I'm having troubles staying to task with my Bronco list. I keep adding more and more to the list and not spending enough time working on it.
trying to get it all done for Aprils Safari. Anyone got any good motivational tricks?

I like fabrication. Nothing makes me happier than hiding from the world in the garage building stuff. At this point, I've set a goal of going to Moab, and that's the motivation. Post up your list of stuff to do, we'll triage it for you. Kirk recently did that for me and it gave some good perspective.

I agree with Justin, set a goal/end date to be up & running. Then be realistic about what you can accomplish in that time, and stick with your plan. Its easy to let Bronco creep set in and try to do everything while its apart, "because its easier to get to while its apart".

****Disclaimer: Do as I say, not as I do. I was supposed to have my truck running before it got too cold to work in my garage. I didn't add to my project list, but didn't get as much done as I expected, then temporarily abandoned the Bronco project, to try to finish my remodel****

Motivation & time spent on task doesn't seem to be a problem for me. I usually spend a couple months working on my remodel. Then I'm either super excited to stop working on my house & start on the Bronco, or the Bronco has broken, and is in desperate need of attention, just to get it back running. I'm guilty of working too hard, for too many hours/nights in a row, until I'm crosseyed from exhaustion, and my body & mind (& girlfriend) force me to stop working for a while.

First, focus on three areas: safety, capability, and comfort. If making the Safari is your goal, then knock out all safety concerns first. You might not be as capable as the other trucks when you go. But people would much rather winch you up a rock then pull you out of a rollover and rush you to the hospital.

Second, next to each project, provide a realistic estimate of the time required to accomplish that project. And then add 50% more time. Anything that can be knocked out in a few hours can be done after work. 1-2 days, over the weekend. Anything that takes longer than 2 days, post up asking for help. Your goal should be a running and driving truck after each project. If you wind up with no axles because you decided to swap shocks, you've done something wrong.

One. Project. At. A. Time.

I'm notorious for biting off more than I should at once. That being said here is my considerable list.
Started removing drop bracket in favor of long arm kit I'm about 3/4done removing brackets for long arm install.
My 351w engine parts show on Friday from Machinists. I love building engine that's about 3/4 of a day to build
I have a rear air locker to replace the Detroit
Rear disc brake kit and 31 spine axles
Soft top & soft doors . Roadster inserts are already in
Wiper motor cover metal with speaker for stereo
Throttle cable install hand throttle install
Replace Chevy disc brakes with 78-79 disc
Steering damper bracket
ARB front diff cover
Winch install
Fabricate front bull bar
Finish rear bumper cooler carrier
I'm sure that I've missed little bits I had two friends that we projected together but had to leave the state for work. Obviously not all these items need to be done before Moab. So let the laughter begin & let me know what you think

In addition to what's been said, the ability to just say NO helps. I think being able to get a sense of accomplishment by completing something, drive the Bronco for a while, then rinse/repeat.

I found it to be deflating and draining when something doesn't seem to have an end date in the foreseeable future.

I also try to keep a neat and organized garage to walk into each time so that it doesn't feel overwhelming.

I did forget to mention I have the advantage of owning a small independent repair shop. I agree with completing and enjoying it. I'm the worst about that the engine in the truck only has 260 miles on the 302 but it's not what I wanted long story.

Another motivating factor is seeing others drive their rigs. That being said, attend one of the meetings, over what other guys have up and running. That motivates a lot of folks. Trouble is, that can also add to your list. But as mentioned, safety is job #1. Capability should go hand in hand with reliability. And ask for help when you need it. Provide some adult beverages and pizza one Saturday and you might be surprised at who shows.

Looks like you can categorize your list. Front - long arms , cover, damper & disc swap. Rear - diff, axle, disc. Those two will get you on the road and will need a weekend each. Another weekend for both bumpers. Evening work for anything that attaches to the body. Engine swap is last, it's a want not a need.

I get motivated by thinking about how my body has broken down in the last 10 years and that makes me want to get stuff done before I'm unable to do it.

Have you and my wife been talking about me again?

You could always set up a tech day and a couple of us can hear your way one weekend. That could help you with motivation and get most of the stuff knocked out too. Just a thought.

Might not be a bad idea Kirk had said something about that too. Could be interesting to see how the group works together. I appreciate all the input so far keep it coming & thanks. What would you guys want to see as a tech day.
Thanks
Rob C

I would personally love to learn how to put together the rear axle. I'm also planning to rebuild one with new gears and ARB. So that's my vote!

I imagine with a couple brains and jackstands we could knockout the front and rear axle stuff pretty easily in a day

I always try to focus on one thing at a time, even if the list grows finish that one thing and move onto the next. The motivation comes from completing tasks for me.

Set small goals. I usually try to get one major chunk done per month. It is easy to visualize 4 wks worth of work at a time.

What really motivates me is knowing that I'm wasting money when the truck is sitting and wasting time I could be spending with my boys. And part of spending time with the boys involves having the truck available for camping, exploring, etc.

I think the priority list is the obvious first solution & completion of projects always feels good. I probably will be plowing this weekend but possibly next weekend the 7th. I'd be happy to go through the ARB install as well as the rear disc conversion. I'm not planning on a gear set change at least not this time. Let me know if this works and I'll start the day with coffee & donuts . Figure out lunch pizza, Q dobra whatever works.

Got my new radius arm brackets welded up & the new 351W built. Missed a trip out to Kokopelli trail. So motivation is high not to miss this years Safari.