Joseph, we all know him as ‘Nemisus’, purchased his Ford Bronco II in 2002 for a really good deal. But that deal has turned into quite the ride, as Joseph has done all the work himself. A lot of money and time has gone into the little SUV. Well, it’s not little anymore.
Here’s how the Bronco II grew up.
After purchasing the truck Joseph set out to find a set of rolling stock to get rid of the steel pizza cutters. After purchasing a set of rims and tires, there was soon to be rubbing issues with the larger than stock rubber. A 3-inch TrailMaster body lift was purchased shortly after for the start of the lift. Now not being satisfied with that Joseph did some research on TRS and soon settled on a Skyjacker 6-inch class I lift. Now with 9-inches of lift Joseph was leery on how Bronco II handled, so the 3-inch body lift was removed. With the added height a new set of tires in the tune of 32’s was added. The stock axles hold the wheels and tires to the frame. As Joseph found out that the 2.9L, backed by a Mitsubishi 5-speed and BW1350 T-case, needed a bit more to get the Bronco II rolling. With a bit more research again he found that an aftermarket intake tube from a 1995 Dodge Neon fit the bill. After fixing the valve cover leak he soon realized that gas is really the only thing you need to add to keep a vehicle running, for 250 miles at a time.
The lift didn’t stop there. A set of extended radius arms were ordered to make the 6-inch kit a full Class II lift. He was now satisfied with the truck…………or was he????
We all know someone who just cannot leave a good thing alone, well now you know another. The idea of a removable hardtop struck his fancy. That little devil on his shoulder kept telling him “Do It, Do It, I’ll help”. So, with the advice from the little devil, he set out chopping the top. After weeks of not hearing from the little helper, he was left to finish the project that was beyond going back. After time things worked out until it started raining. This is where things get interesting. Joseph put the hard top on hold and decided to shop around for a custom soft top. After the second top he was satisfied and leaned a valuable lesson. A proper chop top is a lot of work even for the average fabricator.
The interior swap was brought on by the chop interestingly enough. Out with the red Gen 1 interior and in with a gray Gen 2 interior.
From what I can tell the only thing this guy hasn’t changed is the front quarter panels and hood. A front brush guard was found and installed. Well after the chop Joseph had no place to mount his spare tire, so a rear tire carrier from James Duff was bolted in place of the stock rear bumper. Seems as though it’s a great mod for the ones who have chopped the top.
Well Joseph I hope those Sunny California days treat you well with your Bronco II If they don’t then I know of a lot of people who will be happy to take that sweet Bronco II off your hands. But I don’t see that happening in the near future. We will all be looking forward to seeing more of what’s to come………that my friends I can see happening in the future.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
