So I picked up this 78' Bronco XLT on Monday. I have started the tear down of the engine, mostly to replaced leaking seals and gaskets as well as to do some clean up and check out the overall condition of the front end.
I have found the passenger axle to be leaking, as well as the rear main, both valve covers, the intake manifold, and the rear diff cover.
Tonight I removed the intake, valve covers, and the oil pan. I plan on cleaning them up tomorrow and putting a fresh coat of paint on them. And while I have the oil pan off I am going to knock out the rear main, and check the condition of the clutch.
No it's not milkyness, it is just the reflection from the camera flash. I was actually pretty dark when I took the pics.
Once I get it back together I plan on soaking it in degreaser then hitting the whole engine bay and undercarriage with the steam cleaner. Then more cleaning, and more cleaning!
Found a 78 at the local yard. It has a flawless hood and a tailgate with only surface rust!! Also has a Lariat head liner that I am going to snatch up. I'll be going there this weekend (if the wife isn't bothered too much by having more parts laying around) to get all of those. I did take the heater controls from it, I needed the rear window switch.
Made some progress today, I replaced the rear main seal.
I cleaned and painted the oil pan and valve covers.
I found a large leak coming from the oil pressure sending unit.
Replaced the sending unit, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets and valley pan. I will be putting on a 4 barrel intake when it comes but for now i just cleaned up the stock set up. 4 barrel set up should be here next week.
Only 2 more leaks to fix at this point, the front axle seals and the rear diff.
I will post up some pics tomorrow, it is too dark and I am too damn tired to worry about pics tonight!
Done! I checked the shaft and it was in excellent shape. The pump is in great shape also, I thought it would need to be replaced but it was a torn gasket that was leaking by that caused my low oil pressure. Well that and a sending unit that was also leaking.
Well after driving this thing for a almost a week now I have realized 2 things, I LOVE this truck and it has been parked for a while. Pretty much every axle seal has started to leak so that will be my task next weekend, how exciting! I was hoping to start cutting off rusty panels but that will just have to wait:doh0715:
Well I started to mess with the rear axle, however as most of you probably know already I need a GAT DAMN press to get the bearing retain off!:smilie_slap
So I was not successful today, but I will see about getting access to a press tomorrow or have a shop press them for me.
I did however start working a bit on the interior. I installed a new steering wheel and painted the dashboard parts. I hate the wood grain crap so I did this
I also installed a tach, pretty clever spot I think, check out the oil pressure at idle!
More updates tomorrow, I will be working a lot on this project over the next 2 weeks, the wife is out of town on military training:rofl:
I did however start working a bit on the interior. I installed a new steering wheel and painted the dashboard parts. I hate the wood grain crap so I did this
I also installed a tach, pretty clever spot I think, check out the oil pressure at idle!
More updates tomorrow, I will be working a lot on this project over the next 2 weeks, the wife is out of town on military training:rofl:
Made some progress today on project no chrome! hehe
Picked up a newish bumper and grill last night for $60.
Put a coat of POR15 on the bumper and front support and front part of frame.
When they say this stuff stick they ain't kidding! My glove got a hole in it and I didn't notice. I guess I will have a black hand for a little while!:histerica
holy shit! you are kicking the hell out of that truck, I don't think I've seen a more ambitious drive to fix up a truck...I'd better get started on some of my things, yikes!
haha, I have a new intake on its way and I am picking up some 33's to stick on it until it is ready for a lift. The little donut tires with gold rims HAVE to go!
You're close to where I am, we should hook up sometime!
Question:
Can a stock 1978 Bronco fit 35" tires WITHOUT rubbing?
Answer:
HELL YES!
Just for grins I decided to get my old 35s out of storage from my last Bronco. I was actually going to get some used 33s but they were crap. So since I was bored I stuck these on not expecting them to clear, but they do!:rockon
The rust on mine is too low to just use the patch panels, I bought one just to see and it is rusted about 3-4" below where the patch panel would repair, so new quarters it is!
Something interesting today, as I was driving down the road I went a over a set of nasty train tracks and it sent my truck into convulsions!
I am thinking the shocks are shit, I know most of the bushings are shit, but I have replaced the bearings, and the ball joints are new within the last year and are in great shape.
I am going to put a hold on all cosmetic repairs that cost me money for now and get the 6" lift on order and installed ASAP. That will take care of the shocks and bushings that are dead.
Got a contact number? I was looking at the set up @ JBG with all 6 shocks and shipping is $1266
Went to NTW website, checked it out. They have the Skyjacker lift with separate shocks, the total there would be $1113. That does not include the pitman arm and other misc items needed from what I can tell.
It is on the short list, the Skyjacker is not! After some research I am not a fan of their product.
But for now with the budget I have to work with it will most likely be the 6.5" Ultra deluxe lift with 6 nitro shocks from JBG. For what is included it is the best lift for the money.
This is my DD and I need to get the convulsion problem solved ASAP!!!!
I may upgrade to Deavers down the road but for now and what I plan to use the truck for this lift will suit my need quite nicely!
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