Hi all, I promised a few people updates on the Bronco when it got close to completion. Well, it's getting a little closer.... There are still a lot of unfinished details. Parts in single shear, tubes partially welded, coil retainers uninstalled, limit straps, bumps, etc.

The ultimate goal is to have a reliable daily driver that I can drive to work daily, prerun race courses, chase and pit for friends and just plain drive the hell out of without breaking. Except for the upper shock mounts (front and rear) that I built, the front and rear suspension is Autofab. Wheel travel is around 16" front and rear and the shocks are 2.5"x14" Fox in the front and 2.5"x12" Sway-A-Way in the rear.

Exterior pic:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/294372/fullsize/avatarBRONCO.jpg
Radius arms (coil-buckets not yet installed):

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/274037/fullsize/IMG_3648.JPG

Another front end pic:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518772/fullsize/img_0865-(2).jpg

Front suspension:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/288804/fullsize/IMG_3997%20(2).JPG

Driver side shock mount. Ignore the c/o hardware, I've been too lazy to remove it:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/288796/fullsize/IMG_3974%20(2).JPG

Rear suspension. The rear shocks are currently internal bypasses, but I don't like the way they feel so I'm going to change the internals to make them into regular shocks soon:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/288794/fullsize/IMG_3985%20(2).JPG

A simple light bar to hold me over till I get around to building a real bumper:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/288803/fullsize/IMG_3994%20(2).JPG

A couple pics of the not-yet-destroyed interior:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/259287/fullsize/IMG_2658.JPG

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/259309/fullsize/IMG_2654.JPG

The body and interior look mint, the suspension is kick ass but I'm not too sure about that steering setup

damn, thats a nice interior!

:stupid that is one clean interior

(long drawn out whistle) that is a slick bronco.

whats with the bar coming off the rearend? is that just to prevent axle tramp?

The body and interior look mint, the suspension is kick ass but I'm not too sure about that steering setup

The steering works just fine the way it is. They key is to limit droop travel before the steering binds. Eventually I'll probably build (or buy Autofab's kit) a cross-over steering set up.

Damn dude... that truck is NICE! Lovin the front autofab beams!

I'm leaning toward coilovers for the front and eliminating the coils and just buildings some tall ass shock hoops... but that's down the road.

sick truck man!

whats with the bar coming off the rearend? is that just to prevent axle tramp?

It's Autofab's 2-link kit. It controls axle wrap without binding the suspension.

I'm leaning toward coilovers for the front and eliminating the coilssick truck man!

I was really close to going with coil-overs. In fact the front shocks are coil-over shocks. Even after I bought the coil-buckets I went back in forth. But in the end the buckets won. It's really hard to correctly build an upper coil-over mount that won't destroy the frame after a few seasons of hard use. I saw too many beamed coil-over trucks with twisted & tweeked frames. You also have to relocate lots of parts including the master cylinder to place the upper mount in the propper location for good geometry at full bump. I decided to go with a proven set-up as part of the goal is a SIMPLE truck.

Killer info, and your interior looks mint.

I'm about to undertake a similar build.

So im guessing you TTB arms are modified...whats the info on those?

oh, sweet bronco...im jealous of your interior

So im guessing you TTB arms are modified...

The axle housings are from Autofab. The lower ball joint has been moved out and reinforced (not just welded back in like some). I reinforced the housings by welding 3/16" plate to the back to box them in.

damn dude, i wish my Bronk was HALF as clean as that thing, good job, looks nice, love the paint

That thang is 23 model years old

Where's all the rust !?!?!?!?!?!

It's incredible Steve !

Sixlitre

That thang is 23 model years old

Where's all the rust !?!?!?!?!?!

It's incredible Steve !

Sixlitre

LOL, the truck was VERY well taken care of. Honestly, it was dirtier the day after I bought it than it had probably been in it's entire existence. I had to scrape the original undercoating off the outsides of the frame rails to weld on the frame. When I first saw the Bronco, about 80% of the interior carpet was covered by blankets as well as the rear seat. I wouldn't be surprised if no one had ever sat in the back.

Don't worry though. Sometime in the next couple years I'll destroy the interior to build a solid cage front to rear.

All i can comment on is how great that interior looks. :thumbup

NICE! Please join me in the "mint interior club"...

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/160615/fullsize/sweet%20inside.JPG

But your blue is MUCH nicer to me!

Adrianspeeder

Wow, dont you dare touch that interior:shocked ..or we will all come out there and hurt you!!!:twak

Nice TTB setup there for all those TTB haters out there!!:rockon :goodfinge :thumbup

I wish my 10-year newer truck looked as rust-free and new (interior)! I have enough rust and dirt for the two of us!

All I can do now is laugh at the giant rust hole that used to be part of my tailgate! ...still works though...

Awesome truck.

Wow, dont you dare touch that interior:shocked ..or we will all come out there and hurt you!!!:twak

Nice TTB setup there for all those TTB haters out there!!:rockon :goodfinge :thumbup

It took a lot of convincing from friends for me to actually use this truck as a project vehicle. At first I didn't want to cut it up because it was so pristine. I wish I had taken pictures of it when I first got it.

Now however, it's all fair game. the interior will be completely gutted when the cage is installed. I want a super-rigid cage so all the pretty and daily comfort will go out the window for the sake of structural integrity. I don't want a cage that will simply save my life, I'm planning on a cage that will allow hard roll and continued use (as long as the wheels stay on during the roll!).

Don't worry though. When the day comes I'll do my best to remove all the pieces in one piece and put them up for sale....

It took a lot of convincing from friends for me to actually use this truck as a project vehicle. At first I didn't want to cut it up because it was so pristine. I wish I had taken pictures of it when I first got it.

Now however, it's all fair game. the interior will be completely gutted when the cage is installed. I want a super-rigid cage so all the pretty and daily comfort will go out the window for the sake of structural integrity. I don't want a cage that will simply save my life, I'm planning on a cage that will allow hard roll and continued use (as long as the wheels stay on during the roll!).

Don't worry though. When the day comes I'll do my best to remove all the pieces in one piece and put them up for sale....

When you sale the interior panels LET ME KNOW. I need some blue interior pieces

yeah PLEASE let me know if you dont end up sellin the interior pieces to magnumpi... I live in cali, so you dont have to deal w/ shipping :-)

I bet it did take some convincing to get you to think about gutting the interior of that pristine interior. But yeah at least save them for your next bronco or sell em to a fellow bronco owner. And then let us know when you have disassembled it all so we can hold a candlelight vigil for our fallen comrade.:cry

I cant wait too see the pics when your finished. So you think with that suspension setup she will be able to catch some air and be ok on the landing? Isnt that the setup your going for there? Maybe whe can get a vid of you going 60mph through the desert jumping that bad boy. Nice truck and keep us updated steveG:rockon You show those guys what a proper built TTB setup can do. Hmm.I wonder how much air my stock TTB setup can handle...dont think I will try to find that one out though:toothless

So you think with that suspension setup she will be able to catch some air and be ok on the landing?

Well, I don't have any real off-road experience in a Bronco worth mentioning, but I did drive the hell out of my similarly equiped Explorer. The fastest I ever drove it (in the rough) was about 65mph through about 2.5 foot whoops. It soaked them up & remained very controlled.

Here's a pic of it at the Rialto Off-road Raceway. That was the first time I had driven it off-road.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/289268/fullsize/Explorer%20d-day%20(5).JPG

As far as catching air, I had the Explorer off the ground regularly. Autofab suspension soaks up the bumps so well that sometimes it's hard to tell when you've left the ground or landed when your only a foot or two off the ground.
I only had it really high a couple times, the first was somewhat planned, between 4 and 6 feet and it took it like a champ. The second was at least 6 feet with the rear end starting to come around. It was the closest I've come to rolling off-road & a hell of a rush but I don't think I want to do it again.

I'll definitely post pics when I finally get to use it.

What rear springs are you using?

They look like 10 or 11 leaf packs????

Very nice bronco by the way...:thumbup

rip out that blue stuff, rhino line the whole thing, put a full cage in it, two mastercraft racing seats and 5-point harnesses... and then go roll out with the best of them.
nice rig man,
ace

WheelinElvis, the cage is already in the plan as well as the roll. I can only drive hard so long before my turn comes....

What rear springs are you using?

The leaves are Autofab.

I finally took some decent pics of the exterior of the Bronco. I didn't wash it though.... I also removed the internal bypass parts from the rear shocks and they feel much better! I also took a few pics of it while I had it in the air again.

Another beautiful day at the beach.
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292705/fullsize/IMG_4174.JPG

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292707/fullsize/IMG_4175.JPG

Front suspension, about 2" before full droop:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292708/fullsize/IMG_4166%20(2).JPG

Rear suspension, 2-3" before full droop:
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292710/fullsize/IMG_4169%20(2).JPG

Front upper shock mount:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292715/fullsize/IMG_4185%20(2).JPG

Shock mount cross bar:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292718/fullsize/IMG_4191%20(2).JPG

Pardon the mess under the hood. The inner fender liners have been off to make room for fabrication. They'll go back on soon & I'll be able to permanently locate everything.

