Looking for users' experience with spacer lifts on Badlands non-Sas

brnc_o_vrlndr

Feb 12, 2023

Hey everyone. Looking for advice (maybe some talking out of) and real-world experience with strut spacer (NOT preload) lifts on a Badlands non-Sasquatch. The short backstory is that I have installed 1.25" GRT preload collars front and rear, 1.5" hub-centric wheel spacers at all 4 corners, factory Sasquatch fender flares, and 315/70R17 BFG KO2s. I have not had a chance to flex it out yet to see if the tires will hit the fenders as I have not installed Sasquatch internal bump-stops. I love the way it looks currently, but would like to add some more function. While I would love (be able to) to drop $10k on a high performance suspension system that is designed to lift while maintaining strength, I am still in the "budget" phase with this build.

I am considering a small 1/2 body lift for a little more tire clearance, but need to figure out the rear frame mount for the Gobi rack first.

The reason I am here today is I have a 1.5" BroncBuster spacer lift on my desk that I am wanting to install in addition to my current 1.25" preload lift for more clearance (and ultimate move to 37s), but am torn on all of the other considerations I would essentially be ignoring (CV angles, track bar angles, ball joint stress, etc). I should add that I also have the BroncBuster Brace and Bushing installed and the stage 3 housing is also sitting on my desk.

What has been your experience for those with spacer lifts using your Bronco for daily driving, but also for long distance travel and light-moderate wheeling (I have not been on a trail rated more than a 6, such as Poison Spider, Fins and Things, etc) Have you experienced CV failure in any situations?

Should I install the spacer lift, or just stick with what I have until I can afford to install a dedicated suspension system?

Thanks!

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"The mountains are calling, and I must go..." - John Muir
BN #0120

Mikes2021Bronco

Last edited by a moderator: Feb 12, 2023

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Feb 12, 2023

I was talking with the guy that helped Tyler (Broncbuster) with his build and he said with just cutting the fenders you can get 40” without a lift. The pictures he had looked really cool. Also the DV8 inner fenders or fender liners you can add 37” without a lift. I might look into that as lifts tend to stress the steering components with the angles.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Deano Bronc, the poacher

Feb 12, 2023

Jakob1972
I was talking with the guy that helped Tyler (Broncbuster) with his build and he said with just cutting the fenders you can get 40” without a lift. The pictures he had looked really cool. Also the DV8 inner fenders or fender liners you can add 37” without a lift. I might look into that as lifts tend to stress the steering components with the angles.

I appreciate that reply and, with the exception of lifting the body, I had not put too much thought into clearancing the body to make larger tires work. I do like the look of "as low as possible but clearing the largest tire possible." I may spend some time researching cut fenders and what flares work with that option. I am also not opposed to the JKS Max Tire Kit to make sure there is no rubbing in the turns.

Thanks!

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"The mountains are calling, and I must go..." - John Muir
BN #0120

Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Feb 13, 2023

brnc_o_vrlndr
I appreciate that reply and, with the exception of lifting the body, I had not put too much thought into clearancing the body to make larger tires work. I do like the look of "as low as possible but clearing the largest tire possible." I may spend some time researching cut fenders and what flares work with that option. I am also not opposed to the JKS Max Tire Kit to make sure there is no rubbing in the turns.

Thanks!

I am not trying talk you out of any of the options you have now just giving you some other things to consider. The BroncBuster body lift looks interesting to me but I don’t know if it will work with the Everglades and the wiring for the Winch and such. I talked to them a few weeks ago and they did not know for sure. But I live about 20 miles from them so I might take it over there and let them look at it.

brnc_o_vrlndr

Feb 13, 2023

Jakob1972
I am not trying talk you out of any of the options you have now just giving you some other things to consider. The BroncBuster body lift looks interesting to me but I don’t know if it will work with the Everglades and the wiring for the Winch and such. I talked to them a few weeks ago and they did not know for sure. But I live about 20 miles from them so I might take it over there and let them look at it.

I like the Everglades a lot. It looks so good.

Doing the numbers, it would be about $2000 for the DV8 fenders and liners. That would give me the clearance for the 37s (I essentially am at Sasquatch height with the preload collars). The additional spacer lift would give more clearance under the frame right now and I can have the stronger RCV axles to help with the steeper axle angles for about $2600. I’m still so tempted to install the spacer and see how it goes.

The solution to all this is to spend $16k on portals and call it a day. 😜

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"The mountains are calling, and I must go..." - John Muir
BN #0120

Jakob1972

Feb 13, 2023

brnc_o_vrlndr
I like the Everglades a lot. It looks so good.

Doing the numbers, it would be about $2000 for the DV8 fenders and liners. That would give me the clearance for the 37s (I essentially am at Sasquatch height with the preload collars). The additional spacer lift would give more clearance under the frame right now and I can have the stronger RCV axles to help with the steeper axle angles for about $2600. I’m still so tempted to install the spacer and see how it goes.

The solution to all this is to spend $16k on portals and call it a day. 😜

I am having the bronc buster perched collar lift/level installed today. It will give me about an 1" lift in the rear and about 2" inches in the front. I eventually plan on moving up to 35s when my 33s are shot. I have 1.5 inch hubcentric wheel spacers as well. I'm not planning on ever upgrading my suspension, until my factory one is shot.

2022 4dr Badlands~Cyber Orange~MIC Top~Non Sas~2.3l MT~High Package~Roof Rails~Block Heater~Ordered 1/13/22~Build date 11/3~ In production 10/26~Window sticker 10/27~11/3 Blend date~Modules live 11/4~built email 11/6~shipped 11/14~arrived at the dealership 12/13~in the home stall 12/15

Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Feb 13, 2023

brnc_o_vrlndr
I like the Everglades a lot. It looks so good.

Doing the numbers, it would be about $2000 for the DV8 fenders and liners. That would give me the clearance for the 37s (I essentially am at Sasquatch height with the preload collars). The additional spacer lift would give more clearance under the frame right now and I can have the stronger RCV axles to help with the steeper axle angles for about $2600. I’m still so tempted to install the spacer and see how it goes.

The solution to all this is to spend $16k on portals and call it a day. 😜

Funny you mentioned Portals. Same guy was telling me they are working with a Ukrainian company that makes Portals he said they were way cheaper than the $16k one out now. Don’t know what way cheaper is $15k but around $8-$10k and I think you will have a lot of takers.

brnc_o_vrlndr

Feb 13, 2023

Jakob1972
Funny you mentioned Portals. Same guy was telling me they are working with a Ukrainian company that makes Portals he said they were way cheaper than the $16k one out now. Don’t know what way cheaper is $15k but around $8-$10k and I think you will have a lot of takers.

It’s a very intriguing idea. Was it possibly 74Weld?

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"The mountains are calling, and I must go..." - John Muir
BN #0120

Feb 13, 2023

brnc_o_vrlndr
It’s a very intriguing idea. Was it possibly 74Weld?

I just saw $25k for the 74Weld Jeep kit! Ouch!

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"The mountains are calling, and I must go..." - John Muir
BN #0120

Feb 13, 2023

brnc_o_vrlndr
It’s a very intriguing idea. Was it possibly 74Weld?

Oh no it was one of the owners of two fat guys off road. Turns out they live just down the road from me.

brnc_o_vrlndr

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