“Ruth’s” Bronco II was one of the extreme Bronco II’s that has graced this site, and I didn’t want it to be lost and forgotten with time.
When Ruth bought the Bronco II, it was still stock. He lifted it with custom made suspension blocks and made his own body lift out of 2×2″ tubing and all-thread.
He got some 1/2 worn 36″ TSL’s, gutted the interior, built a rollbar, and eventually added a 4-inch suspension lift.
Like many off roaders, he wheeled it, broke it, fixed it, and continued to improve on it.
Over time, the Bronco II received a Dana 44 front axle with 5.38 gears. It was moved forward 11-inches and suspended by early Bronco lift coils and custom links. It’s steered by a Toyota IFS steering box, and a Trailgear Rockram setup.
The rear was upgraded to a Dana 60 with 5.38 gears and a Lincoln locker.
The fenders were cut to make room for the 42-inch tires. Ruth finished the job by creating new wheel wells.
The front was narrowed:
And the 2.9L engine was replaced with a 4.0L engine.
A custom front bumper was built and holds a Warn 8274 winch.
Ruth also used his fabrication skills to build a custom crossmember/skid plate, sliders, and a rear bumper. He also built his links and mounted the spring perches on the front axle. A fuel cell was mounted in the rear of the cab.
Overtime, the Bronco II was upgraded again with a doubler transfer case, a Dana 60 with 5.38’s, and a new link and ladder bar mount.
More Photos:
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures contributed by owners worldwide. TheRangerStation.com has been referenced in print, video and online by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, and experience-based information.
