Need to make some decisions...

[crazy rob]

Gear heads....I need some help in figuring out which item should I get first. First off not having a lot of money coming in kind of puts a hold on what I can get when. There are two major items that need to be taken care of/ improved on the vehicle.

1. I'm looking at getting the rear leaf springs upgraded to a 3.5" lifted 11 spring kit. There is a 3.5" lift kit placed on the front but for some reason the back end was left at original height with the original springs (which are in terrible shape).

2. The brakes need to be upgraded. I'm looking at getting a front disc brake kit for the dana 44. The brakes I have now work fine for the most part but being its drums at all four wheels, braking isn't always the greatest.

I wish I could get both right now but only have enough money to pay for the leaf springs. If I hold off for another month I'll probably have enough money for the disc brake kit instead. Or should I hold off for a while and just save the money?

[UrbanCowboy]

Obviously things like this come down to personal preference but if it were me, I would go with the springs. If you don't drive out of control the breaks shouldn't be a big issue. Sure if suddenly the minivan in frount of you slams on its breaks to avoid a cat, you might be screwed, but the spring problem seems to be the best improvement.

[rpenner54]

Go for the brakes. :)

Springs shouldn't be hard to find used though?

Stopping is a good thing...

[clavos]

I would go for the brakes first. Being able to stop is THE most important feature of a vehicle.

[UrbanCowboy]

Well yes, we all know stopping is important. If you cant stop, you can't drive. But it doesn't sound like he can't break at all, just that he can't go from 60-0 in 20ft. If his breaking was so bad it didn't function safely, I doubt he would be asking the question.

[mattadams]

my personal vote would be for springs, with brakes thereafter... but thats just me. Sounds like your brakes work ok just not as good as you'd lie. Sounds like the springs are shot.

[Glass]

With winter coming up.....roads might be slick...disc brakes might not be of any benefit over drums on ice and snow...youll still slide the same if you brake too hard...hopefully youll be driving slow enough to not need any heavy braking for the next few months. Go with the springs first. after that, you might be able to find a D44 with the disc brake setup at a salvage yard? Dont know if they made them for your truck, or if any 44's with disc would swap right in. If you could find one that would swap in...might be worth a little more money than a conversion kit with the time you could save...just my opinion on all of this.


---JOHN

[twotone]

that's a good point on the winter braking, the leaf kit might be a little better option for right now, and then save up over the winter for a good disc brake kit...

[crazy rob]

Since I live pretty close to where I work (about 15 minute walk) I'll probably just walk to work the days that have ice and snow on the roads. I don't want to take any chances with the truck during the winter. It's in too good of a shape for how old it is.

So i went to bronco graveyard website and opt'd for the stock with 3.5" lift set up instead of the 11 leaf spring. i don't really need that much articulation in my springs. I'm not taking it rock crawling anytime soon.

I've done some research into the early broncos and found that (If I remember correctly) 75 was the year they installed disc brakes. I know i can get used old parts from a junk yard for the bronco but I feel better about getting new parts over old. Cost more but I know I'm getting something that will work and not something I might going to and from the auto parts store to find parts that wore out or just old and broke. Just my opinon on that.

[rino351]

I agree, parts like brakes and such, I wouldn't trust used. Just get new stuff IMO.