Is this guy a genius or a whackjob??

[Jim Oaks]

​

I guess this would fall under 'skidplate'.

This Bronco II is for sale on ebay for $39,999:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-Ford-B...ash=item2f011b5b94:g:NmAAAOSw4YdYzD18&vxp=mtr

I'm really puzzled by these photos. I've never seen anything like this before, and I've seen a lot of Ranger's and Bronco II's. I can't decide if this guy is a nut.....or brilliant. He obviously put a lot of work in to this, but I guess I would have to see it in action.

The Bronco II has a Dana 35 front, 9-inch rear, Atlas transfer case, 5.14 gears, and a Superlift 5.5 inch lift with the longer radius arms.

But I really did a WTF when I saw the 'Live Rib Cage' skid plate.

 

[Mark_88]

Wow...I'd buy it just for all those extras...

Looks good...probably a whack job for spending all that money on a truck that old though. I'd do it too if I had his money...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

$100k invested and it still has a 2.8...

I like the little caster wheel hitch plug lol.

The thing is pretty detailed though, he does have A LOT of time and money invested in the thing.

The leaf spring skidplate is very interesting.

 

[Shran]

I like the tent, that's pretty cool, and it's definitely clean. But there are a LOT of things that I'd change and/or would not have done... without being too critical of the build, I'll leave it at that.

 

[Jim Oaks]

The leaf spring skidplate is very interesting.

Ya, thus the reason for my post. I just don't know what to think about it. Especially since it attaches to the axle.

Looking at the photos, I noticed that there is a Superlift Superrunner steering setup in there as well.

 

[Angie]

Good luck with the sale...

Ummm first thing that comes to mind... is... bond, james bond? Anyone who believes the hydrogen system made with water and vineagar kinda says it all.....

as for the skid plate... well its different for sure....

cheers and thanks for the insightful build

 

[adsm08]

Einstein said that the only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Einstein said that the only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits.

Some of it does kind of have merit.

I know people have talked about making a skidplate for the TTB and in addition to the axle being so close to the front of the truck most of moves around. Unconventional but he did work around both issues.

Woodwork inside is pretty nice, that tool kit box is pretty cool. He could have had it made but still, I think it is neat.

Axles were a weak point, he fixed that. Still surprised he stuck with the 2.8 though. Granted half of his $100k "build" could have been keeping that thing passing Cali emissions...

Link died BTW

 

[mavereq]

Not my cup of tea

 

[MastuhWaffles]

I mean...
Whatever floats your boat.

 

[turbo91xlt]

Having the original window sticker was neat. it was ordered with front & rear lsd's.

 

[AllanD]

$100k invested and it still has a 2.8...

I like the little caster wheel hitch plug lol.

The thing is pretty detailed though, he does have A LOT of time and money invested in the thing.

The leaf spring skidplate is very interesting.

And a Mitsubishi trans!

 

[Captain Ledd]

Honestly, I'm siding on the Genius end.

They have shackles up by the bumper, they're free to move on the axle with little impact on travel/spring rate. They have a nice radius and flexibility to just bounce over things, and it's (relatively) smooth bottomed, with extra shackles with an extra joint at the top for twist. It looks like it would all move quite freely, and yet still keep most things from coming up and catching on parts. Obviously not completely so, but far better than nothing.

That light is in an odd place, but when on I bet it reflects plenty off of the undercarriage so you can look out your window and see what you're driving over.

 

[veefer800canuck]

I would rip out the powertrain and the hokey hydrogen setup and V8 swap the hell out of it.

 

[BLOODBANE]

All I can say is to each their own. Lots of things on there that most folks would never use. Just another tin foil wearing prepper. He will never get his costs back, and that will make him mad, and call everyone else a loser. I will still take my 1100.00 Samurai over that nightmare. Just cause the parts are there doesnt mean they work together (I just dont see any wear marks on anything showing it all works)