Help a Suspension N00B pick a lift kit

Is this going to be an actual functional "yes I will be off-roading heavily" lift or more of a "I want it to look cool" lift??

I ask because because to do a "proper" 3-4 inch lift, you're looking at new upper control arms and new coilovers, and that'll run you more than $2000. If this is largely for looks, you can probably just do spacers with new upper control arms, and once you include the realignment cost that should come in under $2000. Spacers are not ideal, but they're cheap and will get the job done if this is largely for looks.

RagnarKon

Is this going to be an actual functional "yes I will be off-roading heavily" lift or more of a "I want it to look cool" lift??

I ask because because to do a "proper" 3-4 inch lift, you're looking at new upper control arms and new coilovers, and that'll run you more than $2000. If this is largely for looks, you can probably just do spacers with new upper control arms, and once you include the realignment cost that should come in under $2000. Spacers are not ideal, but they're cheap and will get the job done if this is largely for looks.

And if it is a "serious" off roader then you better start thinking of steering upgrades.....

RagnarKon

Is this going to be an actual functional "yes I will be off-roading heavily" lift or more of a "I want it to look cool" lift??

I ask because because to do a "proper" 3-4 inch lift, you're looking at new upper control arms and new coilovers, and that'll run you more than $2000. If this is largely for looks, you can probably just do spacers with new upper control arms, and once you include the realignment cost that should come in under $2000. Spacers are not ideal, but they're cheap and will get the job done if this is largely for looks.

the great ragnar.kon responded to my post?! nice! your vids on youtube are great man. helped me install the kicker key. i went with some morel components in the front and a hideaway tucked in the rear passenger side panel, and it sounds amazing.

this lift is definitely more for looks. i live in chicago which is a virtual offroading dead zone, but i visit east tennessee a few times/year and plan on taking it off road. i don't plan on just doing spacers/arms. I figured this post was wishful thinking and you confirmed that so i'll be staying on 33s.

Thanks!!

It is a Bro-Crush!

Johnny is right @RagnarKon ... You have earned that....

JohnnyVans

the great ragnar.kon responded to my post?! nice! your vids on youtube are great man. helped me install the kicker key. i went with some morel components in the front and a hideaway tucked in the rear passenger side panel, and it sounds amazing.

this lift is definitely more for looks. i live in chicago which is a virtual offroading dead zone, but i visit east tennessee a few times/year and plan on taking it off road. i don't plan on just doing spacers/arms. I figured this post was wishful thinking and you confirmed that so i'll be staying on 33s.

Thanks!!

I can't guarantee my suggestion would be optimal, but here is my thinking. Since you say it's mostly a "looks" thing, which coming from someone who was a teenager back in the 80's, I can appreciate, as long as you don't slap some ugly ass 30" wheels under this thing.

Go with a 2" suspension lift. There are plenty of options out there that you may consider, from the Ford Performance 2", to the OME (Old Man Emu) 2", this list goes on. Many of them sitting just below $2k, not including tax or install. And I would say, we've seen since day 1, people squeezing 35's on a stock Base, Big Bend, OBX, what have you. So 2" lift "should" allow you to get 37's under there, I'm sure someone will come along and let you know if any cutting would be required.

Although you would end up over $2000 with upper control arms, this might be a decent option. I've seen them in the $1500 range when sales are going on.
https://eibach.com/product-releases/2021-2022-ford-bronco

Deano Bronc

Although you would end up over $2000 with upper control arms, this might be a decent option. I've seen them in the $1500 range when sales are going on.
https://eibach.com/product-releases/2021-2022-ford-bronco

I just noticed that Bronco Nation has the Old Man Emu in their store.

https://gear.thebronconation.com/pr...pension-kit-for-medium-front-light-rear-loads

What I like about OME is the fact that they have (3) different options from light - medium - heavy load springs. Which is good if someone plans on adding aftermarket bumpers and whatever extra weight to be thrown on there. Bottom of the page shows link to medium and heavy loads.

Start with 2” pucks and see how it looks. Maybe add a little body lift also and it will look tough and still feel like factory for the most part. Cost maybe $250 and a few hours of your time. Good luck

JohnnyVans

the great ragnar.kon responded to my post?! nice! your vids on youtube are great man. helped me install the kicker key. i went with some morel components in the front and a hideaway tucked in the rear passenger side panel, and it sounds amazing.

Aww shucks. Actually helps to hear the videos were helpful. Was working on a video today and ran into an frustrating issue that I can't solve in the immediate future.

JohnnyVans

this lift is definitely more for looks. i live in chicago which is a virtual offroading dead zone, but i visit east tennessee a few times/year and plan on taking it off road. i don't plan on just doing spacers/arms. I figured this post was wishful thinking and you confirmed that so i'll be staying on 33s.

Thanks!!

