1978–96 Full-size Bronco chassis
We haven't found a complete aftermarket chassis for this car yet, so the way to modernize it is to stiffen and upgrade the original frame.
Upgrade the original chassis
- How it's built
- Body-on-frame two-door SUV on a shortened F-150 chassis with a removable rear top. Ford's closest Suburban-era rival, since it had no Suburban-type wagon until the 2000 Excursion.
- Front suspension
- 1978-79: solid front axle on leaf springs. 1980-96: Twin-Traction Beam independent front with coil springs and radius arms.
- Rear suspension
- Solid axle on leaf springs.
- Weak spots
- TTB front eats tires and needs careful alignment as bushings wear; rust in rear wheel wells and floors; rear-top seals leak.
Suspension and steering kits for the original chassis
| Area | Kit | What it does | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete kit | BDS Suspension 4 in. Lift Kit with Radius Arms (361H/363H/365H) | Coil springs, axle pivot drop brackets, extended radius arms, pitman arm, blocks and NX2 shocks. Listed for 1980-96 Bronco; not for trucks without power steering. | $1,426.65 $1,426.65 at LiftKits4Less (reseller) Source |
| Complete kit | Superlift 6 in. Radius Arm Lift Kit (K388) | Coil springs, drop pivot brackets, extended Superunner radius arms, drop pitman arm, 2.5 in. rear blocks and shocks. Fits 1980-96 Bronco 4WD. | $1,369.99 $1,369.99 at RealTruck (reseller) Source |
| Complete kit | Skyjacker 1981-1996 Ford Bronco 4 in. Class I Lift (184B) | Coil springs, beam and radius-arm drop brackets, rear blocks and U-bolts; shocks not included. | See source No price shown on the product page Source |
| Steering | Desolate Motorsports 80-96 Bronco / F150 Heavy Duty Factory Style Steering Kit (DM-12P009-01) | Heavy-duty drag links, sleeves and rod ends for stock-width 1980-96 Bronco/F-150 front ends. | $405.99 $405.99 on desolatemotorsports.com with the no-drop pitman arm; $504.99 with a drop pitman arm Source |
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