Hey I bought a Bronco II (warning potty mouth in vids)

[BroncLander]

So I have been looking for a decent rig to build. Finally I found it. A rust free, solid frame, 1984 XLS Bronco II. It's got a fresh Rough Country 4" lift, new 31x10.5 mid tires and Pro Comp rims. A really decent 8/10 interior and a V6 that smokes a bit and leaks oil. Limited Slip Rear Dif. I took it on its maiden voyage 2 days ago and after about 12km, the front end seized up on me and I had to park it in the Walmart parking lot. By the next day I had all the parts and tools to swap out the calipers and pads and it's like a Ferrari now.
Here's the diagnosis

Here's the brake job

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Bird76Mojo]

 

[bobbywalter]

Awesome

 

[BroncLander]

Awesome

I actually really like this rig. If I could change one thing it would be more tire poke to give it a bit more stability. When lifting a rig, I always like to get rims with enough backspacing that the stance is just a few inches wider than stock. As long as the tires won't rub. And I could probably go with 33s instead of 31s and not be too worried about breaking axles.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I actually really like this rig. If I could change one thing it would be more tire poke to give it a bit more stability. When lifting a rig, I always like to get rims with enough backspacing that the stance is just a few inches wider than stock. As long as the tires won't rub. And I could probably go with 33s instead of 31s and not be too worried about breaking axles.

Look into d35 and explorer 8.8 swaps.

Stronger axles and like another in and a half wider.

 

[bobbywalter]

yup.....or go ttb 44 and fw 8.8....

or just go right to superduties....


my bronco is narrower then i like....but its so fun...i just leave it be.

 

[BroncLander]

Look into d35 and explorer 8.8 swaps.

Stronger axles and like another in and a half wider.

D35 and the 8.8. I knew about the 8.8 but the D35 is new to my idea catalogue. Interesting. I'll definitely look into that.

 

[BroncLander]

yup.....or go ttb 44 and fw 8.8....

or just go right to superduties....


my bronco is narrower then i like....but its so fun...i just leave it be.

There's always new rims with less backspacing. Pro Comp rims seem to have a common 4.5 inch and 3.75 inch backspacing selection. I think too you can get rims that were on a Jeep YJ/TJ/XJ or even Grand Cherokee and they'll bolt right on.
I like this app for bolt pattern cross referencing https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ford/bronco-2/1984/

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There's always new rims with less backspacing. Pro Comp rims seem to have a common 4.5 inch and 3.75 inch backspacing selection. I think too you can get rims that were on a Jeep YJ/TJ/XJ or even Grand Cherokee and they'll bolt right on.
I like this app for bolt pattern cross referencing https://www.wheel-size.com/size/ford/bronco-2/1984/

Watch the inner hub hole diameter too, you have lockouts for your front axle to contend with that YJ/TJ/XJ don't have.

 

[DrWho42]

henlo! welcome to the forums!

 

[BroncLander]

henlo! welcome to the forums!

Hey thanks! I'm very impressed actually. There's a wealth of knowledge in here. A lot really good posts and it's organized very well. I'm glad I found it.

 

[StephenF]

Welcome. Yes, there is a lot of good info here and helpful people too.

 

[North Idaho 5.oh]

Welcome! I’m working on an 89 bronco 2 ! Doing the D35 and 8.8 with the 4.0 and 5 speed and manual 1354…. Little bits at a time lol

 

[BroncLander]

Welcome! I’m working on an 89 bronco 2 ! Doing the D35 and 8.8 with the 4.0 and 5 speed and manual 1354…. Little bits at a time lol

Hey so with the Dana 35 swap, what's involved? Are the scissor beams (or whatever they're called) staying in the truck and then just swap out the pumpkin and the axles? Or do you just move an entire new assembly over?
I haven't really looked to closely yet, but I wonder if the bolt pattern on the dif cover is specific to the scissor beam.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Nope, pretty much everything gets replaced.

Dana 28 / Dana 35 Axle Swap - The Ranger Station

The 1983-1989 Ford Ranger 4x4 came with a Dana 28 TTB front axle. Here's how to replace it with a Dana 35 TTB front axle.

www.therangerstation.com

Lots more to read here:

Ford Ranger Tech (1983-2011) - The Ranger Station

Ford Ranger technical library covering 1983–2011 models with engine, suspension, axle, brake, wiring, and drivetrain guides.

www.therangerstation.com