Alright guys, thanks to some members, I'm back in the game with a new project (s).
I purchased a 1970 Sport, nearly all original, that will be getting restored, mostly to factory. It has the Dana 30 front and small bearing limited slip (code A3) rear that came with the truck. I have access to a ’76 big bearing axle (code 03J) from my other Bronco. Both the ’70 and ’76 axles are 2780lbs, according to the VIN decoder online, though the gross for the ’70 is 3900lbs, while the gross for the ’76 is 4900lbs.
Here is the question. In my line of work, you don’t take an all-original vehicle and modify it if you can help it. After balancing resale, originality, and usability, do you think I’d be hurting the truck to swap in a Dana 44 with discs, the ’76 big bearing rear, 2.5” lift, 23 gallon tank, and an NV3550 transmission? In addition, with 31-32” tires, can I leave out a power steering kit, or will that hinder me when I get on a trail?
My gut tells me to do the swaps (without power steering), but figured I’d get some input from those who know better. The most aggressive trail I can imagine driving is Kingston Peak trail near the top of St Mary’s Glacier (the same trail that overlooks Loch Lomond near the Chinn’s Lake area ). It has one really rocky section that takes throttle control, but nothing
. For the most part, this will be a camping truck.Thanks for any input.