Key Takeaways:
- Bronco Lean Comes from a few causes: Most cases of Bronco lean can be traced back to sagging springs, worn or improperly assembled bushings, or aging suspension parts that are no longer supporting the frame evenly.
- Multiple Components May Need Attention: Coil springs, leaf springs, track bar bushings, c-bushings and body mounts often work together, so correcting Bronco lean may require replacing more than one part.
- TOMS OFFROAD Has The Right Parts For The Fix: Matched coils, leaf springs, track bar kits, and body mounts from TOMS OFFROAD help restore a level stance and keep your Classic Bronco stable on any road.
Because Early Broncos used simple coil and leaf spring suspension systems, even slight differences in spring height, bushing wear, bushings in a bind from assembly or axle/frame alignment can cause the entire vehicle to tilt. Many owners first notice the lean when looking at the Bronco from the front or rear of the vehicle.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we have worked with Classic Broncos since 1976. One issue we see often is Bronco lean, a common suspension problem where the Bronco sits lower on one side. It can occur gradually over time or appear suddenly after years of use, and it affects everything from ride comfort to steering feel and is visually unpleasing.
The good news is that Bronco lean is usually fixable once its root cause is understood. In this guide, we break down the leading causes of lean, show you how to address each one, and highlight the TOMS OFFROAD parts that help restore proper height and balance. With the right approach, your Early Bronco can sit level and drive the way it should.
Main Causes Of Bronco Lean On 1966-77 Ford Broncos
Many owners first ask what bronco lean is when they notice their Classic Bronco sitting slightly lower on one side. Bronco lean is a common issue on Classic Broncos, typically resulting from uneven wear on key suspension or body components. Understanding where it begins makes fixing it much easier.
Sagging Or Uneven Front Coil Springs
Front coil springs support much of the Bronco’s weight. When one coil settles more than the other, the front end of the leans in that direction. This often happens when old coils fatigue at different rates, an accident or impact puts additional strain on one coil or when past replacements were not installed as matching sets.
Rear Leaf Spring Fatigue
Rear leaf springs flatten with age, especially if the Bronco has carried uneven loads or been subjected to long-term off-road use. When one rear spring settles more than the other, it shifts the entire stance, creating a noticeable lean.
Worn Track Bar Bushings
The track bar centers the front axle under the Bronco. When its bushings wear out, the axle can move slightly to one side, potentially causing uneven ride height, poor driveability and steering alignment. Even minor adjustments to the track bar can create a lean if other conditions are prevalent. This is commonly not the primary reason a Bronco would have a lean.
Incorrect Spring Or Hardware Installation
Springs that are not seated correctly or hardware and bushings that are torqued unevenly can cause the Bronco to sit crooked immediately after installation. Improper spring indexing is a common issue that can occur after suspension work is performed. Improper c-bushing installation is the number one cause of the classic bronco lean.
Body Mount Or Frame Imbalance
Old body mounts can compress unevenly, causing the body to sit lower on one side, on top of the frame. Minor frame variations due to age or past repairs can also alter weight distribution, contributing to a lean that appears to be a suspension issue. For Broncos undergoing improvements, our guide on everything you need to know about upgrading your 1966-1977 Ford Bronco for a smoother ride is a crucial resource for restoring overall balance and performance.
How To Fix Bronco Lean On Your Early Bronco
Fixing Bronco's lean starts with correcting the worn or unbalanced components that cause the body or suspension to settle unevenly. A careful approach restores the Bronco’s stance and protects ride quality. Check out our piece on Ford Bronco aftermarket parts to ensure you have everything you need.
Replace Worn Or Uneven Front Coil Springs
If one front coil is sagging, replacing both coils as a matched set is the most effective fix. This restores equal ride height and prevents one side from continuing to drop. Coil springs should always be replaced in pairs to maintain proper balance and alignment. In order to determine if one or both coils are contributing to the issue, simply swap them from side to side. If the lean transitions to the opposite way, the coils are the primary cause.
Refresh Rear Leaf Springs To Restore Balance
Rear leaf springs often flatten unevenly over time. Installing new matched leaf spring packs corrects ride height in the rear and keeps the Bronco level from front to back. Shackles and bushings should be inspected simultaneously to ensure everything moves smoothly. In order to determine if the leaf springs are the issue, simply swap the leaf springs from side to side. If the lean has not transitioned to the opposite way, the leaf springs are the primary cause of the issue.
Install New Track Bar Bushings For Centered Axle Position
A worn track bar allows the front axle to shift sideways, which can affect lean. Replacing the bushings and verifying the front axle is centered helps the Bronco sit level and improves steering response and driveability. Even minor corrections at the track bar can make a significant difference in how the Bronco tracks down the road.
