Hi everyone - Just joined the CCB last week because I'm finally looking to get going on a bronco I purchased years ago. I'm not very mechanically savvy, and unfortunately, it needs a lot of work so I'm looking for any insight or recommendations for a frame up restoration. Thanks in advance for any all all help.

1971 - original 302 with aftermarket carb, headers & exhaust. Needs new floor boards (which I have, but can't weld) and there is definitely some other replacements needed (rockers, etc.)

I'd like it to be an every day driver that can handle any trails. I'm also debating a switch to a 4-speed tranny on the floor from the 3 on the tree. I'll try to post some pics so you have an idea of the long journey ahead of me. Thanks Again.

Welcome to the club. First thing's first. Make sure it's mechanically sound before doing any upgrades. Depending on where you are at, there could be any number of us that can help you out on the welding part.

As for making it a daily driver, the first thing I'd go with, if you have some coin to spend, in this order are:

1. power steering/hydroboost & front disc brakes....all at once.
2a. Wiring Harness
2b. EFI conversion
3. 4 or 5 speed tranny
4. Suspension
5. axle & gear upgrades

I'd stay away from the 3-speed floor shifter kits. Especially if you want to have a 4 speed at some point in time. There is no use in spending the money on it if you are going to go away from it in the future. Your best bet is to sit down, figure out exactly what you want to do with your rig, figure out if you want it to be able to conquer 90% of the trails and still be road worthy or if you will be ok with 75% of the trails. As it is, EBs are pretty capable from an "As Is" stand point. It just matters what you want to do with it. But, like I said, put pen to paper and figure out what upgrades you want to do, put dollar signs next to each item & go from there. I wish I would have done that when I first started, then I wouldn't have spent half as much as I already have... :)

Welcome!

So it sounds like you are looking for a shop to do the work? If that's so, I'd recommend the Bronco Hut in Castle Rock. I do all my own work but have used them for most all the parts I buy and have seen their restorations first hand, very good work.

sbolts comments are great! He lines out a great recipe for a rig that can handle some trails and be driven on the street. Again, be honest with yourself as to what trails you want to conquer. Have you done any? If so, what was it and would you like to do harder etc? This will help us understand how extreme you'll need to go. Keep in mind that the more extreme you go, the less comfortable it could be on the highway. A balance can be found, but since you'll likely see more highway than trail, you'll want to tailor your upgrades in that direction.

I would add armor in there if you want to keep your rig looking nice. Maybe at 3b. You want to protect it (bumpers, rockers, rear quarters) before you start wheeling it hard.

Again, thinking in long term, the best place I believe there is to get low gearing for off-road is in the t-case. This is a "cake and eat it too" situation because you can maintain your highway gearing for that purpose, but get really low gearing for off-road. That being said, a great 5spd manual tranny is the ZF-5spd. Then an Atlas Transfer case bolts right up to it (with a little spacer).

Welcome to the club too! Post up some pics of your rig!

J.D.

Welcome to the club! Here you will find all the technical advice you can imagine, and plenty of help with those projects you are having dificutly with. Those floor boards - well that is a terific place to start learning to weld. If you are unsure about your ability - then post up a day that you want to tackle the project . Most likely you will have several show up to help. Especialy if you participate here on the board and at other events monthly breakfasts etc.

I am the perfect example of this.

As far as building a good driver that is capable on most trails - that is something that just about everyone here has done or is doing and we will all offer our "sound advice" when asked and sometimes when you do not ask even.

But most of all - post up some pic's - we all love to surf the "Bronco porn" as often as we are able.

Welcome to CCB.

You have come to the right place to get great advice and help with your rig.

I have a C4 automatic (3 speed) in mine and love it although I am considering going to a 4R70W (4 speed auto) at some point in the future.

Most trails around here can be done with 33" tires, 3.5" suspension, and locked diffs of some sort.

Welcome to the club. There is no question you are in the right place for advice on your project. The advice from this site has saved me a ton of money and more time than I can image. Plus, the recommended members, contacts, and vendors will save you from getting burned. We got the best C4 guy in the country so I say skip shifting and go automatic :). Sbolts list is really good for a daily driver and he is right - there is a member than can help ya with each part of the build. Thanks for posting up your intro. Keep the questions coming.

You will hear this a lot, but post up some pics :).

Welcome!

Welcome to CCB!

Welcome! As has been mentioned, you'll find this a welcoming and helpful group. x1000 on sbolt's list. I'll also double up on his suggestion to go through all the basic mechanical stuff before you start modifying. I've had mine a year and much of the work I've done has been things like tie rods, wheel bearings and other stuff that can make a good day much worse if they fail. It'll also give you the basic knowledge of the truck you'll need if you ever need to repair something out on the trail.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and all the help!! Here are some pics of 'Buster'.


buster.front.passenger.JPG
buster.interior.driver.jpg

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buster.interior.rear.JPG

Looks like a great start! Again, let us know how extreme you want to go and we can help ya with where to start...

Outstanding place to start! I think you should take buster out for the snow bash on the second and se e how cabable it already is. You will probably be pleasantly suprised and you will meet some great guys.

But for sure be at the next breakfast. I look forward to meeting you and checking out your rig