How to Restore and Upgrade the Suspension for a Classic Ford Bronco

Introduction

The suspension system of a classic Ford Bronco (1980-1990) is designed for rugged performance, whether on off-road trails or city streets. Over time, wear and tear can reduce its effectiveness, leading to poor handling and a rough ride. Restoring and upgrading the suspension system can bring your Bronco back to life, ensuring it performs and rides as it should. This article explores how to restore, maintain, and upgrade your Bronco’s suspension.

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1. Components of the Suspension System

The suspension system in a Ford Bronco consists of the following key components:

• Front Suspension:
  • Coil Springs.
  • Radius Arms.
  • Shock Absorbers.
  • Front Axle and Differential.
• Rear Suspension:
  • Leaf Springs.
  • Shackles and U-Bolts.
  • Shock Absorbers.
• Additional Components:
  • Stabilizer Bars.
  • Ball Joints.
  • Control Arms.
  • Bushings.

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2. Signs Your Suspension Needs Restoration

Recognizing the signs of suspension issues can prevent further damage and ensure safety:

1. Uneven Ride Height:
   • Cause: Worn-out coil or leaf springs.
   • Solution: Replace the springs and inspect mounting hardware.
2. Excessive Body Roll:
   • Cause: Faulty stabilizer bars or bushings.
   • Solution: Replace worn bushings and check stabilizer bar mounts.
3. Rough or Bumpy Ride:
   • Cause: Worn shock absorbers or damaged springs.
   • Solution: Replace shocks and inspect for spring damage.
4. Clunking or Squeaking Sounds:
   • Cause: Damaged bushings, ball joints, or loose suspension components.
   • Solution: Tighten loose parts or replace damaged components.
5. Steering Instability:
   • Cause: Worn ball joints, control arms, or alignment issues.
   • Solution: Inspect and replace components as needed, followed by alignment.

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3. Suspension Restoration: Step-by-Step

A. Front Suspension Restoration

1. Inspect Coil Springs:
   • Look for sagging or broken springs. Replace if necessary.
   • Recommended Part: Front Coil Springs (Part Number: FS3220).
2. Replace Shock Absorbers:
   • Remove the old shocks and install new ones for improved ride quality.
   • Recommended Part: Front Shocks (Part Number: SH3220).
3. Check Radius Arm Bushings:
   • Replace worn bushings to improve stability.

B. Rear Suspension Restoration

1. Replace Leaf Springs:
   • Swap old, sagging springs with new ones.
   • Recommended Part: Rear Leaf Springs (Part Number: LS4521).
2. Tighten or Replace U-Bolts:
   • Ensure U-bolts are securely fastened or install new ones.
   • Recommended Part: Leaf Spring U-Bolts (Part Number: UB3010).
3. Install New Rear Shocks:
   • Replace worn shocks for better handling and ride comfort.
   • Recommended Part: Rear Shocks (Part Number: RH4200).

C. Stabilizer Bars and Bushings

1. Inspect Stabilizer Bars:
   • Check for cracks or rust.
   • Recommended Part: Stabilizer Bar Kit (Part Number: SB1134).
2. Replace Bushings:
   • Worn bushings can lead to excessive noise and instability. Replace with polyurethane bushings for durability.

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4. Suspension Upgrades to Consider

While restoring your suspension, consider these upgrades for better performance:

1. Lift Kit:
   • Lift kits provide additional ground clearance for off-road adventures.
   • Recommended Part: 3-Inch Lift Kit (Part Number: LK300).
2. Adjustable Shocks:
   • Upgrade to adjustable shocks to fine-tune your ride for different terrains.
   • Recommended Part: Adjustable Shock Set (Part Number: AS450).
3. Heavy-Duty Control Arms:
   • Reinforced control arms provide better stability and strength for off-road use.
   • Recommended Part: Heavy-Duty Control Arms (Part Number: CA510).
4. Dual Stabilizer Bars:
   • Add dual stabilizer bars for improved handling and reduced body roll.
5. Polyurethane Bushings:
   • Replace rubber bushings with polyurethane ones for better durability and responsiveness.

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5. Tools Required for Suspension Restoration

• Torque wrench.
• Spring compressor.
• Hydraulic jack and jack stands.
• Socket wrench set.
• Ball joint press tool.

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6. Maintenance Tips for Suspension

1. Inspect Suspension Regularly:
   • Check components every 10,000 miles or after heavy off-road use.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts:
   • Apply grease to bushings, ball joints, and control arms to reduce wear.
3. Clean After Off-Roading:
   • Wash mud and debris off suspension components to prevent corrosion.
4. Check Alignment:
   • After suspension repairs, ensure the wheels are properly aligned.

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7. Recommended Replacement Parts

Here are commonly needed parts for restoring a Ford Bronco suspension system:

• Front Coil Springs: Part Number: FS3220.
• Rear Leaf Springs: Part Number: LS4521.
• Front Shocks: Part Number: SH3220.
• Rear Shocks: Part Number: RH4200.
• Stabilizer Bar Kit: Part Number: SB1134.
• Leaf Spring U-Bolts: Part Number: UB3010.
• 3-Inch Lift Kit: Part Number: LK300.

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Conclusion

Restoring and upgrading the suspension system of a classic Ford Bronco not only improves its performance and handling but also enhances its safety and ride quality. By replacing worn components and considering modern upgrades, you can ensure your Bronco is ready for both on-road and off-road adventures.