BajaKits Prerunner Kit Install

[sreilly91010]

I use my Bronco (BD, non-SAS) primarily as my daily, but plan to get into some off-roading (trails for now, not really rock crawling anytime soon). I’m about to place an order for the BakaKits prerunner kit for the front suspension as I love the look widening the stance and want it ready for off road use. I’ll likely be going king or Fox on the coilovers and I’m considering 35 or 37’s.

what I’m trying to get some clarity on is whether the rear upper links and rear trailing arms should be upgraded given the current use. I know if I plan to do some heavy off-roading at some point I’ll have to upgrade for sure, but for right now, can I simply just upgrade the coilovers to get my height the same as the fronts and get the rear wheels out 2” wider (to match the front with the prerunner) by using either hubcentric spacers OR possibly using different offset/backspace on the rear wheels. Is there anything else I NEED to upgrade on my Black Diamond to get rolling with this prerunner?

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[Broncobro04]

I think you should walk before you run my friend. Long travel comes with its own set of potential complications. I’d say upgrade the rear and throw some new shocks on it first. Get a good idea of how it handles and how to actually wheel before going all in blindly. I say blindly because you want long travel but ask about the rear which leads me to believe that this is a somewhat uneducated impulse decision. That’s how vehicles get totaled and people get hurt.

To answer your question though, yeah you should upgrade all of the links, maybe go with the Rock Krawler 4-link conversion and delete the track bar. A wider front track width will majorly affect handling so matching the rear width, either with spacers, different wheels, or likely both, will be your best bet. Another thing to consider is tire clearance. A lot of 37s won’t fit a long travel kit without aftermarket fenders

 

[sreilly91010]

Thanks for the reply and looking out. Truly do appreciate it.

Not at all an impulse decision. I’ve been researching and debating for a year now haha. I tend to talk myself out of big expenditures on my cars for mods and then regret not doing it, so just trying to really sort out exactly what I need vs what is TRULY optional.

Unfortunately I’ve talked to so many people and shops and read so many different posts in here that have me confused at times on whether the rear links and trailing arms are indeed needed. It may be some uneducated people offering me incorrect advise or perhaps I misunderstood. My “educated” answer is to buy the upgraded links and arms for the rear as well as go with the 2” wider stance in back to match the front (which is my preference). Spacers I’ve read mixed reviews on safety wise, some say it’s not safe and a wider rear axle is the route to go. Others say spacers or adjusting via offset and backspacing is completely safe.

I do plan on going wider on the fenders (something similar to the ADV 8” fenders… please no ADV hate responses as I have heard it all and just using that as an example of how wide a fender I’m going with). I haven’t settled on 35” vs 37” tires at this point, but I know I love every build I see with this wider stance and 37” tires, so thinking I should pull the trigger there. Just trying to sort out what other upgrades I need to accomplish a wider build with 37” tires va just 35” tires.

thanks!

 

[sreilly91010]

Thanks for the reply and looking out. Truly do appreciate it.

Not at all an impulse decision. I’ve been researching and debating for a year now haha. I tend to talk myself out of big expenditures on my cars for mods and then regret not doing it, so just trying to really sort out exactly what I need vs what is TRULY optional.

Unfortunately I’ve talked to so many people and shops and read so many different posts in here that have me confused at times on whether the rear links and trailing arms are indeed needed. It may be some uneducated people offering me incorrect advise or perhaps I misunderstood. My “educated” answer is to buy the upgraded links and arms for the rear as well as go with the 2” wider stance in back to match the front (which is my preference). Spacers I’ve read mixed reviews on safety wise, some say it’s not safe and a wider rear axle is the route to go. Others say spacers or adjusting via offset and backspacing is completely safe.

I do plan on going wider on the fenders (something similar to the ADV 8” fenders… please no ADV hate responses as I have heard it all and just using that as an example of how wide a fender I’m going with). I haven’t settled on 35” vs 37” tires at this point, but I know I love every build I see with this wider stance and 37” tires, so thinking I should pull the trigger there. Just trying to sort out what other upgrades I need to accomplish a wider build with 37” tires va just 35” tires.

thanks!