Hopefully within the next couple weeks It'll be ready for it's first real test session.

awsome I love it!!! my next rig will be a desert truck thats for sure

Front suspension, about 2" before full droop:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292708/fullsize/IMG_4166%20(2).JPG

Rear suspension, 2-3" before full droop:
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292710/fullsize/IMG_4169%20(2).JPG


okay how do you limit full droop with a frame style lift? frame style lifts max out suspension components unless they are previously restrained. :scratchhe

i cant wait till you have to change your spark plugs. or something goes that you cant get around the cage. lmao

okay how do you limit full droop with a frame style lift? frame style lifts max out suspension components unless they are previously restrained. :scratchhe

Limit straps keep the suspension from extending to the point that the shocks top out. Also, Autofab coil-buckets use retainers on the top of the coil that are similar to the stock lower retainers.

Here are a couple pics of the upper coil-spring retainer:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292761/fullsize/IMG_4141%20(2).JPG

Notice the ride-height adjuster in this pic:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/292762/fullsize/img_4135%20(2).jpg

i cant wait till you have to change your spark plugs. or something goes that you cant get around the cage. lmao

Everything under the hood, including each spark plug, is still very easily accessable. It's all part of planning a build. The upper shock mount structure is forward of the engine. Making sure the truck is easy to work on (especially in the middle of nowhere) and maintain is a high priority to me. This will also be taken into consideration when building the cage. In fact, it dictated the way my front shock mounts were built. Every part of the suspension (except for 4 tabs welded to the frame) is bolted on.

those ride height adjusters are BADASS. i wasn't jealous until just now :thumbup

:stupid: That is deff one of the most trick things on that truck. Although it is hard to point out just one.

Dammit.This thing has made it hard to decide which way to go with my truck again. Excellent work, beautiful truck. :twotu:

Qustions:

1.Are those tires 33s; and apprx. how much lift and actual travel (I know it says 16", but you have done a little extra . . . ) do you have?

2.About how much did the Camburg stuff set you back? (If you dont mind)

3.Can you capture video? :toothless

Dammit.This thing has made it hard to decide which way to go with my truck again. Excellent work, beautiful truck. :twotu:

Qustions:

1.Are those tires 33s; and apprx. how much lift and actual travel (I know it says 16", but you have done a little extra . . . ) do you have?

2.About how much did the Camburg stuff set you back? (If you dont mind)

3.Can you capture video? :toothless

I'll post prices for the AUTOFAB suspension parts later tonight.

Yes they are 33x12.50x15's. total lift is about 4" in the front and about 2.5" in the rear.

personlly I think camburg makes better stuff and their customer service is much better than autofab. However you will pay for it, its defently not cheap but neither is autofab either. Autofabs stuff is kinda old school too, but it does work and works well.

you have to catch john(I think thats his name) on a good day otherwise he is a huge dick. I know Ive told him to fawk off over the phone before cause he wasent helpful at all and was just trying to get me off the phone instead of answering my questions. Now Jerry(camburg) Ive spent an hour on the phone discussing differnt options and prices which he was more than helpful with.

Im not bashing just stating some personal opinions

AUTOFAB[/I] suspension parts later tonight.

Yes they are 33x12.50x15's. total lift is about 4" in the front and about 2.5" in the rear.


:toothless

What can I say . . . whoops.

Ten apologies, fifty apologies, a hundred apologies, a billion apologies, a google apologies. :D

customer service is much better than autofab.

x2.

In 2001 when I bought my 92 I had 10K budgeted to build with. I called Autofab several times and sent a few emails over a three month timeframe and never heard back, ever.

I took my money elsewhere. It's too bad in didn't know of Camburg or they didn't have their parts designed at the time or that 92 would be sportin' a full blown Camburg suspension.

Truck looks nice. Are you planning to do anything with the axle internals (front and or rear)?

how often you go out to pismo?

I've been buying parts from John for years & he's always treated me exceptionally well.

Lets agree to disagree and just leave it at that.

Thanks a lot Hopper! Way to go! j/k

Andy, the Oceano Dunes are about 5 miles from my house. The family and I go out there once or twice a month just to hang out on the beach. If I'm in town I usually go out on big weekends to check out the goofballs breaking their trucks. As soon as the Bronco is off-road worthy I'll probably be going out there a few times a week while I tune the shocks.

Hey, you seemed a little ticked, so I figured a few apologies were in order. :brownbag

Are you gonna put 'glass fenders on it?

WOW!! that is one hot truck!

I was going with a 2.5" lift, but I love the stance of yours. Guess it's 4" now.

Are you gonna put 'glass fenders on it?

One of the key goals with this truck was simplicity. Because the suspension is stock width, flared fiberglass fenders are not a necessity. Using the stock fenders allows me to use the stock inner fenders which of course help keep unwanted dirt and water out of the engine bay. And, I'm not going to spend money on anything unless it nets me some sort of performance gain.
At full bump (compression), the tires will rub. I'm going to do a little bit of trimming and massaging of sheetmetal to eliminate most of it.

NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!! Nice Bronco Steve!:twotu:

I agree, John is a GREAT guy and I have planned the same set up for my Bronco as well. Can't wait to get going on it. Keep us posted to other up grades you do.

And, I'm not going to spend money on anything unless it nets me some sort of performance gain.
i think they look kinda ugly for our body style, but can't aruge with getting rid of those stupid heavy steel fenders.

i am in SLO, i go out there a lot in spring when the weather gets better and the passengers wear less clothing...i will post up sometime when i go, i'd love to see a bronco in action out there and i got a buddy with a ranger thats turning into a 7S truck who would probably like to come out as well.

Any updates?

Well, nothing real exciting, just some odds and ends. I installed the front brake lines earlier tonight. Some time in the next few days I'll spend an hour or so adding zip-ties to any loose wires under the hood to prep for it's first test run. I plan on going out this weekend and giving it a mild workout to see how the shocks work. I think I got the valving pretty darn close, but I'm sure I'll need to make some small adjustments.

Aside from shock valving it's pretty much done. After I'm happy with shock valving I'll strip the front end down, double check everything, paint the coil-buckets and reinstall it all once again. After that I'll put the inner fender liners back on and zip tie the hell out of everything...again.

Cool, look forward to hearing how it feels / goes.

I'll likely be hitting you up for some thoughts in not to long as I start to focus on my suspension as well.

I actually have a buddy that has the exact same suspension except I believe he has swayaway shocks, and he barely even drove the thing before he parked his Bronco for a pretty extensive cage. However he never really got it back up and going as another guy we know that is more his friend than mine is a fabricator (the guy who was doing the cage for him) and my buddy has already torn the Autofab stuff back off and they have some plans to take it to the next level. Not sure on specifics. I mentioned .....what coilovers up front obviously, and .......what are you guys gonna do some kind of 3 link out back or something. He just commented that they are going with something like that.

Anyways, I've been working on my buddy to try to get some of the autofab stuff off him, but its not looking real likely as his mom has a Bronco and he knows it'll be his likley soon so...........

Bummer for me, a rare opportunity at decently made bolt on pre-runner stuff at possibly used pricing.

So, I like your logic though. I don't need coilovers. Certainly not at this point. I'll likley do almost exactly your setup. Very close I think.

My questions will be aimed at shocks (differences), and springs.

I know deavers is the route on springs, just a matter of specifically which ones.

So anyway, look forward to hearing how it works.

Sweet ride!

steveG and Andy351, it would be nice to see some Broncos out at the dunes.

I live in SLO and am at Pismo almost every weekend hunting for someone to raise some dust with. I'm usually there mid morning thru early afternoons on the weekends. If you see a red 90 bronco (two tone tan) with black rims, don't be afraid to stop me.

I also have a white 93 Bronco that is turning into a prerunner, so I am interested in your experience so far with your build up. Keep up the good work, maybe we'll see you around! :thumbup

I Drove the Bronco to the Oceano Dunes today for some testing. Although the dunes have gotten pretty mild over the past few years, I was able to find a few short whoop sections to test shock valving. The truck felt incredible. Better than my old Explorer with similar suspension. Really stable and smooth through the rough. I was alone so I didn't get any pics. I'll try to get some video and pics next time I go out.

Just curious, why no drop pitman arm, and no TTB drop mounts? I cant beleive the tires are vertical with that much pre-flex. Im being serious, so dont flame.

Just curious, why no drop pitman arm, and no TTB drop mounts? I cant beleive the tires are vertical with that much pre-flex. Im being serious, so dont flame.
because drop brackets and drop pitman arms place un-needed leverage on components. the tires are sitting right because the beams have been modified to accomdate a higher ride height while still using the factory pivot point (which is stronger than ANY bolt on lift kit).

it will probably be a month or so before i make it out to pismo with the AZ trip coming up. i will post up and we should have a little run. it needs to rain more so the ledges at the creek come back.

