[96ebfordbronco]

New the to the FSB forum. I recently purchased a '96 EB Bronco w/ 149K miles. 1 owner with all the records who kept stock. I'm having a bit of fun modifying it slowly. Just did the basics - new battery, ignition coil, spark plugs, wires, cap/rotor. Installed a K&N FIPK today.

I'm looking to tow a small travel trailer (yes - I do know that Broncos are not the best rig for towing, but it's all I got for now). My next project is that want to upgrade the suspension to something that is comfortable for daily driving and can tow a travel trailer. I'm open minded for a small lift (2-4") but don't want anything too huge where the wife and kids have problems crawling in.

There are a lot of suspension manufacturers (Skyjacker, Rancho, Pro-Comp, Superlift, Tuff Country, BDS) out there and wanted to get some advice. What are ya'll running? Do you like the setup? What's junk and what's the good stuff?

Thanks in advance!! Good wheelin'!

 

[96ebfordbronco]

if you searched on here you would know that you wasted money on the k and n, and also why not just get new stock stuff? if you want to just tow make sure the quad set up is on there, a trans cooler as well. I can not reccomend anything to you but i have skyjacker coils, and procomp leafs but i havent put them on yet.

I didn't find the forum before I had purchased the K&N... it does make a nice vooooosh induction sound =)...... A waste of $250 bucks but live and learn. It was fun wrenching today even if it was for an hour.

Thanks for the info the suspension. Why did you mix pro-comp leafs with skyjacker coils? And when you say make sure the quad is setup on there... is that 4 shocks per front wheel or the 2 shocks per front wheel? Currently it's setup with 2 shocks with a coil in between.

 

[96ebfordbronco]

I have skyjacker coils and pro comp leafs as well. Mine are 6" and haven't towed anything yet. i do know from my searches that the add-a-leaf that comes with some lift kits make the rear alittle stiffer. Which would probably benefit the tow.MY $.02.

You should look into the sixliter tune-up.nuff said

Thanks for the info the suspension. Why did you mix pro-comp leafs with skyjacker coils? And when you say make sure the quad is setup on there... is that 4 shocks per front wheel or the 2 shocks per front wheel? Currently it's setup with 2 shocks with a coil in between.

 

[96ebfordbronco]

If I did the 250/350 springs, will I sacrifice ride quality? Or would just replace the old, worn out springs with say 3 pack or 4 pack set balance ride quality while towing a 4500lb trailer, with a weight distribution hitch + 1000 lb of "stuff" (propane, water, gear)

 

[96ebfordbronco]

I previously owned a '94 and thought it rode quite well stock. I would be more concerned with the quality of the hitch. What kind of tongue weight will you have? 500lb? With a good hitch and the equalizer you might be okay if you don't take too much weight off the back tires when you crank down the equalizer hitch.

My father-in-law towed his 25 foot trailer behind the Dodge that looks like the Bronco/Blazer. It was a pretty heavy trailer. The quality hitch and the equalizer made it so he could tow his trailer and do the speed limit. But it was only 55mph back then Are you planning on towing at freeway speeds?

I personally would have a hard time towing anything down there on those freeways. Plus there is the crosswinds, longer stopping distances, not to mention the crazy drivers.

DrDuktayp

The EB has towing package, so it has the tranny cooler and stock hitch. Not sure if I need to upgrade the hitch or the tranny cooler. I will have a brake controller put in (probably a prodigy or a p3). I plan to replace existing shocks with Bilstein HD's too as well as replace sway bar bushings, leaf spring bushings, from the forum, go with Velvet Ride shackles and TRY to do a rear brake disc upgrade w/ a 250/350 booster & mc. I want to also install progressive coils up front - probably skyjacker unless I read that there's a better spring for the money. So, my last thought on the rig was the rear leafs and what I need to do there - stock 3 pack, or upgrade to a 4- or 5- pack from a 250/350 or go with a Skyjacker softride setup (which I think ?? is 4 pack anyway at stock height).

The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch (WDH) with sway bars - reese pro I think is what the guy at Camping World recommended. The tongue weight specs are around 500lbs. I'm thinking the WDH will help here.

I do plan to drive around 55-65mph. I don't have a super heavy foot with gas prices these days and plus with the family and a trailer, I'll probably keep it safe.