Coilover suspension and 4 link

[Gunner]

Okay so here's the deal,

I talked to the guy I bought this truck from; mind you, I haven't driven it yet because I am deployed right now, but I'll be home soon. He told me it rides rough because of the lift and 37 inch tires on it and the superlift shock are a but rusted and old. I plan on swtiching to bilsteins all around when I get back.  He told me it has a 6 inch suspension lift, but from what someone said in the welcome forum was that I probably will need a 3 inch body also lift to clear 37s. After I talked to the PO he said there was no rubbing and it was probably a bigger lift(I assume 8" since that is what superlift advertises and it's a superlift suspension lift). He also said it would ride better with a 4 link and coilover suspension. Can you just install those accessories or is it going to require a brand new complete lift? Is there a real benefit you receive from installing that type of lift? I spent all my time driving IFS and I guess I have been spolied...lol. I am looking for medium off-roading capabilities...nothing hard core, but also a semi smooth ride on the street.

Thanks for any help at all on this.

[bake74]

     4-link and coil overs are doable.  They take a lot of geometry to get it right.  I have done several on old bronco's and jeeps.  They ride a ton smother and will flex better than leaf springs.  My only advice, measure, then measure again, mock it up, then measure again and again before you cut anything, trust me it will save you money in the long run and make your mental state much happier.
     Don't get me wrong, this way has it benefits, and ride quality, but the up front cost of materials is there for sure especially if you don't do the measuring right.  I set up a 66 bronco this way before that had 23" of wheel travel and could go anywhere.  So if hard core 4 wheeling is not your forte, you need to decide if the cost is justified for the better ride quality.  Hope this helps, and keep us posted on what your plans are.

[Gunner]

Any idea what I may be looking at cost wise for the parts?

[bake74]

     Well there is a cheaper way to go, but I have only done it with the best parts ( I used to do rock climbing competitions ), so the heim joints I used were about $165 a piece, used dom tubing only, you get the picture.  I priced out a 6" lift for my 74 at around $950.00, to do a 4 link and coil overs would easily be $2000.00 +.
     Like I said before, to me there is a right way and wrong way, my wrong way is not wrong to other people.  The best advice I can give you is find someone or a shop that sets these up and if possible ask a thousand questions and if you are really lucky, you will be able to watch or participate in setting one up, then you will have the experience and knowledge of what to look for in yours.

[Gunner]

Awesome thanks for all the info.