Right on man, sounds like fun and I wish I could have been there to snap some pics and better yet get a ride to see what I could be in for improvement wise on the suspension.

Please continue to keep us updated, I know I'm paying attention and enjoying hearing about the progress.

Late........

Everything Andy said is correct. Typical Drop brackets simply don't hold up. They twist and crack and do the same to the frame.

Kinda what I was thinking too, on the drop brackets... Kinda act as a fulcrum, dont they? And with it being on the crossmember, could lead to premature cracking.

How was the TTB modified to allow proper toe?

On the pitman arm, Im confused on how its not good, it should, with the Y style steering links, give it proper alignment. I may not have worded it right, but hope you get my idea...

wished my interior looked like that

Kinda what I was thinking too, on the drop brackets... Kinda act as a fulcrum, dont they? And with it being on the crossmember, could lead to premature cracking.

How was the TTB modified to allow proper toe?

On the pitman arm, Im confused on how its not good, it should, with the Y style steering links, give it proper alignment. I may not have worded it right, but hope you get my idea...

The lower ball joint was moved out to correct camber. After that modification, toe (and all other alignment specs are adjusted normally.

One of the keys to making the TTB, or TIB work well is keeping all the pivot points on the same plane. Contrary to popular belief, the "inverted Y" steering works well. It can be improved, but a lot of fast trucks have successfuly used stock steering on beamed trucks.

Eventually I'll build or buy this type of steering system It's hard to see, but even in this set up the passenger tie rod pivots at the pitman arm:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/271230/fullsize/Ricks%20bronco%209.jpg

Is that Autofabs new steering setup?

Looks like an Autofab bumper so I'm assuming.

swing set steering is cool. only complaint i had about the stock tie rods is that they are pretty puny, but nothing some 3/4" heims, DOM and creativity can't fix.

drop pitman arms also act like a fulcrum, they are increasing the leverage that the drag link has on the steering box bolts and sector shaft. fords aren't as bad as chevys as far as steering box and frames are concerned but its still unneeded leverage, rocks and high speed stuff are both hard on steering.

Any more updates?

I'm very interested in your truck steveG since I'm planning the prerunner style for my bronco in the future as well.

Is that Autofabs new steering setup?

Yes that's an Autofab steering kit. It's been out for quite a while now. Sorry for the late response.

Any more updates?

Nothing very exciting. I took the coil-buckets/upper shock mount structures off one last time throw coat of paint on them. I used a spray on header coating that's been rolling around the shop for a couple years. I thought it would be a cool color because it had kind of a silver ceramic look to it, but in the end after drying, it just looks like a really rough light grey primer...oh well, I'm not too concerned about what it looks like. I also added all the tabs to double shear the shock mounts and shock hoops. Here's a pic of one of the front lower shock mounts.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/306848/fullsize/RF%20low%20shock%20mount.jpg

I also cleaned and rotated the heim balls on the radius arms...woohoo!

Here's the to do list:
FRONT
Install plastic inner fenders
Prep under hood
zip tie the hell out of anything that can move
make splash shield to cover the holes I had to cut in the fender liners
re-route air intake hose
Install an additional transmission cooler
Install power steering cooler
Re-route brake hoses

Rear
Install bump stops
Install limit straps
Install a longer brake hose

Could you give me the dimensions of your ball joint in the extended radius arm.
What thread, diameter, hole diameter in the ball.
PTFE sliding or brass?

Thanks.
.
.
.

wow! thats amazing! what year is it? and what size tires do you have on? Whats the MPG on that beast!

One thing I didn't see in the pics or lists is swaybars.

Is there any need for them or do they inhibit droop?

Could you give me the dimensions of your ball joint in the extended radius arm. What thread, diameter, hole diameter in the ball.
PTFE sliding or brass?

They are Aurora heim joints. 1" ID on the heim ball and 1.25" thread. I can't remember if they're teflon lined or not. I've used teflon lined and they worked fine. Here's a pic (ignore the missing nut at the front of the radius arm).

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/297373/fullsize/IMG_3653%20(3).JPG

wow! thats amazing! what year is it? and what size tires do you have on? Whats the MPG on that beast!


It's an 84 and they are 33x12.50x15's. It gets 10mpg in town and about the same on the freeway towing my small camping trailer.

One thing I didn't see in the pics or lists is swaybars. Is there any need for them or do they inhibit droop?

There's no plan at this point for sway bars although I may add a small diameter front sway bar in the future. The stock sway bar would definitely not cycle 16", but it it possible to make a custom sway bar that would work.

As it sits, the truck feels very stable on and off-road. Because I tow a trailer with it, I valved to shocks at a happy medium between off-road and pavement use.

I'll do the same design as your for my extended radius arm, with straight tube.
What tube diameter are you using? I plan to use diameter 1.32".

1.32"? Is that pipe?

Yes 1.32"
In Belgium we say 1" gaz

The radius arms on my truck were built with 1.5" .120 wall DOM tube.

Hi steve,

could you give me some closer pics of the bottom ball joint, where it's extended?

It's not going to help you, but here it is anyway.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/316989/fullsize/IMG_4690.JPG

wow!

Yes, don't help me..
Autofab just lengthened the bottom of the beam, is it right?
Is it right that you can keep the stock steering link without drop pitman?
I'll try to go this way: 4" lift, no drop brackets, stock steering, extended radius arm heim join..
If you have pics can help me..

This isn't much of an update, but a few people asked me about limit strap mounting and I finally took a pic. Not much else has happened to the Bronco other than another shock valving adjustment. I'm planning on heading out to the Oceano Dunes this Saturday and if there aren't too many people in the way maybe she'll get to stretch her legs a little....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/318075/fullsize/img_5072-(2).jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/314986/fullsize/fr-limit-strap.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/439591/fullsize/passlimitstrap.jpg

Yea, John at Autofab is a really good guy and the quality of his products is simply outstanding. Ive used all his stuff exclusively on my 79 F100 prerunner and never had a single complaint. He has always returned all my emails and answered any questions about his stuff. Everyone is always saying that his kits are expensive, but let me tell you, its worth it. You get what you pay for and his stuff is the best. As much as I love my 79, Im going to be selling it just so I can afford to buy his suspension set up for my 96 Bronco.:chili:
Jason

John's always been really good to me too. And yes his parts are expensive, but anything good is. Having only owned and driven Rangers and Explorers (on and off-road) I was worried about how the Bronco would handle being taller and shorter, but I've been really happy with the way it handles especially over really rough terrain. I was surprised that it handles better than my old similarly equiped Explorer.

How about some pics of the 79?

BTW: My Bronco may be for sale some time in the next year or so. If I do, it'll probably be for a not much more than you'd pay for all the suspension, shocks, etc.

John's always been really good to me too. And yes his parts are expensive, but anything good is. Having only owned and driven Rangers and Explorers (on and off-road) I was worried about how the Bronco would handle being taller and shorter, but I've been really happy with the way it handles especially over really rough terrain. I was surprised that it handles better than my old similarly equiped Explorer.

How about some pics of the 79?

BTW: My Bronco may be for sale some time in the next year or so. If I do, it'll probably be for a not much more than you'd pay for all the suspension, shocks, etc.
Im offshore working right now but when I get home I'll post some pictures of my 79. Its all Autofab suspension, all new interior with Beard seats, flared steel bed sides. Frsh paint inside and out. Zero rust. Problem is I cant afford to keep it and hook up the Bronco. So youre almost done with your Bronco and already thinking about selling it? You sound just like me. Right about the time I finish building a truck exactly how I want it, its time to sell and start over with something else. Its a hobby and a sickness! Ha ha. I emailed John last night and told him about your post and about how many people responded to it. he should hook you up for all the free advertising! Anyway, please keep updating. There arent many members of the pre-runner type. Mostly rock crawlers and mud guys, which is cool too, but I would rather go Fast!! Looking at your Bronco helps with my day dreaming out here on the water.:thumbup
Jason

Deleted.

Now that looks like fun. I might have to move closer........

Not an update, but I took some pics for another thread and figured I'd post them here too.

From the "TTB Flex" thread:

I figured I'd take some pics for this thread to show what my set up has to offer in the "flex" department.

The biggest articulation hinderance for a desert style suspension is the higher and progressive spring rates. The coils and leaves on my Bronco ramp up pretty quickly keeping the wheels from getting even close to bottoming. With a softer and linear spring rates I'm sure the amount of articulation would be pretty damn respectable.

All of these pictures were taken with limit straps installed. The front limit straps stop droop travel 1.5" before the shocks top out. That equates to about 2" more travel at the wheels.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/407337/fullsize/articulation-(16)4.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/407338/fullsize/articulation-(16)1.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/407343/fullsize/articulation-(16)3.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/407351/fullsize/articulation-(16)5.jpg

wish my interior looked like that

Wish my suspension looked like that..........:rockon

:popc1:

DONT FEAR FAILURE SO MUCH THAT YOU REFUSE TO TRY NEW THINGS... THE SADDEST SUMMARY OF A LIFE CONTAINS 3 DESCRIPTIONS: COULD HAVE....MIGHT HAVE.... AND SHOULD HAVE...... Now, that is good, even if its in all caps (yelling)............:beer



Sorry to jump off topic for a sec, back to the prerunner stuff.............:popc1:

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/339803/fullsize/articulation%20(16)4.jpg
Look at that leaf spring eye in relation to the bolt, wow!