You can do 35s on the stock Badlands suspension without any modifications (outside of removing the crash bars). 37s though will require a lift.

If this just for looks you can easily do spacer lifts without any issues so as long as you are not off-roading heavily. Bronco Nation even has discounts on the Zone Off-road kits if you are a member. 0-2" lifts just require the spacer and are usually stupid cheap (comparatively speaking). Above 2" you're looking at needing an upper control arm and that'll add to the cost, but still very do-able.

I’ve got a ‘24 badlands non-sas on order and picked up the RC 2” lift for $80 on sale on their website. My plan is to start with the pucks to be able to clear 35’s and eventually upgrade to nicer coilovers and remove the pucks

EvlNvrDys

I can't guarantee my suggestion would be optimal, but here is my thinking. Since you say it's mostly a "looks" thing, which coming from someone who was a teenager back in the 80's, I can appreciate, as long as you don't slap some ugly ass 30" wheels under this thing.

Go with a 2" suspension lift. There are plenty of options out there that you may consider, from the Ford Performance 2", to the OME (Old Man Emu) 2", this list goes on. Many of them sitting just below $2k, not including tax or install. And I would say, we've seen since day 1, people squeezing 35's on a stock Base, Big Bend, OBX, what have you. So 2" lift "should" allow you to get 37's under there, I'm sure someone will come along and let you know if any cutting would be required.

Do not buy the Ford Performance Lift kit, or anything Ford Performance!!!!! I have the Ford Performance Sucks lift kit and the shocks are rusting after less than a year. I can't get a response from their support, when I do get through they tell they don't follow-up and keep me updated on my issue because there are only 4 people in their support. Back to the suspension kit... it is as cheap as Bilstein can get...

When I was getting my XPEL PPF applied my installer had cases of various shocks waiting to have PPF applied to them. He has more business doing those than he does for vehicles. He said that the off road community, in particular the side by sides get them done for this very reason. I had never heard of that.

When reading these Lifts, I often wonder if the cv joints will hold up to this increased angle ? Don't you ? It surely must stress the'motion' change of angle a great deal. And does it lead to premature cv wear.........out.......?

Plotus

When reading these Lifts, I often wonder if the cv joints will hold up to this increased angle ? Don't you ? It surely must stress the'motion' change of angle a great deal. And does it lead to premature cv wear.........out.......?

It absolutely does. It takes all the other parts out of factory spec. This is one of the several reasons for tie rods breaking. If you are not taking your Bronco off road, it doesn’t matter as much. But if you are taking it off road, you need to look at a more comprehensive suspension build.

robatl067

Do not buy the Ford Performance Lift kit, or anything Ford Performance!!!!! I have the Ford Performance Sucks lift kit and the shocks are rusting after less than a year. I can't get a response from their support, when I do get through they tell they don't follow-up and keep me updated on my issue because there are only 4 people in their support. Back to the suspension kit... it is as cheap as Bilstein can get...

Isn't the Ford Performance made by Bilstein? I don't know off hand but assume it is.
I don't know if I mentioned it in this thread already or somewhere else, but I've already had to replace a shock on my BaseSquatch, due to it rotting out (40k miles) and losing all the fluid inside. So yeah, I'm NO fan of Bilstein, yet people say they are a top notch brand.

Plotus

When reading these Lifts, I often wonder if the cv joints will hold up to this increased angle ? Don't you ? It surely must stress the'motion' change of angle a great deal. And does it lead to premature cv wear.........out.......?

As time goes on things become a lot more apparent. Reading about people’s trials and errors along with a crazy variety of opinions makes me very happy that I have a Sasquatch. Not going to mess with it. Not going down that rabbit 🐇 hole 🕳️.

How about this, Ready Lift 1.5" front spacer lift and 35 x 11 tires. I installed this lift on my non sas Badlands after installing the Ford/Warn winch kit to gain back my loss from the winch kit. Great quality and inexpensive. I'm still wearing out my 33's but will go with 35's when they wear out. I wouldn't do 37's just for looks, not worth the mods that will need done but that's just my opinion.

Chip Carr

How about this, Ready Lift 1.5" front spacer lift and 35 x 11 tires. I installed this lift on my non sas Badlands after installing the Ford/Warn winch kit to gain back my loss from the winch kit. Great quality and inexpensive. I'm still wearing out my 33's but will go with 35's when they wear out. I wouldn't do 37's just for looks, not worth the mods that will need done but that's just my opinion.

How much height was lost after the winch install? I was thinking about adding it, but I may have to come out of pocket to replace the cheap Ford Performance Sucks lift kit.

Since ya already have hoss II shocks, Cheapest, safest lift for 37s is 2” spacers and 1” body lift, maybe JKS kit too…But I also would at least address the steering rack bushings with 37s…or even 35s.