Correct Spring Indexing And Hardware Torque
Coil springs must sit correctly in the buckets, or the Bronco will lean even with new components. Ensuring each spring is indexed in the correct position and tightening all hardware evenly removes installation-caused lean. Many lean problems arise after suspension work simply because parts were not properly seated. It is common for used coil buckets to bend, which can cause a lower coil seat - which in turn creates a lean. It’s a good idea to assemble with new components to ensure the desired outcome.
Inspect Body Mounts And Frame Contact Points
Old body mounts can compress unevenly, causing the body to droop on one side. Replacing worn mounts ensures the body sits correctly on the frame. If frame contact points or crossmembers show age-related variations, addressing them helps maintain proper alignment. A visual inspection will indicate if problems exist.
Toms Offroad Parts That Help Correct Bronco Lean
Fixing the Bronco lean becomes much easier when you use parts designed specifically for the Early Bronco suspension layout. At TOMS OFFROAD, we offer components that restore proper height, improve alignment, and eliminate the uneven settling that creates lean in the first place.
Matched Coil Springs That Restore Front Ride Height
Uneven front coil springs are one of the most common causes of Bronco lean. Our matched coil spring sets are designed so that both sides sit at the same height and support equal weight. By replacing coils in pairs, you ensure the Bronco settles evenly, rather than continuing to lean toward the weaker spring.
Leaf Spring Kits That Level The Rear Suspension
Flattened rear leaf springs can cause the Bronco to tilt to one side. We offer rear leaf spring kits specifically designed to match factory specifications and restore the proper rear height. These springs are designed for Classic Broncos and bring back the balanced stance the truck had when new. Installing fresh shackles and bushings simultaneously further stabilizes the rear. You can explore even more supporting upgrades in our must-have upgrades for classic Broncos guide.
C-bushings
How to Correct the Problem
- Disconnect the Front Axle Assembly
- Disconnect and remove the front coil springs.
- Disconnect the frame-to-axle brake line.
- Disconnect the front axle housing breather line.
- Remove the radius arms from the frame mounts.
- Remove the rear bushings from the frame end of the radius arms.
- Support the Axle
- Place jack stands under the front hub assemblies on both sides to support the axle.
- Use a floor jack under the differential (“pumpkin”) to control axle height.
- Check Radius Arm Alignment
- Lower the frame ends of the radius arms until they touch the floor.
- The floor must be level and flat (a concrete garage floor works best).
- Carefully observe whether both radius arms touch the floor at the same time.
- If one arm touches while the other does not, this is the most common cause of front-end lean.
- The radius arms must be parallel to each other.
- Verify Correct C-Bushing Installation
- Remove the C-bushings and check the writing on the inside to confirm they are installed correctly.
- Incorrect C-bushing orientation can directly cause the lean, so this step is critical.
- Adjust the Radius Arm Caps
- Loosen the four bolts that secure the radius arm cap on one side (choose either side to start).
- Loosen the bolts nearly all the way, then retighten them unevenly—slightly faster at the top or bottom, or diagonally—to allow the C-bushing to seat differently.
- This process can change the height of the radius arm end by 2 inches or more.
- If you can only move the arm farther from the floor and not closer, get it as close as possible, then fully tighten and torque the bolts.
- Repeat on the Opposite Side
- Move to the other radius arm and repeat the same adjustment process.
- It may take 5–6 attempts on one or both sides to get the arms parallel.
- Be patient—this process often requires trial and error.
Track Bar Bushings And Hardware For Centered Axle Position
A worn track bar allows the axle to shift sideways, exaggerating lean. Our heavy-duty track bar bushings and hardware kits help center the front axle and keep the Bronco aligned. These upgrades also sharpen steering response and reduce road wandering.
Shackles And Suspension Components That Maintain Balance
Shackles, bushings, and mounting hardware influence how evenly the suspension supports weight. TOMS OFFROAD replacements ensure these components sit true and keep the frame and body properly supported. Fresh hardware reduces movement and prevents uneven settling over time.
Body Mount Kits For Correct Body-To-Frame Alignment
When the old body mounts compress unevenly, the Bronco can lean even if the suspension is in good condition. Our body mount kits replace worn rubber mounts with firm, evenly sized components that keep the body balanced on the frame. This is a key fix recommended during long-term Bronco restoration projects, especially for Broncos with age-related wear.
Preventing Bronco Lean After Repairs
Once you correct the Bronco lean, the next goal is to maintain your Early Bronco level in the long run. Consistent maintenance and smart habits help prevent the suspension from settling unevenly again.
