• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Best location to mount CB 89-92


Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
16
Points
8
Location
Maud, Texas
Vehicle Year
90
Make / Model
Ford Bronco II
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Howdy everyone.

Could any of you please tell me the best mounting location for a CB in my 90 bronco ii? I was thinking under the dash in the middle, but I have a 5 speed and 4x4 is down there too. Any suggestions?
 


ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,213
Reaction score
16,350
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Have you already bought the cb? Or are you just planning ahead. I imagine real estate is scarce in a Bronco II. You might consider mounting it overhead. Or buy a remote mounted radio that has all the controls in the microphone. That way the body of the radio could be under the seat, in a console or even somewhere in the back of the vehicle.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,390
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
What ericphoto is suggesting might the the only two options. If you have an overhead console, then under the seat might be the only option.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
16
Points
8
Location
Maud, Texas
Vehicle Year
90
Make / Model
Ford Bronco II
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I haven't bought it, just planning ahead. Those are some good options, thank you.
 

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,613
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
Years ago I bought a smaller unit from Cobra and was able to modify the ash tray sliding bracket to accept the radio for an in-dash mounting. It didn't overheat, but I did have to get an external speaker for it as the built-in speaker was not powerful enough to be heard clearly through the dash.

That was in my 1st gen though, I think your ash tray setup is different.
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
Mine is directly under the ash tray in both my rigs. There's just barely enough room there to mount a full-sized CB radio (like a Cobra 148-GTL, Galaxy DX949, DX99V, etc.) and have it clear both the ash tray, and the 4WD shift lever if you make your own bracket(s) that put the radio directly up against the bottom of the dash (it clears the shifter by about 3/8", though YMMV if your truck's body bushings are shot. A smaller radio such as a Uniden PRO-520XL however should fit no matter what).

Since the "all-in-the-microphone" type radios were mentioned, I would strongly suggest that if you decide to go that route, get the Midland 75-822 (I believe was the model number). DO NOT buy the Cobra version (75-NWST or whatever it is), the Cobra unit has about the worst-sounding microphone of any kind of radio I've ever heard, and because it's an all-in-one unit, you can't replace it with something aftermarket like you can on a traditional radio (not in a practical sense anyway... If you're good with a soldering iron and can do microsurgery, then maybe... But the Midland doesn't just have a better-sounding mic, it's all around a much better & more-versatile radio).
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,390
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
The Midland model number looks right.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
16
Points
8
Location
Maud, Texas
Vehicle Year
90
Make / Model
Ford Bronco II
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Thank you everyone for your replies and info. I appreciate it more than I can show here.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,637
Reaction score
4,704
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
I mounted mine right here:



There was a bracket right there that was very convenient. I just had to add a couple holes in it and IIRC I didn't have to drill through the dash plastic at all. Works great, it's plenty loud enough there too.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
16
Points
8
Location
Maud, Texas
Vehicle Year
90
Make / Model
Ford Bronco II
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I mounted mine right here:



There was a bracket right there that was very convenient. I just had to add a couple holes in it and IIRC I didn't have to drill through the dash plastic at all. Works great, it's plenty loud enough there too.
thank you for the picture shran. ive thought about mounting one there but my major worry is my transmission and transfer case shifters will be in the way.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,637
Reaction score
4,704
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
My shifters are miles from the radio... My radio is pretty small though. A bigger one might be a problem.
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
The transmission shifter is definitely nowhere near hitting the radio. The t-case shifter would be the only one to worry about.

I have this pic of mine, though it was taken after I put a short body lift on the truck (though I also did raise the trans & t-case a bit too so I could make a flatter skid plate underneath). As such, it might not be a good reference. Again though, before the body lift and raising the trans, there was about 3/8" between the knob and bottom of the radio.

 

scotts90ranger

Well-Known Member
RBV's on Boost
Joined
Feb 28, 2001
Messages
7,936
Reaction score
4,231
Points
113
Location
Dayton Oregon
Vehicle Year
1990, 1997
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6
Tire Size
35"
I have a full size CB in my '90 and tucked it down further than junkie's and don't hit it with anything. Wait, I swapped to a smaller one that still doesn't work, but used the same bracket... anyway, there's lots of room and if memory serves there's even two holes in the dash pointing down there so you don't even have to drill holes in the dash.

I have a new Uniden to install, now I just gotta get my wheeling buddies to get CB's in their rigs again... or get my 2 ways working again...
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
86
Reaction score
16
Points
8
Location
Maud, Texas
Vehicle Year
90
Make / Model
Ford Bronco II
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Thanks for the replies everyone, I was really hoping that spot would work. When I get around to it ill post a picture.
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,213
Reaction score
17,527
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
Different era truck but I put mine on the right side. Drove to Indiana and back and the only complaint I heard from the copilot was about the mike getting bumped off. I threw it between the t-case shifters and no more complaining.

 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top