4" is the standard trail build lift for an early Bronco. It fits 35" tires with proper offset wheels, gives real articulation improvement, and stays within a range where you can run good shocks without reservoir canisters hanging everywhere.
A 4" suspension lift is the baseline for a capable early Bronco trail build. It provides:
Extended driveshaft angles that are manageable without SYE
**Key components:**
**Springs:** Superlift, Old Man Emu (OME), and Skyjacker all make early Bronco-specific kits. Skyjacker's 4" kit is the most popular at ~$950–1100 complete.
**Shocks:** 4" of lift requires extended-travel shocks. Bilstein 5100 series or Fox 2.0 IFP shocks work well. Do not run stock-length shocks — they will top out and damage bumpstops.
**Brake lines:** Stock brake lines will go taut at 4" of lift. Stainless braided extended lines ($80) are required for safety.
**Sway bar links:** Stock links are too short at 4". Extended links ($60) or disconnect units allow the suspension to flex on trail.
**Geometry:** Caster drops ~2° at 4" of lift. A 2° caster correction kit or an alignment shop with caster adjustment can correct this.
**Driveshaft:** At 4", front driveshaft angles increase but stay within U-joint operating range. A rear SYE (slip yoke eliminator) is not required at 4" with stock suspension travel — reconsider if adding a locker and expecting aggressive articulation.
Why it works
fits 35" tires
real articulation and departure angle improvement
complete kits available
bolt-on with no fabrication (except brake lines)
Trade-offs
extended brake lines required (safety-critical)
geometry correction needed
front driveshaft angles increase — inspect annually
cost is 3-4x a 2" kit
Tools required
floor jack
jack stands
spring compressor
torque wrench
angle grinder
welder (if extended brake lines)
Parts
Part
Vendor
Est. price
Superlift 4" complete lift kit for early Bronco
Superlift
~$1100
Bilstein 5100 series shocks (set of 4)
Bilstein
~$380
Stainless Extended brake lines (front pair)
Various
~$80
Sway bar disconnect links
Various
~$60
Sources
{'title': '4" lift kits for early Bronco', 'url': 'https://www.superlift.com/'}
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.