Well it's time....I'm going to start a build thread for my 1986 Bronco that I acquired back in March of 2021. This will be virtually a Ground Up Build.
Originally, I was going to purchase a new 2021 Bronco but then decided, it really isn't what I truly wanted.
I started my search for a Bullnose Bronco mainly with the idea of finding something along the lines of my first Bronco I had when I was 17. With a little help from
@MS88Bronc and a quick call to say "hey get on Facebook and look to see what I tagged you too", I was able to get this project that you all are about read on.
Immediately I contacted the seller and worked out a deal offering him exactly what he wanted. Wired the money and BAMM I got EXACTLY what I was looking for!! Had it shipped from Texas and when it got here it was better than expected! I don't think this thing has EVER been off road. The under body is so clean (minus the oil leak) and everything is as solid as it came off the factory line.
Now I've had this truck for a year now and only put maybe 30 - 40 miles on it. Leaks oil like no other but that's ok. Why? Because I got plans for this thing!!!
Currently as factory, it comes with the 302 FI with the AOD transmission. Has 3.55 open diff and BW1354 transfer case.
I recently did a barter deal with a guy here in Michigan for some parts. I told him I needed parts off his parts truck which was a 1996 Bronco Eddie Bauer with the 351W/E4OD. After working on his truck for 2 hours, I was able to score the 8.8 (H9), all the wiring from the truck and the computer.
So my plans are to make this truck 351 MAF / E4OD using the OBD2 system. I have a 351W in my garage that I had built years ago that's bored .030, E303 cam fully balanced. It moved my last 95 Bronco pretty good on Speed Density. But I've been thinking of maybe doing something different (stroker) with it....not sure just yet.
During the past year I have removed the billet grille and push bar and put a new grill with Ford Emblem, new bumper guards on the front, removed the crappy running boards and found a dash pad from a swap meet that was in MUCH BETTER shape than what it came with.
Removed the fancy 1980 steering wheel wrap only to find a MINT steering wheel!!
So I'm hoping I can find time to get this project completed in about a year. From drivetrain to paint, this will be my FOREVER Bronco. It WILL NOT see a Michigan winter, I can promise you that!!
Now.....Let the fun begin!!
In queue I have new Warn Premium Hubs, a set of Chrome Nerf Bars, a working clock, 4.10 gears and rebuild kit for the 8.8 LS.
I have 2 E4OD transmissions in my garage, one being from a 96. The 96 trans I was told only had 40k miles on it back in 2004 but it's been sitting for 16 years with me. I'm on the fence if I want to rebuild the 96 E4OD or just pick up a factory unit from Monster. I'm certain the seals are probably shot. I think for an extra $1000 from the rebuild kit price, it may be worth the headache. I have rebuilt a few transmissions in my life and they have all worked, but never an E4OD...plus I'm fairly a busy guy. So time is valuable too.
I need to source a few more parts for my project.
Manual Transfer Case linkage from a 91-96
E4OD Steering Column linkage from a 90-91
O/D Button with housing and pigtail from a 90-91
4.10/4.11 gears or a D50 Pig.
My plans for the PSOM is to either one of two things. Either tuck a working PSOM behind the dash and cable drive the existing speedo or integrate the guts from the PSOM with the face of the Bullnose Speedo. Still waiting for a junk speedo to try and see what I can do.
Going to document as I go. Going to be plenty of work including electrical integrating the 86 wiring with the 96 wiring. My goal is to be able to drive it this year, while sending it in for paint during winter of 2022/2023.
I can't wait to cruise this thing!!
Going to start pulling the H9 axle apart probably this weekend to start the rebuild of it.
In case you want to see how it was when I got it, I did a couple of "unboxing vids"
Stay tuned!!