I may have missed it, but is that a 9" rear?

I may have missed it, but is that a 9" rear?

It's a completely stock 9" other than the skid plate for now. Eventually it will receive a reinforced housing with ugraded axles and a spool.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/616780/fullsize/img_4163-(2).jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/616781/fullsize/img_4172-(2).jpg

I'm considering doing a very simular project with a F-150 that I've got. I am pretty sure that that 8.8 isin't going to be strong enough, and I dont' want all the weight that a FF 1-ton adds. That leaves me with the 9".

Well, my muffler has been falling apart for quite some time. I've welded it a couple times, but it keeps breaking. Where the pipe enters the body is completely broken apart now. The truck still has the tiny 2.25" exhaust so I figured I'd replace everything from the cat back with 2.5". My original plan was to go with a stock replacement muffler to keep things quiet. After talking to my exhaust guy I'm getting everything from the Y-pipe back. The pipes from the manifolds are going to remain stock, but he's going to open up the intersection and use 2.5" tube from there back. I'm also getting a high-flow cat and Magnaflow muffler.

I went into this VERY anti-performance muffler, but he swears it won't be too loud for me. We'll see...I'm not really convinced of that but I figured I'd give it a shot. I dropped it off this afternoon and will be picking it up tomorrow evening. I'll post some pics and maybe even some audio later this week.

A couple pics showing the old exhaust:


Ugly stock muffler:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/466468/fullsize/img_4150-(2).jpg


The tailpipe that hangs about 8" under the body:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/466470/fullsize/articulation-(16).jpg

wow..

Simply an amazing truck, how long have you been working on it? and how much have you spent on it?(if you dont mind telling):rockon Rock the TTB!
:thumbup

Oh yeah does your 84 have a tach, my 84 has a tach and it looks like in that picture that you dont have one? :wacko

did you do a shackle flip in the rear or are you just running lift springs? thanks.

wow..

Simply an amazing truck, how long have you been working on it? and how much have you spent on it?(if you dont mind telling):rockon Rock the TTB!
:thumbup

Oh yeah does your 84 have a tach, my 84 has a tach and it looks like in that picture that you dont have one? :wacko

I think I've had it for about a year and a half. I try to keep mods to a minimum, so I actually don't work on it very much. I've got maybe 40 hours into it plus 4 or 5 hours of help. As it sits today I've spent about $9500 including the $3,000 I paid for it.

No tach in mine although I wouldnt mind having one. I'm surprised it doesn't have one. It's an XLT and the lady that bought it supposedly ordered it with everything. It also doesn't have a limited slip rear diff though, so maybe it's missing some sort of sport or performance (seems like a joke for this vintage!) package.

did you do a shackle flip in the rear or are you just running lift springs? thanks.

No shackle flip. The shackles are stock and in the stock location. The springs are Autofab long travel leaves (2.5" of lift) plus the 2-link (that makes a world of difference).

http://www.autofab.com/16rear1.htm

i am building my 79 into a prerunner and i plan on using alot of autofab suspensions and glass. everheard of anyone putting a ttb on a 79 bronco? i want to but not for awhile (to expensive) i want the new extra wide 44 on the front from autofab. but for now i am getting ideas from the Moss Bros bronco. i live in Az across from Laughlin so i get to see the bronco up close every year. i have one question are you using any sway bars? couldnt tell from the pics. you have a badass bronco:beer

I think you'd be best off putting the 79 body on a TTB Bronco chassis. Buy the right year and you could upgrade to EFI as well.

I picked up the Bronco this evening and I'm surprised at how quiet it is. At idle and low RPM it's got a slight rumble but nothing even remotely annoying (to the occupants or people outside). On the freeway it's just barely louder than the OE style muffler that was on it. It's exactly what I wanted which is hard to believe for a muffler that is basically straight through.

In hindsight I probably should have gone with 3" like my exhaust guy recommended. I was worried that 3" exhaust would resonate too much but after hearing the 2.5" exhaust I think it would have been fine. Oh well....

Thanks to Henry at Mufflers and More in Santa Maria for the good work.

Here are a few pics, nothing too exciting....

Here's the tailpipe, I'm not very excited about how it drops down then bends up to get close to the body but it was necessary to clear the leaves at full droop and to get close to the body to avoid rock damage. I'll probably have it changed after I build a rear bumper but that'll be some time down the road.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/466876/fullsize/img_8024-(2).jpg

Nice and close to the body.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/466878/fullsize/img_8026-(2).jpg

I had a flange installed after the cat so I could drop the front of the exhaust in 2 sections without cutting it apart.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/466880/fullsize/img_8028-(2).jpg

Love your rig! I'm interested in seeing how much articulation I can get out of my TTB setup, but unfortunately it looks like the Autofab stuff is out of my price range. Dang! Nonetheless, great truck!!

Tommy

I love my magnaflow muffler

steveG do you know exactly how much the lower ball joints were moved out?

Love your rig! I'm interested in seeing how much articulation I can get out of my TTB setup, but unfortunately it looks like the Autofab stuff is out of my price range. Dang! Nonetheless, great truck!!

Tommy

The best thing you can do for articulation in a Bronco is use extended radius arms and the softest spring you can find.

steveG do you know exactly how much the lower ball joints were moved out?

Yes but I'm not going to give Autofab's secrets away. I'll tell you this much though, Autofab kits typically align with a zero degree bushing.

Damn, I can't believe I waited this long to read this thread. Sick bronco Steve!!

The best thing you can do for articulation in a Bronco is use extended radius arms and the softest spring you can find.

That's what I'd like to do, however, I don't know the spring rates of the various 4"-5" lift springs out there to do a comparison. I could go on free length if I could compare like that and take the tallest ones, but I just don't have that kind of info. :( If you're privy to any of this info and wouldn't mind sharing, I'd really appreciate it!

Extended arms with heims are on the wishlist. For now, though, I'm stuck with OEM arms, drop brackets, but I'll soon go back to rubber radius arm bushings instead of the poly I'm running.

Tommy

That's what I'd like to do, however, I don't know the spring rates of the various 4"-5" lift springs out there to do a comparison. I could go on free length if I could compare like that and take the tallest ones, but I just don't have that kind of info. :( If you're privy to any of this info and wouldn't mind sharing, I'd really appreciate it!

I don't know what springs would work well for a lot of articulation. I think any spring actually designed for the TTB Bronco is going to be too stiff. The Ranger/BII/Explorer guys use Jeep Cherokee springs and they seem to work really well for crawling because of their lower spring rate, but they would be way too light for a Bronco. It's possible that a long Ranger lift coil would work as they are designed for a lighter vehicle. I had some 6" Skyjacker springs on my prerunner Explorer that I liked. They were quite long and held up really well. They might be worth experimenting with.

Thanks, Steve. I'll look into that. :)

Tommy

Very nice setup.

Cody

Another small update. I finally got a radio (Icom V8000) to listen in at the races. Actually, my wife bought it for me for Christmas, woohoo! I bought an Antenna Specialties antenna and an Antenex magnetic mount from Kartek and now I have to figure out how the hell to use it. This thing has waaaaaayyy more options than I know what to do with...or need. The whole Ham Radio thing is a complete mystery to me. I'm thinking about getting an amateur license since it would force me to learn more about it.

I mounted the radio in place of the ashtray. I still haven't decided if I'm going to leave it there permanently or remove and install it as needed. Because of the way the ashtray comes out it leaves a perfect spot for the radio and it only takes about 10 minutes to swap one for the other.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/480965/fullsize/img_8839-(2).jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/480955/fullsize/img_8838-(2).jpg

Look great. Love that interior color, alot............ To the point where I may try to duplicate it on a color change I already was planning.

Thanks for the update...

Which Magnaflow are you guys using?

Which Magnaflow are you guys using?

I don't know much about Magnaflow and their different mufflers. I got the one my exhaust shop recommended. It has gotten a little louder as expected with a packed muffler, but i'm still happy with it. Reworking the exhaust definitely freed up a few horses. Not surprising when compared to the anemic 1984 exhaust system.

lookin good steve. hey i just got some coupons for your shop for oil changes so i might bring my wifes truck down for an oil change. i talked her into a 06 f-150 crew cab FX4

Steve did your Bronco come with the rear bumper tweaked at the ends like that:toothless . Just kidding, mine is the same way and I can't figure out how it happened. It also has holes drilled into it at the ends and all I can figure is that the guy befor me was running two massive whips and they bend the bumper. But theres no marks on the body from contact with the whip. Any idea how the bumper gets that way. Your truck looks good as usual.
Todd

lookin good steve. hey i just got some coupons for your shop for oil changes so i might bring my wifes truck down for an oil change. i talked her into a 06 f-150 crew cab FX4

Congrats on the new truck. The new F150s are great. Give me a call and we'll get the oil change taken care of.

