Asked Fox - Off Road for Suggestion on WildTrak's Weight Gain

Kenneth

May 02, 2024

Yeah, my waistline isn't the only thing that's added weight over the past year. Our Bronco's rock sliders & skid plate protection, as well as recovery kit, airing down/up gear, spare parts & tool roll, etc have added 400+lbs.

The good news is we haven't noticed changes in Bronco's body roll in turns, or nose dive on hard stops, or bottoming out in the whoops.

Not so good is 400lbs is 40% reduction in our Bronco's 1,000 sticker capacity - That's VERY significant! Especially, when we have ourselves and our two 250lbs ea. sons on-board. So, gotta feel like Bronco may need a little weighty help as her 1st birthday approaches next month.

Since WildTrak runs Ford's HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox 2.5" struts, I sent a note to Fox Factory - Off Road folks yesterday asking their suggestion. I described the above additions and mentioned we were happy with Bronco's ride height, and weren't interested in a suspension lift right now, but needed to get back to that 1,000 capacity.

Fox responded today, confirning that we weren't interested in their 3" lift, and were happy with Ford's FOX struts. Their recommendation is to upgrade the coil springs with a set from Eibach below. Our Bronco mechanic says probably 8hrs to install & alignment, I'll say $1,200+ - What do you folks say?

Cheers

PRO-LIFT-KIT2022-2024 Ford Bronco WILDTRACK 4-Door 2.7L V6 EcoBoost 4WD | HOSS 3.0 | Fox
Part #: E30-35-056-01-22Set of 4 Springs

+1.9" Front | +1.3" Rear

$450.00

Features:

Eibach's PRO-LIFT-KIT springs are developed using championship winning off-road race technology providing maximum lift without compromising factory components or ride quality.

Increased Ground Clearance.
More Fender Clearance for Larger Wheels and Tires.
Precision Engineered for Improved Off-Road Capability.
Excellent On-Road Stability and Handling.
Made in U.S.A.
Million-Mile Warranty

Note: For use with HOSS 2.0 (Bilstein PSD) and HOSS 3.0 (Fox) Dampers ONLY Exact lift heights may vary depending on exact packages and weight distributions of vehicle

https://eibach.com/eps-search?year=...+4-Door+2.7L+V6+EcoBoost+4WD+|+HOSS+3.0+|+Fox

rws, Chief Ron

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May 02, 2024

I am not the best to answer here but.... what I have heard..... Those springs run pretty harsh when unloaded but are really nice when loaded. So.... If you are always running loaded, might be worth the try. I know there are some that have made the switch. Really need their experience and input.

Chief Ron, UserError

May 02, 2024

Unicorn
I am not the best to answer here but.... what I have heard..... Those springs run pretty harsh when unloaded but are really nice when loaded. So.... If you are always running loaded, might be worth the try. I know there are some that have made the switch. Really need their experience and input.

Yeah, finding that reliable info on springs is difficult. WildTrak's OEM spring rates remain a question, as I haven't found specs that're usually stamped on the springs. Probably need to pull the wheels for more thorough inspection though. The Fox guys refer me to Eibach for their specs, and Eibach spring only upgrade reviews or user experiences are nowhere in sight.

Am thinking we need ‘bout 10 or 12% more spring rates as our target..

Classic 'pig in a poke'!!

Cheers

Deano Bronc

May 03, 2024

Eibach seems intertested with their prompt response, saying:

"The E30-35-056-01-22 will help you get some height back from the added weight, but the front spring rates are marginally lower than the factory front springs. The rear is a progressive spring, the main rate is a higher than the factory spring rate, but it rides in the initial progressive rate which is a softer."

And a question:

"I would imagine you get a lot of nose dive on braking with your current set-up?"

Here's our response:

Thanks for your very prompt response! LOL, yeah chin dive on hard stops was noticable when this WildTrak was brand new - Certainly hasn't improved. Think our drive height has dropped about 1/2" at the oil pan bash plate now at 11". Perhaps a little more at the wheel flares, currently at:
LF - 38 1/4"
RF - 38 3/8"
RR - 38 3/4"
LR - 38 3/4"

Honestly, Ford's 2.5 Fox coilovers have a squishy ride quality that wifey really likes. Our Bronco's weight gain has made the ride a little harsh on small pothole type bumps, but body roll still seems well controlled.

An inch or two lift would be fine, but we don't want'a do anything to void our factory warranty. Given Ford's 2.7 significant early failures, we sprung for extended warranty, and gotta keep this Bconco as stock as possible. That's why I'm interested in this spring-only upgrade and not something much more.

Oh, question form ya - When is Eibach coming out with a 2.5 coilover lift for Bronco?

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers

UserError, TK1215

May 04, 2024

I think your spot on to upgrade springs after increased weight.
Even a super duty has a spring upgrade for a winch or plow, and that baby can already carry some weight.

Chief Ron, Kenneth

May 04, 2024

Lots O Fords
I think your spot on to upgrade springs after increased weight.
Even a super duty has a spring upgrade for a winch or plow, and that baby can already carry some weight.

Yeah, thanks for mentioning Ford’s super duty option. Heck, I’ve talked to everyone except Ford about this. Think we’ll see what they suggest.

Thanks

Lots O Fords

May 04, 2024

Slow afternoon at Ford dealership today, so had some quality time with the parts & accessories guys. I was impressed these guys really dug into our Bronco's weighty condition.

