mn_smokeater's Bronco II resurrection Build

**mn_smokeater** · 04-17-2011, 02:30 PM

Since i have Da Beast back i want to work on making it a better running and more modern functioning. This will be a slow build up as it will take time to get the funds and the parts and of course the skills needed to make it all work.

one big thing in the bringing it to the moden times is of course the Engine Swap but that will be a big thing as i need to change alot of things to make it work.
I plan on running the 2.8 until it dies or is near death. i did want to do a TBI on the 2.8 but if i do the Swap im not sure if its worth it. Another thing is what engine, the 4.0 is the best candite as its the top of the tree in stock engines in RBVs V8s notwithstanding. im going to see if i can find a fellow member whos doing a V8 swap and wont be needing the pulled engine/tranny so that could net me a 4.0 or a 3.0.

im going to loose the dash interments and replace them with the aftermarket gauges in the place of the old ones set into a metal plate. or perhaps a dash swap.

im going to add more to this as i pull together the plans and thoughts. so stay tuned.

4x4b2 · 04-17-2011, 02:53 PM

you know the rule, where are the pics?

Grey_04 · 04-17-2011, 02:57 PM

**mn_smokeater** · 04-17-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4b2

you know the rule, where are the pics?

yeah i slacked off lol

**adsm08** · 04-17-2011, 03:37 PM

YAY!!! Build thread!!! YAY!!!

I have a brushed aluminum dash fascia for the 83 to 85 RBVs if you want. It's in perfect shape.

**mn_smokeater** · 04-17-2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adsm08

YAY!!! Build thread!!! YAY!!!

I have a brushed aluminum dash fascia for the 83 to 85 RBVs if you want. It's in perfect shape.

thats exactly what iv been wanting for a look silver dash and red backlit gauges with a red lighted cd player to match the outside that wil go red and silver.

whats it look like actually i forget

**disciplerocks** · 04-17-2011, 03:52 PM

Subscribed. I found me a brushed aluminum face plate for 89-92 RBVs at the u-pull the other day for $1.

**adsm08** · 04-17-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn_smokeater

thats exactly what iv been wanting for a look silver dash and red backlit gauges with a red lighted cd player to match the outside that wil go red and silver.

whats it look like actually i forget

Here is the one I have:

The only problem I can think of with red backlighting is that the gauge faces are actually tinted blue. The blue tint plus the yellowish light from the incandescent bulbs makes the gauges look green. That means putting red bulbs in your cluster will give you something closer to purple.

**mn_smokeater** · 04-17-2011, 04:43 PM

will the muiltgauges work with the 4.0?

**adsm08** · 04-17-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn_smokeater

will the muiltgauges work with the 4.0?

The dual head setups work with the 4.0 with a few flies in the ointment. The fuel gauges operate in different ohm ranges, and the tach won't read right if you have one.

The fuel gauge can be worked around by putting a 4.0 pump on a 2.9 sender. The tach is just an issue. I'm not aware of any way to make it work right with the factory unit. Far as I know, they just stay pegged all the time.

**jhammel85** · 04-17-2011, 07:48 PM

Sub'd!

Getting one of those bezels is the best thing you can do. I replaced my brown "woodgrain" one with the aluminum one I got from Mclaren.

Good luck w/ the build!

Ranger Sport Honduras · 04-17-2011, 08:25 PM

good luck with the build smoke!
that silver dash will look really nice there.

04-17-2011, 02:30 PM	#1
mn_smokeater Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bemidji, MN Year: 1984 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II Engine: 2.8L Class: 4X4 Used For: Backup Rig Posts: 3,856 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	mn_smokeater's Bronco II resurrection Build Since i have Da Beast back i want to work on making it a better running and more modern functioning. This will be a slow build up as it will take time to get the funds and the parts and of course the skills needed to make it all work. one big thing in the bringing it to the moden times is of course the Engine Swap but that will be a big thing as i need to change alot of things to make it work. I plan on running the 2.8 until it dies or is near death. i did want to do a TBI on the 2.8 but if i do the Swap im not sure if its worth it. Another thing is what engine, the 4.0 is the best candite as its the top of the tree in stock engines in RBVs V8s notwithstanding. im going to see if i can find a fellow member whos doing a V8 swap and wont be needing the pulled engine/tranny so that could net me a 4.0 or a 3.0. im going to loose the dash interments and replace them with the aftermarket gauges in the place of the old ones set into a metal plate. or perhaps a dash swap. im going to add more to this as i pull together the plans and thoughts. so stay tuned. __________________ *That guy from the Hinterlands of the Nord.* Build Thread!!!!! Click Me!!! Last edited by mn_smokeater; 04-17-2011 at 03:08 PM.
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04-17-2011, 02:57 PM	#3
Grey_04 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,845 Rep Power: 24 iTrader: (0)
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04-17-2011, 04:43 PM	#9
mn_smokeater Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bemidji, MN Year: 1984 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II Engine: 2.8L Class: 4X4 Used For: Backup Rig Posts: 3,856 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	will the muiltgauges work with the 4.0? __________________ *That guy from the Hinterlands of the Nord.* Build Thread!!!!! Click Me!!!
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04-17-2011, 07:48 PM	#11
jhammel85 Capt. Slow Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South NJ Year: 1987 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.9 V6 Class: 4X4 Used For: Daily Driver / Off Road from time to time Posts: 3,154 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (3)	Sub'd! Getting one of those bezels is the best thing you can do. I replaced my brown "woodgrain" one with the aluminum one I got from Mclaren. Good luck w/ the build! __________________ -1987 Ranger 4x4- 3" Body Lift, 2.9 V6, A4LD auto, Manual Hubs, Dynomax Super Turbo Exhaust, 30x9.5R15 A/T, 15x8 Cragar Soft 8 Wheels
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04-17-2011, 08:25 PM	#12
Ranger Sport Honduras Solid Axled yo! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Honduras Year: 1999 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Sport Engine: 2.5 (5spd) Class: SAS 4X4 Used For: Everything and more... Posts: 15,214 Rep Power: 68 iTrader: (1)	good luck with the build smoke! that silver dash will look really nice there. __________________ click for: Ranger Sport Honduras Level II (My D30 SAS 4WD) Mini Power Stroke (My bro's Crew Cab 4WD Ranger--Slow build) Ranger Militia Cardomain(All the trucks)
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