1988 Bronco II Virginia Trail Build

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So as to some of the performance issues related to the transmission, I came across some information that may or may not be part of your issues when I did a shift kit in my 92. It was kinda sloppy with shifting but it worked. When I did some research on the shift kits I came across a part that retrofits onto the main valve that is what the shift cable moves and basically it can have slop to it that this additional part cures. So I went pretty much full bore with the shift kit and upgrades and tried adjusting the bands when I was done, couldn’t get them fully adjusted because of rust, but got it close and man, it took a couple days of driving to get all the air worked out (the bleeding procedure doesn’t get all of it), it drove entirely different. Wasn’t harsh or jerky, but every shift was nice and crisp, no more hunting or sluggish behavior. Might be worth looking into.

 

[RumPunch]

Well it's back in the shop tonight. Feel bad taking my 250 out but only for the day. It's supposed to be in the low teens overnight ( I was running in shorts and no shirt Monday night with the sun going down).. gotta love The Commonwealth. Anywho plan to swap in the limited slip carrier I got from @corerftech. Can't wait! Guess I'll be burning some propane.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

You gonna pack an extra clutch disk in on each side while you’re at it?

I just put new clutches in the one for my green Ranger and added an extra clutch disk by pulling one of the steel plates

 

[RumPunch]

You gonna pack an extra clutch disk in on each side while you’re at it?

I just put new clutches in the one for my green Ranger and added an extra clutch disk by pulling one of the steel plates

Hmm never heard of the technique. I honestly don't know that the little 2.9 has enough power to need much more but, do tell. Can you explain thought/theory? Just packing clutch tighter?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Hmm never heard of the technique. I honestly don't know that the little 2.9 has enough power to need much more but, do tell. Can you explain thought/theory? Just packing clutch tighter?

So there’s a write-up in the tech archives, but basically, you pull the clutch packs out, and swap a steel plate for a clutch plate.

Center pin comes out, S spring comes out, rotate the spiders out, then under the side gears on each side is a stack of clutch and steel plates and usually a shim. Keep the shims separated by side (mine actually stuck in the carrier). The stack of plates will be something like clutch/steel/steel/clutch/steel/clutch/steel. Pull one of the doubled steel plates and then add a clutch to the end so it’s clutch/steel/clutch/steel/clutch/steel/clutch. Re-assemble the way it came apart.

Supposed to make it work more like a locker and less like a limited slip. My choptop has a 7.5” in the rear that supposedly done that way. I will say, it digs with both rears and does act more like a locker in that truck. That said, the un-modded limited slip in my 92 worked really well, but I think there is a little unpredictability to the un-modded.

 

[RumPunch]

Well today seems successful. Limited slip installed and good mesh + no noise I'll take it. Thanks @corerftech worked like a champ!

 

[RumPunch]

Well I am not sure of others opinions on this "lack of style" I guess you could call it. But when my main harnesses had to be swapped and I lost all wiring going to my power windows (which I prefer manual crank anyway) I didn't feel like tackling window regulators and windows etc.. that being said I have made equal work for myself with this project.. But I decided probably be pretty easy to find some donor manual window doors, found a good driver one in NC a while back, manual crank 0 rust and a vent window, who knew what a hard combo to find. But once that was placed on the truck the multi color grew on me as well as the fact of not hiding the donor vehicles history. Honestly too, I just kinda like the look. Not for everyone and don't care of criticism. But I decided with the look growing on me and knowing it wasn't going to get painted I chose to find or attempt to find some really cool either patinad or graphics door from another poor RBV left to die in a salvage yard, and let one more live on a little longer in my Bronco project. Well luckily I get to travel a good bit and my trip last night to Greensboro NC revealed EXACTLY what I hoped to find. Only wish I could have saved the whole truck. The 80-90s graphics be it cars, trucks, signage or boats has always been a favorite and that's just what I found. Came away with the door and fender( had to take it off to do the door and mine is cracked up around the mounting bolts) for $115. I am stoked with this, although I do have to convert it to a vent window if I want it to match. Either way I know there will be criticism on my decision or at least unspoken criticism but I don't care. It's what I wanted! And now that I'm $10k plus into this little thing I'll make it just how I want

 

[Uncle Gump]

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. You do you...

I really think I'm gonna do camo on mine... certainly not for every one. But it's mine.

 

[RumPunch]

Exactly!!! Well if you need any camo body panels let me know I have passed quite a few! Some looked pretty good but didn’t work against silver in my opinion!!

 

[Peter Griffin]

@RumPunch...just read the WHOLE thread, what a ride, no pun intended! Much respect to your obvious exceptional mechanical skill and patience that Job would be jealous of. I'll be doing a fraction of your work on my "new" '88 but I'll likely change my plans for a Duff lift/suspension to a Skyjacker...just say'n!

 

[dvdswan]

Until someone starts funding you for your build, they have no say in what you do.

Unless you plan on doing this...

which looks like this...

Then everyone has the right to tell you no.

 

[RumPunch]

@Peter Griffin thank you for the comment it's much appreciated after a lot of heartache and rework but it's finally getting to where I want it.

And yes I have put a LOT of lifts on this is the one and only James Duff. I regret not going Skyjacker 100% and about $1000 less..

Luckily in the Commonwealth @dvdswan the "Carolina Squat" is absolutely illegal and a summonsable offense!!!

 

[RumPunch]

Well went for a little drive today to one of my girlfriends family farms to meet up with her and found someone had decided to go joy riding and apparently drove over the gate.. Looks like it cost them some cosmetic changes on what appears a fairly late model vehicle. Anywho had a little fun with the Bronco on a few miles of roads. Hit one muddy spot later(on another farm) next to the river had to lock it in but had fun!