Inspect Suspension Components On A Regular Schedule
Suspension parts wear slowly, allowing minor issues to go unnoticed. Regularly checking coil springs, leaf springs, shackles, and bushings makes it easier to catch early signs of sag or imbalance. Regular light inspections every few months help you correct problems before they become noticeable.
Replace Springs And Bushings In Balanced Pairs
A common cause of returning lean is replacing only one part on one side of the Bronco. Springs, bushings, and related components should always be replaced as matched pairs. This ensures both sides of the Bronco support weight evenly and prevents one corner from dropping faster than the other.
Avoid Loading Weight Unevenly Inside The Bronco
Storing heavy tools, gear, or recovery equipment on one side of the Bronco can create a long-term imbalance. Over time, consistent uneven weight can cause both coils and leaf springs to settle at different rates. Distributing weight evenly helps preserve the vehicle’s stance.
Retorque Suspension Hardware After Driving
After any suspension or body work, it is essential to retorque hardware once everything has settled. Springs, shackles, and bushings can shift slightly during the first hundred miles. Retorquing ensures the suspension sits firmly and evenly on both sides, preventing early lean from forming again.
Maintain Proper Alignment After Suspension Changes
Suspension alignment affects how weight is transferred through the frame and axles. After replacing springs, bushings, or track bar components, an alignment check helps the Bronco stay centered and balanced. Proper alignment improves handling and reduces uneven settling, which can cause the vehicle to lean over time.
When A Combination Of Fixes Is Necessary
Some Broncos lean because multiple suspension or body components are worn simultaneously. In these cases, correcting only one part will not fully level the vehicle.
- Recognizing Multiple Contributing Parts: Lean often starts with tired springs, but can worsen when bushings, shackles, or track bar hardware are also aging. If lean returns after a single repair, more than one part may be involved.
- Compounded Wear Over Many Years: Decades of use, uneven loads, or trail impacts can create layered suspension wear. When several components have settled together, a single fix will not restore a level stance.
- Replacing Springs And Track Bar Bushings Together: Coil springs set the height, and the track bar centers the axle. When either is worn, the other compensates. Replacing both together often provides the most balanced correction.
- Correcting Old Or Mismatched Modifications: Previous owners may have added uneven springs, shackles, or spacers. These mismatches create unpredictable height differences that must be corrected for the Bronco to sit level.
- Full Suspension Evaluation For Persistent Lean: If lean is severe or keeps returning, checking springs, bushings, track bar alignment, body mounts, and frame points ensures every cause is identified and corrected.
Final Thoughts
Bronco lean is a standard issue for Classic Broncos, especially on vehicles that have seen decades of use, off-road driving, or uneven weight distribution. The key to correcting it is identifying every component that contributes to the problem. Springs, bushings, track bars, shackles, and body mounts all play a role in supporting the Bronco’s weight, and replacing or adjusting them together produces the most reliable fix.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we carry coil springs, leaf springs, hardware, and suspension components built specifically for the Early Bronco platform. When your suspension is balanced, and every part does its job, the Bronco sits level, rides smoother, and maintains the classic stance these trucks are known for.
Read Also:
- Bronco Wheels
- How Much Can A Ford Bronco Tow? Complete Towing Guide By Year
- Bronco Restoration 101: Everything You Need To Bring Your Classic Back To Life
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronco Lean
What causes the Bronco to lean on an Early Bronco?
Bronco lean usually comes from uneven coil springs, sagging leaf springs, worn and improperly assembled bushings, or misaligned track bar components.
Can one worn spring cause the Bronco to lean?
Yes. Even a slight difference in spring height can cause the entire vehicle to tilt, especially at the front.
How do I tell if my track bar is contributing to lean?
If the axle is sitting off-center or the Bronco pulls slightly while driving, worn track bar bushings may be causing the axle to shift sideways. Another potential reason the tracking bar could cause a lean would be a lifted suspension height without proper tracking bar drop bracket or adjustable tracking bar, which pulls down on the driver side frame rail.
Do I need to replace both springs even if only one is sagging?
Yes. Springs should always be replaced in matched pairs to maintain equal support and proper stance.
Can worn body mounts cause Bronco lean?
Yes. Body mounts compress unevenly with age, which can cause the body to sit lower on one side, even if the suspension is in good condition.
Does adding weight on one side of the Bronco create lean over time?
It can. Storing tools, gear, or equipment unevenly can cause springs to settle at different rates.
What if lean returns after replacing springs?
This usually means multiple parts were worn. Bushings, shackles, or the track bar may also need replacement.
Is a full suspension evaluation needed for severe lean?
Yes. When lean is significant or keeps returning, inspecting springs, bushings, body mounts, and track bar alignment is the most effective solution.