Did you ever do anything with the Bronco?

Steve did your Bronco come with the rear bumper tweaked at the ends like that:toothless . Just kidding, mine is the same way and I can't figure out how it happened. It also has holes drilled into it at the ends and all I can figure is that the guy befor me was running two massive whips and they bend the bumper. But theres no marks on the body from contact with the whip. Any idea how the bumper gets that way. Your truck looks good as usual.
Todd

Yeah, I straightened the front bumper just after I bought it but haven't been motivated to fix the rear. I'm sure they get bent from bumping into things. Some day I'll build bumpers for it and incorporate a 2" receiver into both, but that's not going to be done for a while.

i like that 9 inch armor you have pictured, whered ya get it? or is it custom built?

<---------------- is a slack a$$ so no the bronco is still in the works. hell the autofab motor mounts i got 3 month ago are still not in. i need to buy a grider, to get the driver side mount off. but at least someone is getting there bronco project moving forward. the new truck is great. again nice work

LOVE YOUR RIG. read through the whole fricken 7 pages just to get more info, i am also going to use autofab kit when i get the cash. i have a rancho right now and while it works ok, it isnt long travel like the autofab. (i live less than 5 miles from them) I have there kit on my 2wd tib 76f100 and it is fricken awsome. whoops are nothing in that truck. I am going to build my shock hoops and some bypasses in front and rear with hydro bumps all around. need to seel lmy jeep to finance that though. I have my race radio in the same spot, but I had to trim alittle as my radio is alittle wider than yours, I have the kenwood tm271a it works great, but like you i dont know crap about all the gizmos on it I had a hard enough time getting our teams frequencie saved! anyway great build, I cant wait to see how your cage comes out when your done, I will have some pics of my ride soon,, it has been rolled a few times crawling, but all the mechanicals are awsome.

Thanks jimyz250. I've always been really happy with Autofab's products. They just plain work and they have a lot of well thought out features that go unoticed by most. I too have used their kits on other trucks and they're always performed incredibly well. I'd definitely like to see pics of your 76. I've always liked the older F100s. Someday I'd like to build a late 60's f100 prerunner.

I used to think bypasses would be great on an Autofab kit, but now that I know more about shocks I don't know that it's such a great idea on the 16" travel kits. I'd rather have a larger non-bypass shock. Something to keep in mind that when your bypass is in a bypass tube the shocks aren't doing much and you have to blow through some travel before they start damping. With a standard shock it starts working as soon as it starts moving regardless of where in the travel the suspension is. Just some thoughts on the subject....

The hydraulic bumps on the other hand are a great idea. Ony my Explorer (pic below) I had thought about using a 10" air shock in the rear shock mount instead of a bump. I think it would work great and I might try it on the Bronco eventually. It would give a lot more flexability and tuning options. Eventually I'll probably go to a 3.0"x14" non-bypass shock in front of the coil-bucket and a 2.0"x10" air shock behind the coil-bucket on the Bronco.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/257484/fullsize/cb2x25.jpg

Steve, thanks for the link. I've read all 7 pages too. I gather that Autofab is in the San Deigo area.
I got new 4" superlift rear springs off ebay a few weeks ago. I also got a snot pot full of SAS stuff to do a SAS that I'm now going to part with in favor of trying to duplicate your rig. Hope you don't mind plagerism, could that be auto-plagerism?
I have conciderable time and money in my '66 Bronco. I can see now that the same will go into the '81.
Thanks again for your time and info.

thanks for your thoughts on the bypasses, although your explanation is correct, the oil does travel through the bypass tubes and not the shims until the piston passes the last compression tube, but that is so that you can tune the shock to work whatever way you want it in whatever postion it is in, say, you want a nice soft ride in the first part of your travel for things like stutter bumps or potholes. you tune the first tube to be nice and soft, (or hard, its up to you) then as the piston travels past first to the second you can start to stiffen it up for say smaller whoops, floaters or just hauling ass up the wash, then for the last when your tubes are all closed, you tune the shims on the piston to be nice and stiff so you can slow the last part of the travel down after a nice dune jump or some other shit picture worthy! anyway, thats why I like bypasses, they will work excellent I belive with the limited travel and even better with the auto fab kit. oh yeah, I wil be going up to your area this summer as my uncle is the camp host up at santa margarita lake. and I am plannin a trip up to hit up psimo and some mountain roads and do some explorin.
oh yeah .. for bart autofab is in santee, which is in san diego county east county baby!

Everything you posted is why I used to want them for my truck. But after some experimenting with valving and picking lots of brains I figured out that there are other ways to achieve what you're talking about. One of the problems with having a soft "zone" in your travel is that it will also contribute to body roll. I prefer to valve a shock to react to a hit and wheel/shaft speed instead of having to wait for it to reach a certain point in the travel to react.

Even though I'm not near done dialing in the valving, I think you'd be surprised at how well my shocks do everything you described without the use of bypasses. And, the truck still handles and rides well on the street. A must for me!

That being said, a lot of people use and like bypasses on what I consider mid-travel trucks, so they can obviously get the job done. There are lots of different valving theories and approaches, so whatever you do I'm sure it'll work great.

Do you use bypasses on your 76?

Let me know when you come this way and maybe we can meet up.

nope did not use them on the 76, only had biltien 5100's, duaL in front single rear, they were valved very good for the truck as bilstien is here in poway and I went there and talked to there techs and they got me where I needed to be. my huge issue, and the ultimate demise of the last bodie on the f100 and almost my life was I left the overload spring in, cause I hauled my dirtbikes around alot. and while the front suspension worked near perfect, and the rear worked almost perfect.. only if I used all but the last 4-5 inches if I hit the overload it would spring back due to not enough rebound for the extra spring, long story short I was running a medium sized set of whoops, when alittle wash came up, it shouldnt have been an issue, but coming out of it the rear bucked... it was sweet, where are the cameras when you need em, rear came up to about to about 60ish degrees and the nose came down in between two whoops which enacted a catapulting event the sent me into a near perfect one and a half flip landing directly on the lid and stopping within 1 ft of the landing, smashing the cab to the seat and shoving me and my passenger into the floorboards (werent wearing the harnesses due to we were supposed to be going to a breakfast buffet) thank god cause if we were we would have been smashed in place.. we were stuck there for 45 min waiting for extracation, damm good fun. shit the good ole 302 ran upside down for like 5 minutes i'll tell ya all the details if we get together at pismo. sorry for ramblin. but you need to get that cage built.
I agree with you that you can dial in good shocks to work as good as bypasses if you know whats up and have some good bumps. cant wait for you to get some action shots of your beast railing some whoops

Latest update....

I finally took the plunge. I started the cam and intake swap last night. I got as far as removing the intake and will hopefully finish it up tonight.

The cam is a Crane Cams Part # 443902, H-260-2 and the intake is an Edelbrock Performer.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/504515/fullsize/pict0009.jpg

sweet let us know how it goes! need to hear some sound bites of the engine when she starts up!!:thumbup

My 93 has rust holes, and you :cry its just so pretty. I have seen some nice trucks but wow man its coming on great.

sweet let us know how it goes! need to hear some sound bites of the engine when she starts up!!:thumbup

Trust me, it won't be anything too exciting. It's a mild, low RPM cam. If all goes well though, I should have some dune footage soon....

You going to have this back together soon? I'll be day-trippin' to Oceano next month and hoping to check it out.

It should be back on the road in a few days. Let me know when you're going to be in town.

nice work, are you doing the work yourself ?

I'll pm you when the plans firm up. Maybe Andy will be around also.

nice work, are you doing the work yourself ?

Most of it. One of my mechanics is helping me out a bit.

Burnt, It's a long haul to Oceano for a day trip. Why aren't you staying the night?

I've done it before, I'm just more of a day-tripper I guess :wacko

Too busy for overnighters usually. It's possible...

right on. i need to get my butt in gear and get my motor done, oh well at least someone is getting stuff done

It's done... finally. I haven't had much time to work on it. I was also fixing some odds and ends on a friends 340 horse convertible 87 Mustang (for sale BTW!), so progress was slow. So far I'm happy with the results. Throttle response and power throughout the RPM range is better. The difference is most noticeable right off idle when accelerating. A 4 barrel would make a night and day difference but I'm not ready to drop the cash on that and so far the truck has been super-reliable and I have a hard time convincing myself to mess with that.

Burnt, when are you going out?

I'll be out there Saturday. One of my brothers and his family are camping on the dunes so the fam and I are going to join them. Although I still need to prep it, I'm sure I'll end up taking my brother for a ride in it and putting it through its paces.

that interior looks brand new

NICE! Please join me in the "mint interior club"...