And full disclosure, this is my first truck and I’ve always owned sport sedans/sport coupes/ small SUVs. Realizing how much I love the Bronco and the builds I see, and my interest in getting off road with the fam, has me full go on doing this build. Just want to do it right and hoping to get sufficient advice from those that have done this before to pair with what I’ve researched on my own.

 

[Broncobro04]

I think spacers are fine. Make sure they’re good quality like Bora, and you should be good. The fact is that spacers are no different than adding a wheel with a bigger offset, other than it just being an extra piece instead of a single unit like a wheel would be.

A wider rear axle IS the best option but that’s expensive and complicated. Not really necessary this early in the build process.

Also rereading your post, are you planning on just putting front coilovers?

 

[SierraBronco]

We braced the upper link mounts heavily on ours. Would highly recommend if doing the RK 4 link. Also did dual shear UCA mounts and added tabs from Barnes to strengthen the LCA mounts.

 

[sreilly91010]

I think spacers are fine. Make sure they’re good quality like Bora, and you should be good. The fact is that spacers are no different than adding a wheel with a bigger offset, other than it just being an extra piece instead of a single unit like a wheel would be.

A wider rear axle IS the best option but that’s expensive and complicated. Not really necessary this early in the build process.

Also rereading your post, are you planning on just putting front coilovers?

Nooo not at all. Planning front and back coilovers. I know BajaKits tested the prerunner setup with both Kings and fox, so likely one of those routes.

 

[Broncobro04]

Nooo not at all. Planning front and back coilovers. I know BajaKits tested the prerunner setup with both Kings and fox, so likely one of those routes.

You should check out ride shocks, they’re from accutune which are shock tuning experts and they just released their own line. I just put them on my bronco. Basically upgraded fox shocks for the same price. Click on my profile, I posted an initial review of them

 

[sreilly91010]

We braced the upper link mounts heavily on ours. Would highly recommend if doing the RK 4 link. Also did dual shear UCA mounts and added tabs from Barnes to strengthen the LCA mounts.

was planning to go with Baja’s upper link and rear trailing arms. Unless there’s reason to avoid. What was involved in bracing the upper link mounts? Also, were all of the mount bracing/reinforcements done in anticipation of the punishment expected from rock crawling and heavy off-roading? Or simply a “must” when moving to a LT suspension. First I’ve had anyone mention to me, which is what drives me nuts about trying to mod my cars… never feel like I get all the info I need even when researching myself hahaha.

 

[SierraBronco]

was planning to go with Baja’s upper link and rear trailing arms. Unless there’s reason to avoid. What was involved in bracing the upper link mounts? Also, were all of the mount bracing/reinforcements done in anticipation of the punishment expected from rock crawling and heavy off-roading? Or simply a “must” when moving to a LT suspension. First I’ve had anyone mention to me, which is what drives me nuts about trying to mod my cars… never feel like I get all the info I need even when researching myself hahaha.

We did some highly detailed CAD (cardboard aided drafting) and boxed in the braces with 1/4 plate as nobody is making those mounts yet. A bunch of people have broken those mounts, and the passenger side is a beeeeotch to get to as ya gotta drop the tank. I believe 2021’s are the most problematic as after that year Ford boxed in the bottom, but we didn’t want to take any chances after @87-Z28 mentioned the lateral movement associated with the RK four link compared to the stock panhard bar setup. With our accessories being focused around portals and 40’s we wanted to strengthen everything. Getting new links with upgraded bushings is nice as you’ll notice the articulation gain after new coilovers are installed. Also having adjustment for pinion angle is nice in the event you swap out the driveline to a double cardan. (If you do the RK setup you will need a new driveline. All that flex and movement the factory driveline hits the gas tank.

 

[Muffin Top]

And full disclosure, this is my first truck and I’ve always owned sport sedans/sport coupes/ small SUVs. Realizing how much I love the Bronco and the builds I see, and my interest in getting off road with the fam, has me full go on doing this build.

A lightly modified Bronco is pretty capable offroad. It doesn't cost a lot to get good sight-seeing and meet people.


You don't really gain much incremental benefit from building a monster truck to run the technical trails, where your vehicle can be rolled by a bad spotter.

 

[SierraBronco]

where your vehicle can be rolled by a bad spotter.

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