Fortunately, They had 5 Broncos on the lot, and we were able to measure 4 susquatch wheel flare ride heights, all were F - 39" & R - 40". Our as-built wheel flares are F - 38 1/4 & R - 38 3/4. So, we're now sagging F - 3/4" and R - 1 1/4".

They found Ford Accessories has springs to lower your mustang - But only original replacements for our Bronco. They suggested going with Eibach's springs to get our Bronco back to its original hide height. So, think we may do just that..

Cheers

Deano Bronc, Unicorn

May 06, 2024

Got our Bronco's spring upgrade on shop's schedule today. These guys are busy - We're couple weeks out.

Cheers

the poacher, UserError

May 06, 2024

Ugh. Very tempted by this. I don't need a lift, but I do need new tires. 37s look the business on the Bronco...

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

Chief Ron

May 06, 2024

Mal
Ugh. Very tempted by this. I don't need a lift, but I do need new tires. 37s look the business on the Bronco...

Later this month, I'll report back our ride height changes & drive impressions with these new springs.

Cheers

Chief Ron, UserError

May 07, 2024

#10

Unicorn
I am not the best to answer here but.... what I have heard..... Those springs run pretty harsh when unloaded but are really nice when loaded. So.... If you are always running loaded, might be worth the try. I know there are some that have made the switch. Really need their experience and input.

My newb curiosity makes me wonder how much load needs to be in the vehicle for the springs to ride nicer… (Am I even making sense? 🤔😅)

2023 Wildtrak 4D Lux MIC Tow Oxford White

Kenneth, Unicorn

May 07, 2024

#11

UserError
My newb curiosity makes me wonder how much load needs to be in the vehicle for the springs to ride nicer… (Am I even making sense? 🤔😅)

Sure/understand! No expert here, but shock dampening response at different loads or speeds is typical - It's all about finding a balance that works for your rig & terrain. Our spring only change isn't nearly the significant upgrade coilover lift's provide. Right now, we're only mitigating some weight gain. That lift kit may come along at 40 or 50k miles, but these Fox 2.5s have lots 'o life in 'em..

Cheers

Chief Ron, UserError

May 07, 2024

#12

I'm going to be interested in the outcome after you get some miles and different surfaces tested.
I have a small fleet and GVW, payload and stability are part of my world.

UserError, Kenneth

May 21, 2024

#13

Eibach's E30-35-056-01-22 spring kit arrived! Their spec code is 31 35 056. Gonna get these installed today.

Eibach Pro Lift Kit E30-35-056-01-22 May-24.jpeg

Cheers

Mal, UserError

May 22, 2024

#14

We’re very happy with the Eibach springs! Feels like a new Wildtrak again - Comfy ride, potholes feel soft, great control on hard stops, flat body in twisty turns, sails over 20mpg speed bumps at 40 with NO drama.

Also, added 1 1/2” in ride height with fender flares at 40” level all-round, and almost 13” clearance at engine bash plate - Two thumbs way up!!

Cheers

Mal, Deano Bronc

May 22, 2024

#15

Kenneth
We’re very happy with the Eibach springs! Feels like a new Wildtrak again - Comfy ride, potholes feel soft, great control on hard stops, flat body in twisty turns, sails over 20mpg speed bumps at 40 with NO drama.

Also, added 1 1/2” in ride height with fender flares at 40” level all-round, and almost 13” clearance at engine bash plate - Two thumbs way up!!

Cheers

Awesome. So that puts you above stock height then. time to stuff bigger tires in there now 😀

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

UserError, Kenneth

May 22, 2024

#16

Mal
Awesome. So that puts you above stock height then. time to stuff bigger tires in there now 😀

LOL - Yeah, we may do that sometime too. Think our next priority for this WildTrak is electronic sway bar disconnect though.

Here’s pics of OEM & Eibach rear spring for ya.
OEM rear spring:

Eibach rear:

Cheers

Mal, Deano Bronc

May 23, 2024

#17

Wanted to get some weight on these new springs, get Bronco on a scale for it’s tare weight and get a ‘honey-do’ done, so picked up small/Bronco load of river rock today.

Here’s a 520lb load.

Gross weight was 6,120lbs
Tare weight was 5,600lbs
.. Rock load …. 520lbs

Weight for me, fuel, traction boards, etc bout 300 lbs, so vehicle weight is 5,300.

Bronco’s door jam sticker GVW is 6,140.

Bronco’s rear wheel flares sagged 2 1/2” from 40 to 37.5”. No change on front at 40”.

Drove 30 some miles on dirt road, 30 to 50 mph roads and freeway at 75 climbing couple thousand feet elevation.

Noticed engine oil & tranny operating temps were up 5 or 6 degrees, but no problem. Also, rear tires added 3 or 4psi, again no problem.

Ride was very smooth, acceleration & braking seemed fine. Bronco had an obvious rear squat, but handling was good.

While loaded, a suspension check didn’t see anything that looked overloaded.

So, wifey’s happy with our new rocked foundation wall, and Bronco’s capacity seems good-to-go with new springs more than recovering our protection's added weight..

(LOL - No the rubber tired loader did not load our Bronco. I thought it made an interesting photo though)

Cheers

Mal, Deano Bronc

May 25, 2024

#18

Success - Today, wifey said Bronco felt like riding in a truck .. and now it doesn't!

Cheers

Unicorn, the poacher

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