I have just embarked on the journey to that esteemed position .
I never gave it much thought, but I woke up the other day wanting it .
Clean, minty, no junk, no grease spots, no hanging wires, comfortable, captains seat, niiiiicccce stereo, nice shaaaag, Some thing I could fall asleep in on the way home from work. (almost)
Yes my next goal. "The MINT INTERIOR ELITE"........Of course with an F-250 its
only about 1/3 of the work but its good practice.
.
.
.
.

Latest update....

I finally took the plunge. I started the cam and intake swap last night. I got as far as removing the intake and will hopefully finish it up tonight.

The cam is a Crane Cams Part # 443902, H-260-2 and the intake is an Edelbrock Performer.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/504515/fullsize/pict0009.jpg

Any updates on the swap? Any pics with the new intake setup.

Any updates on the swap? Any pics with the new intake setup.

I haven't taken any pics. I painted the intake grey like the original, so it looks pretty much like it did before except cleaner. To be honest, I don't know what I'm more excited about, the increased performance or the fact that I can get rid of my oil-catching rug in the driveway! LOL. It was a dirty oil-dripping SOB!

I took it out to the dunes a couple weekends ago and the difference in off-road performance is more noticeable than I expected. It doesn't feel like it's working as hard to get around and winds up a little faster.

I started prepping the truck again today. Zip-tying the hell out of hoses and wiring and adding loom to make sure nothing comes loose or wears through and ruins my day.

While I had the grill off and more room to work I also added a large power steering cooler and eliminated the cheesy frame mounted looped return line. Hopefully that'll prevent cooking the power steering fluid during hard use.

I'll be out at the dunes on Memorial weekend if anyone is out there stop and say hi.

dont tear up that interior man that is way nice

Any more updates?

Awesome setup you have there Steve

Just one more for GOOD GOD THAT IS A GOOD INTERIOR!

Just one more for GOOD GOD THAT IS A GOOD INTERIOR!

STOP IT!
You guys are making me feel bad for destroying a pristine Bronco! The truth is I still consider putting it all back to stock and selling it. As of yet I haven't done anything irreversible, but what fun would that be!?

Any more updates?

Nothing new. A three year old daughter, 11 month old daughter and wife keep me pretty busy. I need to do some shock tuning. The truck works well right now but could be better. It'll be a while before I do anything major, though. No cash and I have a few camping trips coming up that I need a comfortable truck for....

Sounds good

Atleast you can use the truck how it is now, most people run out of cash before its even running. Awesome rig and I wish you good luck on the rest of your build. I will keep my eye on this thread so post updates :thumbup (with pix :red x )

I posted this in the 80-96 section too so the non-speeders could see it....

For a while now I've been wanting to use an aftermarket steering wheel to replace the thin stock steering wheel in my 84 Bronco. But, I didn't want to loose my cruise control (the switches on the steering wheel). I remembered that older Saleen Mustangs had the OE switches mounted behind the steering wheel with a special bracket. Of course finding someone that was willing to part with the original Saleen part would be near impossible. Amazingly enough, though, I found a machinist that has made new brackets that allow the use of stock Mustang switches just like the original Saleen brackets. The bracket is designed to be used with Momo/Sparco/any steering wheel with the 6-bolt pattern but I drilled 4 holes in it so I could put it all together with a borrowed cheapo Grant style steering wheel while I make sure it all works.

BTW: Most Ford cruise control switches are interchangeable (the resistance values) through 1996.

I figured I'm not the only one that has wanted to do this & thought I'd post the info. I'll post the guys email address later in case anyone is interested.

A new bracket:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/555785/fullsize/cruisebracket10.jpg

My bracket after I drilled it for the 5-bolt flange:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/555784/fullsize/cruise-control-switch-bracket.jpg

Installed on my Bronco (excuse the ugly steering wheel, it's not staying):

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/555783/fullsize/steering-wheel-with-switches.jpg

A couple pics of the bracket installed on a Momo steering wheel:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/555786/fullsize/cruisebracket8.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/555787/fullsize/cruisebracket6.jpg

Nice touch!

very nice hey steve i just pm you

Very nice,.....curious what the approximate cost of that is? And the contact info.

I was going to attempt to adapt a non-airbag Fox body wheel to mine. Just happen to have a mint one stashed away.

I may need to go this route though..........so it definetley has my interest.

I was going to attempt to adapt a non-airbag Fox body wheel to mine. Just happen to have a mint one stashed away.

I had actually planned on the same except using a T-Bird wheel but I didn't think wouldn't look right. The Mustang and T-Bird wheels are flat with no dish, so they would be a couple inches further from the driver unless you made a spacer which would be a pain in the butt.

This process was much easier and required no modifications to the steering column, so if I decide I don't like it, everything unbolts and the old wheel goes back on.

i think it's really trick steve!!!

I had actually planned on the same except using a T-Bird wheel but I didn't think wouldn't look right. The Mustang and T-Bird wheels are flat with no dish, so they would be a couple inches further from the driver unless you made a spacer which would be a pain in the butt.

This process was much easier and required no modifications to the steering column, so if I decide I don't like it, everything unbolts and the old wheel goes back on.The other issue is not just the spacing being different, but the Stang wheel I have does not even have splines like the Bronco setup. The Stang wheel mates to a squared off collum end. So, this is why I haven't done it yet.........I was looking at the Grant adapters for both and was thinking I'd take the one for the Bronco and then just adapt the Stang wheel to it. Whether it be drilling the stang wheels center to mate to the Grant adapter. Or, just machining the aluminum adapter down to fit the collum hole in the Stang wheel. Again, definetly a bit of a hassle either way and likewise why it moved way down on my priority list. Shame too, I really really like this Mustang steering wheel I have and the thing would pass for NOS if you couldn't tell its had a nut holding it on a collum before. It is mint. Now, if I did just drill the Mustang wheel to bolt to the Grant adapter the plus there would be that it would space it back out by the couple of inchs you reference. Which had occured to me as well. Real difference there when you hold the stang wheel up against the Bronc one. Additionally, the Grant adapters have a little black cover to make em look better. Ahh,........I just figured it would be one of those things I'd just have to move forward with knowing that at any point in the process it might just not be worth it or work out right and I'd have to ditch the idea.

So, from that standpoint.......man this deal you found sure sounds and looks cool. Takes about 99% of the hassle (I've been preparing myself for) out of ditching the Bronco wheel.

So, how does someone get ahold of this guy that made the switch braket you have? I might have to just go that route instead. Thanks much for posting up on it:thumbup.

Uing the late model steering wheel on a splined steering column shaft isn't too big a deal. I did it on a 63 Ford and it worked fine. The bigger issue was the spacing and the fact that the flat wheel just didn't seem to fit the rest of the interior... same in the Bronco in my opinion.

I may have jumped the gun on advertising for the guy that made these. I emailed him asking if it was ok to post his contact info and he hasn't responded. As soon I get the OK I'll post it up.

So, other than the nut being tight whats to keep the later steering wheel from just spinning/turning independent of what direction the front wheels are actually pointed? Keep in mind its been quite awhile since I've even had my Mustang steering wheel in my hands and looked at it, and likewise a long time since I've had my Broncos wheel off. So, I'm just assuming from memory that the square shaft hole in the Fox wheel is even big enough to simply slip over the splined end of the Bronco collum. Didn't seem safe or doable last time I stared at em, but again its been along time.

I tend to agree on the flatness issue as well. But, then thats where in my preliminary looking at the Grant adapters I felt that might remedy that spacing problem as well. Another note or observation I remember was that my Fox wheel seemed thicker and slightly smaller in diameter. I liked that, and the diameter difference (don't remember the measurements) seemed so small that I saw no negatives to it. Again, very preliminary checking on my part and several years ago.



Sounds good on the contact info. I'm likeing that route alot more the more I think about it. Despite my really likeing this Fox Mustang wheel I have stashed away (somewhere). I've just got to many projects within the the project needing my time. Any options I choose to expedite my getting on to the next mods on my list would be a good thing.

On the 63 I filed the shaft so the T-Bird wheel would press on tightly. I was worried about it spinning at first but I put a lot of miles on it and never had an issue with it. I considered tack-welding it in place for good measure, but never got around to it.




Aaaaaand, I got a response from Mark and he said he'd be happy to make more. I believe they are $85 and the come with the mounting screws for the switches. You will need to supply your own switches, but those should be relatively easy to come by at a wrecking yard. If anyone needs help with the wiring let me know.

You can email Mark directly for more info on purchasing the bracket.

mardis91@charter.net

Ahhhh, filed the shaft. Permanent, but .......quick and cheap. That certainly brings in the flat steering wheel issue. I have to replace the turn signal cam on mine, and will likely do that fairly soon. Sounds like a good time for me to dink with the steering wheel as well.

Thanks much for the bracket info :thumbup. Thats the shizzle.........

Not the kind of updates I like to make....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/562900/fullsize/pict0009.jpg

If you've read the rest of the thread you know that I put and aftermarket Crane camshaft in a few months ago. Everything was great for several thousand miles... maybe around 6,000, I'm not sure. I have since put 2 distributor gears in it and the third has visible wear after 100 miles.

