Example, with a 6ish travel shock (oem like), mid stroke is 3” from full extension (24.3-3‎ = 21.3). With 0.9” of additional preload you are running at (24.3-3+0.9‎ = 22.2) and have only 2.1” of available rebound travel with 3.9” of available jounce travel. Slightly unbalanced.

Some coilover manufacturers actually reduce shock travel some (5ish inches). This sacrifice has the benefit of riding closer to mid stroke at equilibrium (2.2” is closer to 2.5 than 3.0). Another benefit is that the shock length for max compression is increased (24.3-5‎ = 19.3). Thus greater clearance is created at fender for tires. Which brings us to 2nd challenge.

2. how to fit larger tires?

All of the coilover manufacturers try to maximize the full extended length (24.3”). Most coilover manufacturers allow for 37-38s by providing 3ish inches of lift and maximizing full compression length (as discussed). Unfortunately this tends to limit travel some. Take a close look at the chart with travel numbers, including extended and compressed lengths.

Hopefully this provides some insight into the design intent from coilover manufacturers. Unfortunately the oem design envelope is very tight and not much room available without real sacrifices.

 

[Quatermain]

IMHO, it is a KISS thing. Keep it stock or buy something that meets your needs, specifically with suspension or drive train . That is from a lot of experience in customization. Otherwise be prepared to spend a lot of money and have a lot of headaches over time.

 

[userdude]

One word: Billet. It solves all problems through the wallet. Of course you can plan things out, get all girlie on us and use a "budget" and be a four eyes, but just use billet and problem solved. What's that saying about cry once? You'll cry fo damn sure you see your available credit at zero on three cards. Those $500 minimum payments build character! Yer wife might agree, if you tell her (or, she finds out, smh get a PO box). But smile through the pain and go for it! You won't regret it.

 

[Valhalla]

He is right, get you some of that billet you are set!! everyone at starbucks will know you are a real crawler.

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