86 Bronco II build (Ellie)

[Awesom-O]

Figured I’d post up my Bronco II project. Decided to call it Ellie because my daughter has taken a shine to it even though she is only 10. So in a few years it will be hers if she can manage good grade efforts and chores, as well as help with fixing it up.
Picked this up this spring from an estate auction. This truck had been sitting and last insured for the road in 2010. It was low mileage but wouldn’t start for the auction so of course I wanted it. Got it for a decent price and trailered it home where it sat for a few months while I worked on my 87 Ranger project which is also documented in this forum. Removed the old fuel in the lines and thankfully the tank almost empty. Dumped in a jerry of fuel and she fired up. Wouldn’t rev up properly so we checked the frame fuel pump and it sounded weak. Checked the relay, seemed to work. Checked the inertia switch and hit the reset button and we got some action. Had to hold the inertia switch down to get full power to the pump where it would run and rev. Removed it and jumped the switch, and runs like an absolute champ! So will need to hunt a new switch down. Spent a day cleaning it up and last weekend decided to put in a 4” Skyjacker lift. Put the wheels and tires I had picked out for my Ranger project on it and they may just stay there!
now I’m on the hunt for a replacement driveshaft as the GKN Style CV (Constant Velocity) is for sure not destined to last there for long I’m sure. Any recommendations on a replacement?
Thanks for looking.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sweet...

 

[RobbieD]

Nice project!

The GKN shafts are light duty to begin with, and no replacement parts for them makes for no repair options. On my 2WD I lucked out and found a local guy that cut down and welded up a Ranger driveshaft for me, and he did great job for not much money. When I was looking at u-joint replacement shafts a few years ago, it seemed that they were available but pricey.

Be careful- fondness for these old B2s can grow on you!

 

[Peter Griffin]

Woo hoo another BII project! Looks awesome and your daughter certainly looks happy too so that's a win...

 

[Blmpkn]

Love the color scheme

 

[gaz]

@Awesom-O ,
The black wheels look nice but I love the spokes that were on it

 

[Awesom-O]

@Awesom-O ,
The black wheels look nice but I love the spokes that were on it

Yeah those turbines will get cleaned up and new rubber mounted. The black wheels are actually for my Ranger but it’s not ready yet.

 

[Awesom-O]

I guess it’s been a while since I updated this project, happening simultaneously with my Ranger build in the other section. Since the last post, we’ve rebuilt the transfer case taking the best parts from my old 2.9 Ranger setup and the BII, did the ball joints, changed all the fluids possible, packed the bearings and had some frame work done as there was a slight diamond effect in the frame from a slight bump from the PO.
She’s getting an alignment as I post this, then it’s back in the shop for rust proofing/undercoating, new carpets, body work and then two tone raptor coating. I’m keeping the color scheme the same. I’m also thinking of going with the smaller sport mirrors and adding an old school Lund visor I have sitting around. Will be ordering a proper rear driveshaft in the coming days. Then it’s back to my buddy’s for some custom steel bumpers,.. front with winch, and rear with a swing away tire mount. I just think these BIIs look great with a spare tire back there and mine never came with that setup from the factory, so we will build a superior one. Then I think I will install the larger radiator from a 4.0 AC truck to help with any possible over heating issues before they even think of happening. Very excited to get this buggy on the road and shake it down some.

 

[Awesom-O]

@Awesom-O ,
The black wheels look nice but I love the spokes that were on it

Those turbines are getting some action as rollers on my Ranger at the moment.
I think with some proper rubber and some caps they would look pretty good. Apparently they are from an 80s/90s Crown Vic?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I ran those wheels on my V8 swapped 88. They're definitely 80's... mine came from a Lincoln.

My painter buddy painted mine white then polished the "turbines".

I miss that truck..

 

[Awesom-O]

I ran those wheels on my V8 swapped 88. They're definitely 80's... mine came from a Lincoln.

View attachment 105741

My painter buddy painted mine white then polished the "turbines".

I miss that truck..

Would like to see a pic of the V8 swapped 88.

 

[Awesom-O]

Just some obligatory winter pics after she came
back from the alignment shop.
Can’t wait to daily this unit. But the real fun will be working on it with my daughters.