Terrys 88 Bronco2 Restore

[Terrys87]

Looking thru my Ranger build, this is the heater core I used on the Ranger. Really happy with its fit and heating. Got it from Rockauto.

One more part off of the shelf and trying to keep track if it.

I really have not been inside the Bronco much. Digging thru things in the back I found another transmission dipstick. Someone else has had problems with it. I got a feeling this transmission will be getting a full rebuild. I am keeping it and if that what it takes, it is what it is.

 

[Terrys87]

Someone in the past lost the clips and used nuts and bolts. I found some in the bone yard.

More surprises. Fusebox not screwed down and a wire was added. Removed the wire already.

The way it should be with clips. I had another fuse panel and it for the best if the two.

 

[Terrys87]

Thus truck has been sitting for a while. I found a dirt dobber nest. Currently cleaning the Intake.

Throttle Body was not operating freely. Got it cleaned up, moving nicely and carbon out if it.

I think this is the Air Intake Sensor. I keep the electrical connector and face it up and use brake cleaner to get carbon out of it. This Bronco runs great but since I am in it, I want to get it in best shape as possible.

I forget the name if this sensor. I cleaned it well due to all the carbon in it.

Here it is with oil/carbon.

 

[Jazzer]

You’ll want to use an electronics cleaner on that Idle Air Control, (Air Intake Sensor) Terry, not brake cleaner, or you may damage it.

 

[Terrys87]

@Jazzer. Good catch. I did sensor cleaner on sensor. I used the brake cleaner inside the Upper Intake. I will explain below that might help others.

 

[Terrys87]

I use Easy Off oven cleaner for sone degreasing. It is harsh in aluminum so I don’t leave it on long.

The owner I bought the Bronco from replaced fuel tank and fuel pumps. I want to get this re installed and less part out if the way.

A little sanding with 80 grit got the scales of rust off.

I get an hour lunch break at work. Sometimes you will see a sink or other work bench involved. Instead of watching the clock go around. I have a tote bin and can carry small projects or supplies. Here I have my sander, drill with wire brush and cleaners. This is two days work that when I get on the Bronco will save me a little time or hopefully do a better job then just installing dirty parts on the truck. If you get an hour lunch break, this might be helpful for you. One reason my builds tend to jump around. Sometimes trying to find one hour projects to do can be a task but can add up in the long run. Bumper Filler, Skid Plate, Upper Intake and seniors ready to go back in. I still have to get the Valve Cover gaskets done in the truck but in my mind this should speed it up some this weekend.

 

[Terrys87]

I went to install the filler panel to get it out if the way if things. Previous owner must have removed the bumper when doing the fuel tank. The freshened up black filler makes the rest of the black plastic look tired.

Happened to me on my Ranger, and I meant to post it way back then. Thermostat Housing bolt broke off in the Ranger when I was doing its cooling system. A friend of mine was able to weld a nut to get the broken bolt out. Being aluminum lower intake and steel bolt, they can seize together. When possible I replace with stud and nut.

Studs and nuts installed in thermostat housing just so I don’t lose them. I hope to get valve covers and tune up done this week.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I usually go to a good grade of stainless for bolts and use some stuff on the threads to prevent corrosion. Tried a number of different things but now I have a 1# can of copper anti-sieze

 

[Terrys87]

@lil_Blue_Ford I see it is your Birthday. Happy Birthday. Hope it is a great one for you. I have one later this month as well.
My last broken bolt I am sure is because I did not use antisieze.
I seen your list on your build. I am always sending myself a text message. One for parts, to do, salvage, each thing I want or need to do. I get in salvage yard or shop to work and always forget something.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

@lil_Blue_Ford I see it is your Birthday. Happy Birthday. Hope it is a great one for you. I have one later this month as well.
My last broken bolt I am sure is because I did not use antisieze.
I seen your list on your build. I am always sending myself a text message. One for parts, to do, salvage, each thing I want or need to do. I get in salvage yard or shop to work and always forget something. View attachment 129483

Thank you!

I originally used to use the aluminum anti-sieze. Used it for years until I had to start taking stuff apart that had been installed with it and things didn’t go so well. Pretty much nobody around here sells anything but that stuff. I experimented with various greases and oils as anti-sieze after that for awhile, but more recently bought myself a 1# can of an electrically conductive copper anti-sieze so we shall see. I already like it better than looking like the tin man.

I make paper lists of things. Used to be able to keep track of it all in my head but a couple of concussions changed that. I have lousy cell service on the property so I often don’t carry my phone around with me. I do, however, use my phone to have lists of things like stuff from the hardware store that I need to get or parts from the junkyard or non-critical parts from the parts store so when I call in an order or stop in I can just pick up that stuff too and the like. It’s still only as good as me making sure to use the lists, but it helps.

 

[SenorNoob]

Copper is the best antisieze. We use it on injection machine head bolts at work. Usually have no problem taking them apart. That's after a couple hundred heat cycles from ambient to 700F.

 

[Terrys87]

Thanks @SenorNoob l have used it in the past just wasn’t sure how compatible with different metals it would work with.

 

[Terrys87]

Yea, mid June and my shop gets to hot to work in early in the afternoon. I will have to work on Bronco after work as I work midnights and have a little time before it gets hot.

I got the passenger side cover off. Looks like oil changes were neglected. I will flush motor when I get it on the road.

I use a razor blade and vice grips as a scrapper. The factory used cork gasket on the valve covers. This one they used concrete for a gasket. Usually it comes off with some work. I’m letting gasket soak in WD40 and working it off a little at a time. Use the blue Fel Pro gaskets. They seal so much better. A little pricey but worth it in the long run. Posting part number for future reference or others.

I have a better valve cover in better shape and will use this one when I get the old gasket off.
Power Tour ended this weekend. I plan on taking the Ranger to Cruizin the Coast this September. I orginally wanted to take the Bronco but with the transmission, I dont think it will happen as this is going to cost a bit to get the transmission fixed and the heat is going to slow this build down. My goal is to take this on Power Tour next year. Wife wants to be involved in this build and turn it into her truck. I am hoping she will want to do Power Tour and we take this truck. That is the goal and I have a year to get it completed. Its doable for me to make it happen.

 

[Terrys87]

Yea!!! I guess pulling the valve covers caused a transmission leak. Guess bumping the transmission dip stick.

I showered after pulling passenger side. It’s humid here. I am just as soaked as I was earlier. Most of the gasket stayed stayed on the head. I ran out of WD40 so resorted to PB Blaster. Patience is a good thing. Let it soak a while and it comes off easier on the head. Still a pain but not as bad.

Cork gasket slowly coming off.

I pulled a plug wire to get valve covers off. The connectors are corroded.

 

[Terrys87]

This truck had a bad oil leak. The build up of crusty oil build up between plug wire and head would have been difficult to change plugs. Just as bad one the other valve cover bolt.

A reminder for me this connector goes to sensor on front of motor down low. Probably oil sensor.