A Bronco long travel kit is a high-performance suspension upgrade that enhances wheel articulation, enabling your Bronco to navigate rough terrain with increased stability and control. Unlike standard lift kits that only raise ride height, long-travel kits widen the track and extend the suspension range, which is key for off-roading at speed or over technical trails.
These kits typically include extended radius arms, custom shock mounts, and longer coil springs or coilovers. The result? Smoother rides, better traction, and improved handling where it matters most, off-road. For classic Bronco enthusiasts, it’s a smart way to add serious trail capability without sacrificing the look and feel of a vintage build.
A high-quality long travel kit for the Bronco also helps reduce body roll and keeps your tires planted during aggressive cornering or on uneven terrain. Whether you’re crawling over rocks or cruising dusty backroads, it gives your Bronco the confidence and comfort of a modern off-road machine, while staying true to its classic heritage.
Why Upgrade To A Bronco Long Travel Kit?
If you're restoring or building a Bronco with off-road performance in mind, a long-travel kit is more than an optional upgrade; it’s a key to unlocking better control, smoother rides, and genuine trail capability. Here's what makes this suspension system a favorite among serious enthusiasts:
Increased Suspension Travel For Real Off-Roading
Long travel kits give your suspension the ability to flex farther than stock setups. This extra articulation allows each tire to stay planted over uneven ground, improving traction and keeping your Bronco stable where lesser setups would bounce or bottom out.
Greater Ride Comfort In Rough Terrain
Classic Broncos weren’t exactly built for plush off-road comfort, but a well-designed long travel system changes that. By absorbing more impact from rocks, ruts, and washboard trails, it smooths out the ride without sacrificing the rugged character of your rig.
More Control At Speed
A wider stance and improved shock control allow you to push your Bronco harder in high-speed off-road conditions. Whether you're hitting fire roads or desert trails, the added stability helps reduce body roll and keeps you in control when things get fast and loose.
Long-Term Durability And Trail Readiness
Upgrading to a long travel system reduces wear on other suspension components by distributing impact more efficiently. It's a practical investment that pays off in fewer breakdowns and more confident off-roading for years to come.
Key Components Of A Ford Bronco Long Travel Kit
A long travel kit is more than just a lift or cosmetic upgrade. It’s a full suspension system engineered to perform under pressure, especially in off-road conditions. Each component plays a role in extending wheel travel, improving handling, and protecting your Bronco’s frame and steering geometry over time:
Extended Radius Arms
These longer arms reposition the axle slightly forward, allowing for greater vertical wheel movement. They help reduce caster change throughout suspension travel and improve high-speed stability, especially when paired with premium shocks and steering upgrades.
Longer Coil Springs Or Coilovers
The added suspension travel requires longer coil springs or coilover setups that compress and rebound over a broader range. This keeps the ride soft and flexible over obstacles, while maintaining control and ride height. Coilovers offer more tunability, which appeals to enthusiasts dialing in their rig for specific trail types.
Heavy-Duty Shock Mounts
To handle the increased load and travel, long travel kits often include reinforced or relocated shock mounts. These allow for longer shocks with more travel, preventing premature wear or failure during aggressive use on rocky or uneven trails.
Wider Track Width
Increasing the track width helps stabilize the Bronco during cornering and on off-camber terrain. It also creates more space for articulation and up-travel, especially when running larger tires. This is a key reason why a long travel setup performs better than a basic lift in real off-road conditions.
Frame And Suspension Brackets
Long travel kits usually include upgraded brackets to reinforce mounting points and correct suspension geometry. These support the system under load, reduce flex in high-stress areas, and keep your suspension working in sync across the entire travel range.
Is A Long Travel Kit Right For Your Classic Bronco Build?
Not every Bronco build needs a long travel kit, but for the enthusiast who wants real performance off the pavement, it's one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. Here's how to decide if it fits your goals and your Bronco:
Your Off-Road Goals Matter
If your Bronco mostly sees paved roads or mild trails, a standard Bronco lift kit might be enough. However, if you plan to tackle technical trails, desert runs, or backcountry expeditions, a long travel setup provides the performance edge needed to stay in control and keep your rig protected.
Tire Size And Articulation
Running larger tires? A long travel kit allows your suspension to move freely without binding or rubbing. It increases clearance and articulation, allowing your Bronco to navigate obstacles with less stress on steering and drivetrain components.
Matching The Right Era Of Bronco
Long travel kits are especially popular among 1966 to 1977 Broncos due to their light frames and off-road potential. TOMS OFFROAD builds suspension systems that respect the original design while pushing performance forward, making them an excellent fit for both classic restorations and more aggressive builds.
Driving Style And Comfort
Long travel kits aren't just about capability. They improve the ride too. If you're tired of harsh impacts on the trail or dealing with bounce at speed, this upgrade brings noticeable comfort and confidence to your time behind the wheel.
Pairing Your Long Travel Kit With Other Bronco Offroad Upgrades
A long travel kit sets the foundation for serious off-road performance, but it really shines when paired with the right supporting upgrades. These additions work together to bring out the full capability of your classic Bronco on rugged trails:
Bronco Lift Kit For Extra Clearance
While a long travel kit increases articulation and handling, combining it with a Bronco lift kit helps provide additional ground clearance. This makes it easier to run larger tires and avoid undercarriage contact on rocky terrain. Together, they offer both height and flexibility without compromising drivability.
Reinforced Bumpers For Trail Protection
A strong front and rear bumper setup provides your Bronco with enhanced protection when navigating over rocks or navigating tight obstacles. Upgrades like a Bronco modular bumper offer customizable configurations, while a Bronco winch bumper adds recovery capability when the trail gets unpredictable.
Offroad Accessories That Elevate Capability
To get the most out of your suspension investment, consider outfitting your rig with premium Bronco offroad parts that complement trail performance. Skid plates, extended brake lines, and high-clearance steering components can all support your long travel setup and prevent trail damage.
Interior Bars For Extra Safety
Trail conditions can change fast, and adding interior bars enhances safety during off-camber climbs or unexpected rollovers. For those building a Bronco that sees serious trail time, this upgrade offers peace of mind without compromising the classic look.
Gear To Round Out The Build
Suspension is just one piece of a capable Bronco. Other Ford Bronco accessories, such as lighting upgrades, onboard air, or roof storage systems, make your rig more functional during long days off-grid or multi-day trail runs.
Why Choose TOMS OFFROAD For Your Bronco Long Travel Kit?
At TOMS OFFROAD, we’ve spent nearly 50 years helping Bronco enthusiasts bring their builds to life. Our Bronco long travel kit options are built by people who understand what these classics need on the trail. Every part is carefully selected with performance, durability, and heritage in mind, so your suspension upgrade not only fits, but also performs.
We back our kits with one of the largest inventories of Bronco offroad parts in the country, plus real support from people who live and breathe Broncos. Whether you're chasing capability or restoring a family heirloom, we’re here to help make it happen with the right parts and advice.
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