The
interior modifications started by stripping all the old stuff
out--everything! Race Buckets by RCI were installed as was a
custom removable roll-cage made by Rod. It uses urethane bushings
and bolts to fasten it in place, thus the removal of the bolts
allows for the bar to come of if necessary. Autometer gauges were
then bolted in place and a custom aluminum dash and door panels
were made by Colin Cunningham (Sequim, WA). A Grant steering wheel
was then installed and the interior was complete. There is no Led
Zepplin available in this cab!
A
very-strong 1970 302-cid V8 built by Mitch Mann (Sequim, WA,)
churns out around 300 horsepower. The 10:1 compression motor runs
ported and polished '66 Mustang 289 heads with screw in studs,
roller tip rockers, Magnum pushrods a Melling high-volume oil pump
and shaft, a 272/284 Crane Fire Ball cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM
intake manifold, Mallory Vailite Blaster Coil ignition, a Holley
600 cfm carb, and K & N air cleaner. A custom bed-mounted
Optima battery brings the Bronco II to life, and 2 1/2-inch
diameter James Duff headers let the beast breath freeley during
those high RPM tantrums it frequently has.
The
swap necessitated the following parts from Duff: Motor mounts, a
radiator, a remote oil filter, headers, oil pan, muffler, and
trans adapter. Future mods on the truck include a change to run
the air cleaner inside the cab to increase deep-water fording
capabilities.
Using
Advanced Adapters' Transfer Case to Tranny Adapter, Dennis Smith,
from Midway Auto (Sequim, WA), beefed-up the 1970 C4 transmission
with a 2500 RPM-stall TCI torque converter, B & M Trans Pack
Shift Kit, and B & M Star Shifter. The stock Borg Warner 1350
transfer case is used, along with the stock Dana 28 front axle and
an 8-inch rear axle out of a '66 Mustang. A 4.11:1 gear ratio and
limited-slip diff is used up front, and an Auburn Locker and
4.10:1 gear ratio in the rear keep the engine in the proper
powerband and with the larger tires.
Stock
brake calipers with Super-Cool Cross-Drilled Rotors (discontinued
Duff hardware) make up the front brake system. Eight-inch Ford
Torino drums are used in the rear.
The
93-inch wheelbased chassis on the Bronco II has been modified for
strength using a Duff Trans Cross Member.
A
James Duff Variable Rate Suspension System gives the truck
3-inches of total lift. The Bronco II the Duff Variable Rate
springs are used up front, and a Duff Add-a-Leaf spring is used in
the rear packs. Four to six (depending on the track/ trail
conditions) Duff 70/30 Auto Adjust Duff shocks are used on each
corner. This current set-up provides for controlled suspension
travel that works great on the Pro Arena tracks, as they are
filled with double jumps, stutter bumps and tight turns.
A
3-inch Black Diamond body-lift, long-travel James Duff Radius
Arms, a Duff Long Link Traction Bar, Duff Shock Hoops and Duff
Shock Mounts were installed. A custom rear multiple shock mount
make it so Rod can easily change shock configuration depending on
course or trail.
Duff
axles trusses are used, and soon to be installed skid-plates will
be take their place on the racer.
31x10.5
R15 BFG Mud Terrains are used in the front and P325/60 R15 BFG Mud
Terrains push the power to the ground in the rear. All are mounted
to 15 X 8 and 15 X 10-inch Modern wheels.
The
exterior of the sharp-looking truck has been modified with the
addition of Duff Pre-Runner Bumpers, glue-on Duff Urethane Fender
Flares, and custom tail light end caps. Duff also did the paint
and graphics using Pearl white, Blue, and Sunrise Red Metallic
Delstar. Check out the scallops with drop shadows too...a nice
touch.
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SM