Each time the gear was replaced I inspected the cam and spun the oil pump with a drill to make sure it wasn't binding and found nothing. Well, yesterday I when I pulled the distributor to check the gear I found a broken tooth on the dristributor drive gear on the cam. DOH!

the bummer is I still don't know what caused it. To be on the safe side I'm going to put a new camshaft, oil pump and distributor drive gear in it.

That is bad news and I feel for ya'. I hate frustration, especially when it's expensive.

dam steve that sinks

That definetly sucks. I know when I did my engine I was a little concerned because I was useing so many new parts. I switched from my original 90 block to the later F4TE roller cam block. Then added a small Comp roller cam. I had read enough to know in my case that I needed to switch the distributor gear out for a hardened one as the roller cams are ground on a harder steel. I just grabbed an FMS gear for a roller cam and switched out the stocker on my oem distributor and all has been fine. I only have around 6k on my little bullet, but I did have an issue with the intake gasket on one side so I did have the distributor out a couple of times and boy did I look that gear over close. I've read some folks really have issues with em, but it generally seems to revolve around useing a HV oil pump and its associated higher loads. I'm crossing my fingers, because even though I have a stock pressure pump I've decided to switch to a blue printed HV one to help with the added bearing loads I'm anticipating from a blower addition. I did have to clearance my block for the Rollmaster billet timing set I put on. And I also seem to remember having to hand lap the bearing plate retainer dealy to get the specs fore and aft on the cam that I wanted to see.

I wonder whats causing your situation, thats fairly serious and rapid. If you haven't, I'd hit the boys up over at the Corral. As again, I know when I was looking into the oiling options there was certainly alot of discussion about issues over there.

I wonder if some how that Crane cam is ground on a harder steel core like a roller bumpstick would be. I'd certainly expect that kind of situation to eat oem hardness dizzy gears like TicTacs, much like your situation.

The cam I used called for a cast iron dist drive gear which is what I used. I called the Crane Cams tech line (very helpful and knowledgeable btw) and the first thing he asked was what kind of oil pump I was using and went on to talk about high-volume high-pressure pumps being the number one culprit. Unfortunately that's not the case here. My bump is stock, no frills. He also talked about lack of oil and recommended drilling a .030 hole in the plug in the front of the block behind the timing cover. Still not my issue... when I pulled the distributor a couple days ago, oil was dripping off the gear. I may still drill the hole just for good measure.

After the issues I've had and after listening to the tech-dude I would double check your choice of oil pump. It may be OK because you're using a steel gear with a roller cam.

What troubles me now is not knowing what broke the tooth on the cam....

I'm wondering if somehow in your case the distributor is not seating down all the way. I just remembered that I had to also cut a couple hundred thousandths off the end of my oem distributors shaft because with the ARP oil pump drive shaft I was now switching to had the dizzy up to high upon initial mock up. Just remembered that. That could be your issue. In my case it was clearly not seating allowing the dizzy to seat all the way in the block. However, I could visualize how if you stacked tolerences ......a guy could have the same issue I had ....only not as obvious....and that would have the gear of the distributor riding up to high in relation to the cam....and whamoh.....that biatch might start some serious wear and maybe even shuck teeth like a miss-matched ring & pinion gearset. Just thinking outloud here, but.......you may want to check that. Or, should I say........you running the stock/oem pump drive shaft???? Again, I just remembered running into that, and I was happy it was so obvious that I caught it. That would miss align the gears big time............



On my running the HV pump, I'm not super concerned........considering how many have had no issue just the same.........and I'm hopeing the blueprinted jobber will lower engine load some despite being a HV (it should in theory). Besides, my short block was built with a little bit loose bottom end bearing clearances, and I want a thicker oil film in there with the additional 100 ponies or so that my KB will/should easily add over the current combo.



Im super curious now...........is your pump driveshaft length holding your dizzy up to high? Now that I just remembered running into that on the engine stand mockup in my case. Again, that sure would cause an issue, and certainly with the weaker cast gear setup.

To elaborate:

It was in my case like the ARP drive shaft didn't have the hex shape machined down as far on the shaft. Hence my needing to nock a couple hundred thou off the dizzy shaft (roughly). I just kept test fitting and taking a little off until she seemed good, then did just a touch more for clearance and heat expansion of the parts, etc. Again, just thinking outloud here..........

Another thought,.........if she wasn't seating all the way........that could also cause walk out of the dizzy gear......much like a pinion gear flexing the gearcase and walking out a bit and shucking teeth off the ring gear.................???????????? Basically, the one gear......not seating and transfering load at the root of the other gear where its stronger.....but riding out and getting leverage ........to snap that tooth right off.........

I know when I did my engine I was a little concerned because I was useing so many new parts. I switched from my original 90 block to the later F4TE roller cam block. Then added a small Comp roller cam. I had read enough to know in my case that I needed to switch the distributor gear out for a hardened one as the roller cams are ground on a harder steel. I just grabbed an FMS gear for a roller cam and switched out the stocker on my oem distributor and all has been fine. I only have around 6k on my little bullet, .

Should be good, mine died at exactly 2k, I ran a bronze by accident:banghead

408, I forgot to come back and thank you for all the information. The distributor is seating correctly and judging by the wear pattern on the gear, the cam and distributor gear are meshing properly.

Update

Current status:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/566374/fullsize/img_2888.jpg

Can anyone tell me where this goes?

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/566375/fullsize/img_2885.jpg

In the back, so you can cat walk.

hey i see the same thing when i open my garage door minus the front clip. i think that goes in my truck steve:)

i think that goes in my truck steve:)

Make an offer;)

Make an offer

ON the truck?

NO body, just want everything, from frame to wheels...:toothless

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Got a rowdy 351 going in there?

Chase

Good to hear..........

So, ............what was the issue then?

Makes me jealous.........I love having engines out and playin with the bullet like that.

You need my iron PTL's and my roller cam that may be on the market soon........just a thought:rockon

ON the truck?

NO body, just want everything, from frame to wheels...:toothless

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Got a rowdy 351 going in there?

Chase

I pulled it to replace the cam and oil pump... again. I figured this time I would put a rear main and front pump seal in it too.

It's nothing radical, an Edelbrock intake and cam. I don't need huge power I just need it to run well and be very reliable.

Good to hear..........

So, ............what was the issue then?

Makes me jealous.........I love having engines out and playin with the bullet like that.

You need my iron PTL's and my roller cam that may be on the market soon........just a thought:rockon

Well the reason I'm replacing the cam is because of the broken tooth. How it happened I really don't know. I mistakenly used a steel gear on it, so I figure when it wiped out it trashed the gear on the cam. It's a hard lesson, but it's done and I'm sparing no expense (cost or time) to fix it correctly. What I still don't know is why the first gear (cast iron) failed. Hence the second new oil pump. Just in case there was something going on inside the pump I'll put a new one in there. I'm trying to cover all my bases. I make every effort to make my vehicles super-reliable... making this whole ordeal that much more frustrating.

I removed the cam and oil pump yesterday & I'll probably go in tomorrow to start reassembling the engine. I need to get it together soon... The Pismo camping trip is coming fast!

will you take $50 ??? j/k anything more then that is to much at this point. but very soon that will change. damn steve your making me look bad you are going to have the motor out and back in, in less then 2 week (guessing) hell iam lagging like no other :) nice work steve i hope this fixes all your problems with your bronc. i know you have the guys at your shop to help (i know they know a hell of lot more then i do) but if you want some help all you have to do is ask.

p.s. let me know when you what more stainless

My truck doesn't have an engine, but I finally found a cup holder I like!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/572239/fullsize/img_3215-(2).jpg

I picked it up at a wrecking yard on Saturday while looking for a part for a customer. I'm still trying to figure out what it came out of.

EDIT: It looks like this is out of a Ranger in case anyone is interested.

My truck doesn't have an engine, but I finally found a cup holder I like!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/572239/fullsize/img_3215-(2).jpg

I picked it up at a wrecking yard on Saturday while looking for a part for a customer. I'm still trying to figure out what it came out of.

Hooray!:rockon

Cup holders are a must, lol. Congrats on the find Steve. If only my Bronco's cup holders could fit the super sized 72 ounce'r from 7/11, lol.

Not really an update, but I have got an Edelbrock cam and lifter kit for a 351w that I am not going to need. I was going to use it in my Bronco but decided replace the engine with a later model roller-block.

Before I send this back to Summit I figured I'd offer it here in case someone was interested. It's new and in the box and has never been out.

Part number: EDL-2182

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...w=1&N=700+150+

Summit sells it for $146.95 plus handling fees. I paid 157.90 shipped to my door. If anyone here is interested I'll sell it for $125.00 plus shipping. local pick up is ok.

I'll wait a couple weeks before I send it back to Summit.

