1984 Ford Bronco II Any Concerns?

[Leadchunker]

I own an 84 BII that I have kept stock with the exception of the duraspark conversion. Mine has a 4 spd manual that has been rebuilt, I also rebuilt the original 2.8 and replaced the stock carb with a Holley 2bbl. I removed the cat and the air pump, during my rebuild, I made an aluminum plate to block off the air pump port and the mechanical fuel pump port. I had no issues with removing the air pump or the cat. You should be fine towing short distance, it will be sluggish but it is a 2.8l. The biggest concern is overheating, the heads on the 2.8l are very susceptible to cracking if any overheating occurs. Had to replace one head during the rebuild. The 4wd system is good for light duty trails, etc. If you are going to do anything, I would recommend getting an 8.8 rearend with disc brakes from an Explorer and a Dana 35 front from a 91-94 Explorer. This will maintain your manual locking hubs, give your rear disc brakes, both are heavier duty and will allow you to swap in a V8 if the motor ever gives up on you. There are many more options available for these axles than the 7.5" rear and Dana 28 front you have now. The Duraspark conversion is easy and gets rid of the computer and all of the emissions stuff. Good Luck

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Removing the cat is against federal law period. You can however gut it, all it needs is to be there it don`t have to work.

 

[wildbill23c]

I guess I should have worded my post better, if I removed the CAT altogether I'd have to put in a section of straight pipe, but by just gutting it, its going to basically serve the same purpose for the little whining law people. My 99 Dodge Ram had the CAT gutted in it, and you could tell a difference in power afterwards.

I think the farthest I will be towing anything, mainly my little camp trailer or a single place atv trailer is about 25 miles one way and that's all on back roads with 35-45mph speed limits anyhow, I'm not trying to break land speed records I know how the 2.8L V6's were from my 84 ford ranger, however I also know they can haul and tow far more than what they're rated at for short periods of time on private property. I've seen people try towing some massive trailers with the RBV's and its quite entertaining watching parts go flying all over.

I don't plan on doing any wheeling with the B2, its going to be my daily driver, and my occasional camping trip rig so I'm not going to be doing any heavy towing, and the only 4WD use its going to see is the occasional use for snow driving. This will be my first 4WD RBV as my 84 ranger was only 2WD.

I may do a few upgrades to it once I get it home Tuesday and see how things really work with it currently. I do know I need to have the trailer wiring harness installed, previous owner had the receiver hitch put on but never had it wired. I know I need a spare tire and wheel for it and a few minor interior things like the dash put back together on it, maybe a stereo install and speakers later on, but right now I can live with it stripped down. Maybe getting the B2 home will cure my mind missing my little ranger pickup at least it will be somewhat close to the ranger just slightly different colors LOL.

Thanks for everyone's help. Far more information than the ford dealer could come up with for me, which was a bunch of scratching heads and a couple of what is a bronco 2 questions.

 

[wildbill23c]

Alright after a very long not so good day (lost my job) I got the Bronco 2 home. Pictures to follow tomorrow when there's light outside. One question right now is the alternator. I'm not sure if its connected right as soon as you disconnect the battery the engine shuts off instantly. Is there a simple non-schematic diagram that someone has? I think this alternator has 3 or 4 different contacts on the back. Being an 84 is this the wrong alternator or am I missing something dumb?