MY build thread...'88 Bronco II Desert Rat Patrol Edition: MAJOR update 2/23/2025

[lil_Blue_Ford]

^^^ yes to poor connection.
The heavy cables to and from battery and starter and ground all need to be checked. A loose connection, corroded wires under the insulation, or broken connection that slightly touches intermittently in the insulation or cable end are all responsible for a click sound from the fender solenoid (relay). Sometimes a series of rapid click sounds if low battery.

Definitely is worth checking, I’ve actually come across the big 4-gauge frame ground from the battery look perfect but be corroded to junk in the insulation. I only thought to check when I realized the wire sounded very crunchy when I moved it and that was enough to get curious enough to skin some insulation off and find the culprit. I replace all of the heavy gauge wires with welding cable and use dielectric grease or No-Alox (electricians use it for connecting aluminum wire to keep corrosion at bay, I’ve bought it from Home Depot so it’s readily available). Just remember the No-Alox is kinda like anti-seize and is electrically conductive. Dielectric grease is a silicone grease that is not so electrically conductive. So use appropriately.

 

[RobbieD]

I agree with the previous posts.

When I checked the amp wiring at the battery which has a massive fusible link, which I believe is 30A, the blue wire had a greenish tinge to it on the inboard and outboard sides of the transparent fuse holder, which indicated heat cycling to me.

I know that you're in a hot, dry climate, but I would suspect failed main cables. Poor current flow paths contributes to all circuits struggling to do their thing.

 

[Peter Griffin]

Battery and alternator were just replaced, the janky "code reader" I bought said it was the neutral safety switch but there's definitely a gremlin afoot! It's never had a starting issue, outside of a bad battery, since I got it a year and a half ago now...time flies!

Thanks for the replies/suggestions guys, I appreciate it!

 

[gaz]

@Peter Griffin
For the modest cost and piece of mind, replacing the big cables (battery positive, starter cable and main ground) with nice copper connectors...I have had the exact same issue as @alwaysFlOoReD , @lil_Blue_Ford and @RobbieD have suggested.

Upon building, the new replacement cables and installing them, my then 5 year old Ranger fired up like the very first time I had ever turned the key!

 

[Peter Griffin]

Ugh...bad starter. Less than $300 to get a new one installed and since it's gonna be 115 here today and my back is still jacked up, I'm fine with that!

I asked that he check ALL the battery/ground cables and replace if necessary and he said he gave them a good second look and they're good to go.

 

[Peter Griffin]

My local wrench called me to come pick 'er up. Fired right up and was purring like a kitten!

We probably hit our highest temperature so far this year at 115 and with the e-fan(s) the A/C was blasting and engine barely hitting 190 after letting it idle for a LONG time, I wanted to see if the temp would climb like it was doing before.. The Dakota Digital fan controller has an app so I can read the exact engine temperature in real time and not have to rely on the gauge.

So my goal and the engine running cool along with occupants is decidedly met! There's not too many places in the country that get the peak summer temps we do so I'm quite satisfied given the extreme environmental conditions we have here.

It's hardly a rocket but it's a tough lil bugger for sure!

Thanks again for all the suggestions/help gentlemen, I very much appreciate it!

 

[Peter Griffin]

I'm very humbled and grateful to see my BII popping up in the Truck of the Month for several months now, if it wasn't for y'all helping me out I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be the case...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Glad it sounds like you finally have it pretty well sorted out!

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm very humbled and grateful to see my BII popping up in the Truck of the Month for several months now, if it wasn't for y'all helping me out I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be the case...

Next time you're out in it...

You should be thinking about some glamor shots for the build thread. I know I'd like to see it out in the desert with some nice surroundings.

 

[Peter Griffin]

Next time you're out in it...

You should be thinking about some glamor shots for the build thread. I know I'd like to see it out in the desert with some nice surroundings.

That's my plan actually, the current extreme SW AZ temperatures aside this time of year (112 today and we're not in peak temps...!) my recent back surgery isn't exactly encouraging me to go bounce around in the desert!

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's my plan actually, the current extreme SW AZ temperatures aside this time of year (112 today and we're not in peak temps...!) my recent back surgery isn't exactly encouraging me to go bounce around in the desert!

Suck it up cupcake...

Seriously... I hope all is getting better everyday.

 

[Peter Griffin]

That was back surgery #7 and I now have an EIGHT level fusion...! They added my T-10 through T-12 to the pre-existing complete lumbar fusion, L-1 through L-5 I already had. Believe me when I tell you it's a challenge to put socks on!

Problem with fusions is they put stress on the adjacent vertebrae, same way if you welded two coils on a coil spring together; the ride gets worse and the stress on the other coils magnifies.

My days of high speed desert driving are likely over. I had a crazy Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo RR Max (what a mouthful, they need to work on their model naming) and it was like being strapped to a Home Depot paint shaker. A 2-hour rip would leave me banged up for days, but taking 2+ whoops at 90 sure was a hoot!

Only thing that could keep up with me was either a helo or a trophy truck!

 

[Peter Griffin]

Woo hoo!!! TOTM, thanks y'all, I very much appreciate it and couldn't have done of lot of my build without everyone's help here....

 

[Peter Griffin]

I've been basking in my selection of TOTM and wanted to check back in because my build is more or less done...

Now that the weather has cooled off to what most folks would consider to be normal temperatures, it's quite noticeable that the truck enjoys (1) the much cooler air and (2) not having the A/C drag on the engine constantly. I loathe the term "peppy" but the throttle response and "power" is definitely adequate.

I think with my gearing and 31-tires and taking into account the addition height of the body/suspension lift and weight of the bumpers, it's pretty decent. I always said another solid 30 or so RWHP/torque and it'd be perfect, but I'm not able to make that financial leap considering the frankly unbelievably amount of money I ended up spending to get it where it is now...!

I do have a couple of items laying around that if anyone here needs just let me know. I figured I'd post it here first since y'all helped me out and encouraged me so if you need a new/new-ish radiator (one has an e-fan that would probably work fine in a "normal" climate, but NOT here in the extreme AZ SW desert), 3-inch lift blocks and leaf spring U-bolts, and a JVC KD-R210 (single CD/single DIN chassis) head unit, just let me know, all I need for payment is the shipping cost...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I've been basking in my selection of TOTM and wanted to check back in because my build is more or less done...

Now that the weather has cooled off to what most folks would consider to be normal temperatures, it's quite noticeable that the truck enjoys (1) the much cooler air and (2) not having the A/C drag on the engine constantly. I loathe the term "peppy" but the throttle response and "power" is definitely adequate.

I think with my gearing and 31-tires and taking into account the addition height of the body/suspension lift and weight of the bumpers, it's pretty decent. I always said another solid 30 or so RWHP/torque and it'd be perfect, but I'm not able to make that financial leap considering the frankly unbelievably amount of money I ended up spending to get it where it is now...!

I do have a couple of items laying around that if anyone here needs just let me know. I figured I'd post it here first since y'all helped me out and encouraged me so if you need a new/new-ish radiator (one has an e-fan that would probably work fine in a "normal" climate, but NOT here in the extreme AZ SW desert), 3-inch lift blocks and leaf spring U-bolts, and a JVC KD-R210 (single CD/single DIN chassis) head unit, just let me know, all I need for payment is the shipping cost...

Glad you’re finally enjoying your toy, lol!

I’m tempted to take you up on the radiator and e-fan…