The Jasper fairy dropped something off today.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/574542/fullsize/1016071621.jpg

right on steve how long until you are back in action ?

ps my bonus wasnt as much as i thought it was going to be so i am going to have to wait until i get my tax back so the jasper fairy can visit me too

right on steve how long until you are back in action ?

ps my bonus wasnt as much as i thought it was going to be so i am going to have to wait until i get my tax back so the jasper fairy can visit me too

No problem, let me know when you're ready.

I'm not sure when I'll get it running again. I don't need the truck any time soon, so I'll take my time. I'll probably assemble the engine some time this week and maybe install it next week.

Later model roller block.............what do we have here???? What did Jasper drop? Recon roller block 5.8.

You have any interest in some decent (real decent reliable) iron heads?

F4TE, mild duration roller cam (XE, etc) and some heads bahwahhhhhhhhhhhh.

Nothing fancy here. It's a stock roller motor remanufactured by Jasper. The goal here is reliability. Keep in mind this truck still has the stock 2 barrel carburetor, so performance is limited anyway. If I keep this truck long term the first major engine upgrade will be EFI.

Stock reman roller block (short block) is a great foundation. I would never risk reliability outside of a drag race combo. With even yesterdays technology a person can take a short block like this and swap oldschool say GT40 heads on etc, and a mild roller cam and have a valve train that will go 50-60 or more thousand miles with the correct valve springs. Current cam and valve spring/valvetrain technology allows bigtime reliability potential.

Either way, glad to hear you have roller block. The fun truely starts with a roller cam and a roller block is a great start. EFI is cool too...........

Final assembly in progress... almost installation time.:thumbup

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/576290/fullsize/1022071630.jpg

if you mess up that perfect interior, i might be forced to hurt you. wow, it looks immaculate

if you mess up that perfect interior, i might be forced to hurt you. wow, it looks immaculate

LOL, it's been a while since I've gotten that threat.:D

Actually, recently I've been thinking more and more about cutting the truck up. I really need to make the truck safer and caging it is the only way to do that. To build a cage the way I really want it the interior really needs to get hacked. No matter how much care I take and how cleanly I do it, for all practical purposes this really does destroy the vehicle, especially the interior. It's a big step and there's no going back.... We'll see.

Aaaaand, I never had any desire to modify the stock sheet metal, but seeing this pic has really gotten the gears turning....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/577099/fullsize/johns-bronco-(1).jpg

I love what the enlarged wheel openings does for the overall look of the truck!

Right now I just don't have the balls to cut up near-perfect fenders. Maybe soon though.

Hmm, that was the first thing i cut on my bronco :) in that exact spot, too, heh heh. run a plasma cutter right along the trim and it'll give you perfect lines.

steve you and those damn jasper fairy's are making me jealous

nice work, you are moving along pretty fast too.

I just got done reading all of this, and this thread is full of awesome.
Steve you seem like a first-rate kind of guy! Beautiful truck all around. I really like what you've done with it, and also what you havn't done with it!

I agree with you, if you're going to do it right you need to cage it.

Being from Virginia I'd never even heard of pre runners before I came to FSB.com. I think it's time I talk to the wife about moving to the left coast ;)

Keep us posted!

I just got done reading all of this, and this thread is full of awesome.
Steve you seem like a first-rate kind of guy! Beautiful truck all around. I really like what you've done with it, and also what you havn't done with it!

I agree with you, if you're going to do it right you need to cage it.

Being from Virginia I'd never even heard of pre runners before I came to FSB.com. I think it's time I talk to the wife about moving to the left coast ;)

Keep us posted!

Thanks Seijirou, I'm still debating on what else I want to do with the truck. Although I really like it, I'm not sure I'll keep it long term. I'm constantly going back and forth on caging it. Occasionally I do drive it fast enough off-road that I need it. But, if I end up selling it the cage would narrow its market even more. Plus, it's tough to build a cage that doesn't make it more dangerous to drive without a helmet or being completely harnessed in (which would be a pain in the ass for street driving).

What will probably happen is I'll get a wild hair some day and just start cutting! :thumbup

Took the Bronco for a quick flight this morning....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/590768/fullsize/p1020737-(2).jpg

Sweet!!!

right on how was the beach with all the big swells that have been hitting the coast?

Nice Steve!!

I couldn't figure out how to embed this, so here's a link:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6326240236003700798&hl=en

Right now I just don't have the balls to cut up near-perfect fenders. Maybe soon though.

its just sheetmetal. all replacable if you really HATE it later. (doubtful)
:thumbup

nice take off BTW.

I couldn't figure out how to embed this, so here's a link:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6326240236003700798&hl=en

Yeah!!:rockon I love that you put in a slow pass to give the clip some perspective. Awesome!

Yeah!!:rockon I love that you put in a slow pass to give the clip some perspective. Awesome!


x2 :rockon

right on how was the beach with all the big swells that have been hitting the coast?

The beach was a little thrashed & it looks like the tide had come way up... it was great! I purposely wanted to go out just after rain because the sand is harder and it ends up being a lot rougher. :thumbup

Yeah!!:rockon I love that you put in a slow pass to give the clip some perspective. Awesome!

I try to do that any time I take video. A lot of times the camera makes things seem so slow and boring.... We took more video but it just didn't come out all that great. I have a couple ideas for better camera angles that might make for better video. Maybe for the camping trip! :thumbup

Sweet vid! I'm looking forward to Jan!

Very cool Steve:thumbup

I'm headed for the dunes tomorrow, hope to get some similar video of mine running the whoops.

I wish I could make the Pismo run with you guys... just too long a pull too close to some other events Like EJS in March..:banghead

Sweet vid! I'm looking forward to Jan!

Me too!

Very cool Steve:thumbup

I'm headed for the dunes tomorrow, hope to get some similar video of mine running the whoops.

I wish I could make the Pismo run with you guys... just too long a pull too close to some other events Like EJS in March..:banghead

It would be great to have you but I realize it's a damn long haul for you. And in comparison to your dunes ours would be a little embarrassing!

OooOoh, that's what I call motivation. I was going to scrap the idea of ever going to anything better than a traditional lift, but with videos like that it's hard. I really liked the video, thanks for posting it up.

sweet video, and cool pic too! wish you had video of the jump though.

Nice video man! Your suspension soaks that up beautifully. Ive been through that exact part of the dunes and those whoops kick your ass in something with stiff suspension. My friends with their 4 corner leaf sprung chevys have to crawl across that section to not rattle themselves to death.

Steve! I keep watching that hoping the video will get longer. Ha!! Got any more?!

Very very nice. I went though that as a passenger in Ruthless69's bronco in that exact section chasing a yota. And that aint no joke, it was fun as hell, and one of the things that makes me want one of your prerunner style broncos.

But I digress, that was a cool vid, the rig looks fun as hell. And come january, I want a ride.

It would be great to have you but I realize it's a damn long haul for you. And in comparison to your dunes ours would be a little embarrassing!


Well it would just be a blast to come down and meet a few of you guys but it seems I have put mine out of commission for awhile...:doh0715: I scattered the rear end while playing at Sand Lake today.

Got a short vid of flying over some whoops ...not as cool as yours... and caught some good air out of the big bowl before things blew up... ah well.

Maybe late in the summer we will try and get down to truckhaven or Lake El senior to hang out with an old Boeing friend of mine if we do I'd love to hook up with a few of you SoCal guys.

Steve! I keep watching that hoping the video will get longer. Ha!! Got any more?!

I'll post the extended version tomorrow. Nothing extraordinary, but more....

And come january, I want a ride.

Count on it.

Well it would just be a blast to come down and meet a few of you guys but it seems I have put mine out of commission for awhile...:doh0715: I scattered the rear end while playing at Sand Lake today.

Got a short vid of flying over some whoops ...not as cool as yours... and caught some good air out of the big bowl before things blew up... ah well.

Maybe late in the summer we will try and get down to truckhaven or Lake El senior to hang out with an old Boeing friend of mine if we do I'd love to hook up with a few of you SoCal guys.

It would be great to meet up sometime, we'll have to work something out.

I'll post the extended version tomorrow. Nothing extraordinary, but more....



Count on it.
.
:thumbup on both accounts. Its gonna make we want a prerunner again though:doh0715:

The "trailer" again:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6326240236003700798&hl=en

And the extended, much less exciting version.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8180949722035158143&hl=en

BTW: you guys will have to pardon my beyond-amateur editing skills (or lack thereof).

The "trailer" again:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8180949722035158143&hl=en

And the extended, much less exciting version.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6326240236003700798&hl=en


BTW: you guys will have to pardon my beyond-amateur editing skills (or lack thereof).

Very cool Steve :thumbup I'm going to try and produce a short video with some editing, slow mo etc. out of all the film I currently have of mine ... which application are you using to do the editing?

Here is a bit of mine running some milder whoops yesterday .. didn't find the good ones till we were trying to make it out of the dunes on the front end only... that was interesting
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/591102/thumbnail/591102.jpg (http://www.supermotors.net/clubs/2bigbroncos/vehicles/registry/media/591102)

not quite as cool as yours..:notworthy