Hey guys,

Since my Bronco will have it's body off and the frame is being boxed, has anyone ever moved their engine back a few inches to help transfer some of the weight to the rear? I'm sure some of the issues I'll run into is having to cut out some of the firewall, new crossmembers for the trans/transfer case and dealing with drive shaft angles. So I'm curious to hear if anyone has had any success with this mod? Thank you.

Chris

The Bronco is very well balanced from the factory. There was a 2WD Bronco Lightning hybred protoype that was in the mags long time ago. They claimed the 2WD swap made the Bronco's front to rear balance true 50/50.

here is the article from Dec 93 Sport Truck
http://fordfuelinjection.com/public/high-voltage-bronco1.jpg
http://fordfuelinjection.com/public/high-voltage-bronco2.jpg

Thanks Fireguy, maybe I should have gave more background info. I'm building a Score Class 3 Bronco so I'm thinking of balance more on a race truck level then a street truck. On a street truck you can have more weight in the front and it won't effect the truck since it's less likely to lift it's tires off the ground.

CP

I don't think anybody around here has ventured into moving the engine. Just trying to give you some sort of an answer :shrug

I havent measured the rear d-shaft, but, it will get even shorter... which, could start in inhibit travel... plus, it will increase front shaft swing...

Now, seeing some of your pics, it seems modifying the firewall, and floor plans isnt really an issue...

What is your unltimate transfer goal?

How much wieght is forward of the center line, that you can move back?

Would it be better to try to actually LOSE some weight somewhere else?

I dont know of it being done...

BUT, I am completely sure its more than doable... but, to what advantage...

Just some things to think on, not that you havent thought of them, but, for others...

Chase

Something else to consider: It may be more beneficial to build a custom x-member and drop the engine an inch or two to lower the CG. Lower CG equals faster turns. You could go an inch lower and still be within Class specs I believe.

I don't think the amount of weight transfer would be much with a 3" move of the motor. Radiator, battery, fuel cell locations are key to your set-up.

Moving 600 pounds 3 inches is like moving a 50 pound battery 36 inches. Just to kinda put ghglenns comment into perspective. Moving a 50 pound battery 7 feet to the back would give you more than twice the return on your effort.