Michael Cox from the Bronco Factory is known for airing out his Chevy LS powered full size Ford Bronco and decided to turn his attention towards this 1988 Ford Bronco II. The bronco shares the same style of suspension as it’s bigger brother, is basically the same size as the early Ford Bronco, but is generally overlooked as being a serious off-roader or pre-runner. That’s not to say there isn’t some amazing Ford Bronco II’s out there built for off-road, they just don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Michael stretched the Bronco II wheelbase from 94-inches to 98-inches and then swapped out the Dana 28 TTB front axle for a Dana 35 TTB axle found under the Ford Ranger and Explorer. The axle beams were modified to be 4-inches wider on each side with King Coil-overs resulting in 17-inches of wheel travel.
The rear 7.5-inch axle was replaced with a Ford 8.8-inch axle and is suspended by a custom set of Deaver leaf springs, and a King bypass shocks still making 17″ of wheel travel.
The stock 2.9L V6 was replaced with a Ford 308 CID V8 that’s fed by a carburetor and that huge K&N Carbon Fiber air filter sticking out of the hood.
A manual transmission sends power to the axles which house 5.13 gears to help turn those 37-inch BFGoodrich tires.
A full roll cage and PRP seats and harnesses keep Michael safe if he decides to launch this Bronco like he does the full size.
The Bronco II has an almost cartoonish look, and that is sort of the point. Over the top, loud and fun with the massive flares and tires. Michael, Vince, and the rest of the Bronco Factory team absolutely nailed it.
Specifications
Chassis: 1988 Ford Bronco II
Engine: Ford 308 5-Speed Manual transmission
Exhaust: Custom Bronco Factory Exhaust
Tire: 37x 12.50x 17 BFG Baja TA
Wheels: KMC Robby Gordon Beadlocks
Front suspension: Dana 35 TTB 4-inch over 17-inch Wheel Travel 5.13 gears
Rear Suspension: Custom Deaver Leaf Springs 17-inch Wheel Travel Ford 8.8 Axle 5.13 gears
Shocks: King Off-road Racing Internal Bypass 2.5 Shocks
Resource
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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.
