Lurker now a member

[BSwift]

I've been using the resources on this site for quite some time but was not starting my build so just didn't create an account. My family had the very first Bronco II in Oklahoma in 1983 and had a 73 Bronco at the time. The 73 had a series of accidents and the 84 Bronco II became my mom's daily driver. Later on, my folks picked up an 89 Eddie Bauer Edition and I inherited this Bronco II several years ago. It has a blown transmission and was totaled by a hail storm 12 years ago.
I picked up another 85 and 89 XLT's and the 89 runs but had rusted front fenders and the hatch has problems. Getting ready to start my build for a recreation build, nothing extreme at this time but looking to the future. I'm taking the Eddie Bauer interior including the dash in putting it into the other 89 that has a clean title. I'll use the front fenders and the hatch as well so I have a solid body. The doors on the 85 have manual windows with wing windows so I intend to use these as well. The Eddie Bauer has the D7 axle sets (4.11 limited slip) with automatic hubs that I will convert using the manual hubs from one of the other two. Looking at maybe a 1-2" lift and running P235 tires using the 5 speed and manual transfer case from one Bronco and rebuilding the 2.9 (specs not available just yet).
Not sure if I'll paint but likely I will just not super important, would rather have a dependable solid vehicle to haul the dogs around.
Thanks in advance for any help, my biggest obstacle is time to do what I want.

 

[BSwift]

I've been off-roading since 74 and had a 89 Ranger for 13 years (wish I had never traded it). Cut my teeth in the high country of Colorado and have done all the class 5 trails. Looking forward to my build and now that work has returned to a normal busy I hope to get on things and have a good vehicle soon. I'm sure I'll have spare parts left over from my doner vehicles so feel free to hit me up. Going to do the hole in the back mod to access the fuel pump. Had one go out in Taylor park once, not a fun journey to get to Gunnison to get a replacement on Labor Day weekend with a nearly full fuel tank.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Welcome to TRS...

Sounds like your to do list run-ith over... slow and steady wins the race.

Really cool you have your own bone yard to pull parts from... gonna make the entire process easier.

 

[BSwift]

Fortunately I have a good friend that is a excellent engine builder. We have agreed to swap our time and invoices for work done for each other. Having parts is a big plus, time is the big minus along with old age, LOL. While I have built many two stroke race engines and "helped" with V8 engine builds, I don't have the necessary setup to do the machine work or the proper expertise. This build has been a long time in the planning (wish list anyway). Might even decide to chop the top and put in a roll cage and fab a fiberglass half-cab if I find a Ranger bed and tail gate. The older Rangers are getting harder to find but they are still out there just usually not in very good condition.
After this build, I might look into a newer model Ranger doner body to do a total custom build on a Bronco II frame with V8 and SAS front end. Always looking for a late 70's Ford 4x4 drive train to even consider the build. I would really like to make later model half-cab Ranger on the short frame and do a higher end build but I'm full of wishful thinking and not a full bank account.

 

[Oxxon]

Hello and welcome to TRS!!