Project Budget(ish) Bronco.

[Sweet-85']

Ok, so about 2 years ago, I sold my bare bones 85 4x4. Worst. Decision. Ever. I loved that truck, I never should have sold it, but I figured 3 vehicles was too much, and I wanted to concentrate on the Crown Vic and Cutlass.

Well I quickly found I had Ranger withdraw again, and my search began (halfheartedly though I admit because of funds). Finally, yesterday I picked this baby up for stupid cheap (you'll be mad if I tell you). It needs a slave cylinder and a new plastic piece for the shifter (maybe $50 in parts?) to be driveable. Other than that, it's exactly what I wanted. 2.8L carb (will be durasparked), 5 speed, manual T-case. A simple hard to break powertrain.

Plans include:
- Remove exhaust, run 3" pipe after cat, side dump before rear tire
- Sealed snorkel system, run passenger side to roof level
- 2" lift (want to do it cheap and fit 31"s)
- 31" Mud or aggressive AT's
- Roof rack w/spare tire mount
- Off road lighting (four 100W on roof, two 55W on bumper)
- 8,000LB winch, front bumper mounted
- Convert A/C compressor to air compressor for emergency on-board air w/ 5 gallon tank in back
-Rear gas can holder (5 Gal emergency can)

Basically I want to make this a self sufficient trail/camping/winter vehicle.

I will post pic's as I make progress. Also, what is the cheapest way to get 2" or more of lift without doing a body lift?

 

[87DangerRanger]

You can get blocks or shackles for the rear for pretty cheap at a local auto-parts store, for the front you can stack washers underneath the coil springs. Check out the tech page on the forum, it has lots of cool ideas. http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/WasherCoilSpacers.htm

 

[Sweet-85']

Thanks! It's been so long since I've been here, I completely forgot about the tech section! Looks like my best bet for a cheap lift is spacers with longer shocks for more travel.

 

[jhammel85]

Nice! Welcome back...It looks very clean!

 

[Sweet-85']

Reviving this thread, here is a pic from about 2 years ago.



In the shop right now for a few of the things on the original list lol. This is the never ending project!

It'll be getting 32's next with new wheels, I think I'll be doing a little fender trimming...

 

[Jim Oaks]

Nice looking Bronco II!

I'm going to move this in to the Bronco II forum.

 

[Sweet-85']

Nice looking Bronco II!

I'm going to move this in to the Bronco II forum.

Thanks Jim!

I've made the decision to do the D35/8.8 swap. Wasn't originally in the plans, but if I've learned anything from my Cutlass street/strip car, it's build it so I can't break it. I'll be going with 4.56's locked front and rear, and with my anemic 2.8L V6, I don't think I'll break anything.

Currently having my local mechanic build a winch bumper, put on some 32's, and do some other basic maintenance before I bring him the axles to set up and install.

I wish I could be doing this work myself, but my life working for the railroad is essentially eat, sleep, railroad, repeat. It doesn't leave much time for working on projects.

 

[Sweet-85']

Moving forward!

The D35 and 8.8 have been retrieved! Next will be the 4.56 gears and lockers with full rebuild kits!


Snorkel has been installed, winch bumper built and installed. Alternator has been upgraded to 100amp from a 1984 Grand Marquis to support the extra electrical draw.



Next will be the axle swap, 32's, and possibly a little more lift.

 

[ecgreen]

Moving forward!

The D35 and 8.8 have been retrieved! Next will be the 4.56 gears and lockers with full rebuild kits!


Snorkel has been installed, winch bumper built and installed. Alternator has been upgraded to 100amp from a 1984 Grand Marquis to support the extra electrical draw.



Next will be the axle swap, 32's, and possibly a little more lift.

Love the build!
What kind of truck is that snorkel built for?

 

[Sweet-85']

Love the build!
What kind of truck is that snorkel built for?

Thanks! The snorkel is actually for a Toyota Land cruiser 60 series, and can be had for pretty cheap. I think I paid $150 for the kit on ebay. It's not perfect, but it's a pretty darn close match for the Bronco II. I got the idea from here: http://www.broncoiicorral.com/overlanding-bronco-ii/

 

[ecgreen]

Thanks! The snorkel is actually for a Toyota Land cruiser 60 series, and can be had for pretty cheap. I think I paid $150 for the kit on ebay. It's not perfect, but it's a pretty darn close match for the Bronco II. I got the idea from here: http://www.broncoiicorral.com/overlanding-bronco-ii/

Nice! How about the rack, where is that from? Perfect fit

 

[Sweet-85']

Nice! How about the rack, where is that from? Perfect fit

The rack is custom, a buddy built it for me. However, it's nothing more than a little square tubing, angle iron, and steel mesh, if you or a friend have a little welding skill, it's not hard to build.

 

[Sweet-85']

Rear axle is done and ready to go in!

 

[CraftsmanQuad19]

Just curious as to why you went with the ranger 8.8 with drum brakes as opposed to an explorer 8.8 with disk brakes and heavier axle shafts? Looking at the rest of the build, flipping the spring perches shouldn’t be an issue for you. Was it just the cheaper option?

 

[Sweet-85']

Just curious as to why you went with the ranger 8.8 with drum brakes as opposed to an explorer 8.8 with disk brakes and heavier axle shafts? Looking at the rest of the build, flipping the spring perches shouldn’t be an issue for you. Was it just the cheaper option?

It was the cheaper option, I got both axles as a set from the same truck for dirt cheap. I don't think I'll ever run anything bigger than a 33" tire, and the truck is only a mild wheeler anyway. I just don't get a lot of spare time working for the railroad. I'll at least benefit from the stronger axle tubes, if not the shafts.