Vehicle Photos
Description:
The Bronco was abandoned at my wife's parents' ranch in California because it wouldn't run or pass emissions. A family had drove it limped it down from Washington and more than likely couldn't register it because of the strict CA smog laws. They said they'd be back to pick it up, but never did.
Four years later, it still sat and hadn't moved and would no longer run. While my wife (still girlfriend at the time) and I were visiting, our car was totalled when we were rear ended at 60mph and needed a vehicle to drive back to Idaho. He said I could have the Bronco if I could get it running. I'd never had a truck before, or a carb'd vehicle, and had no real mechanical skills, but I dove in and gave it a full tuneup to the point where we could drive it home 700 miles. It was weak and underpowered, but it drove like a champ. I figured I'd either sell it off, or swap out the 300 for a more fitting V8. However, after learning how awesome the I6 is, I'm glad I never got the chance. I've since learned an amazing amount about mechanics, and have nearly rebuilt the Bronco from the bottom up, and enhanced the engine from a tired old slouch to a high performance machine.
Engine/Drivetrain Modifications:
Most everything has been either rebuilt or replaced from the transmission to bushings, electronics, suspension, bearings, (you name it), except for the engine. However, even with 250k+ miles, the 300 I6 still has over 150 compression on all the cylinders with only a 6% variation and pulls nearly 18 - 20psi in vacuum at idle.
Engine has been converted to an Offenhauser performance DP intake and a Holley 390 4bbl carburetor. The exhaust is using the high flow manifolds from an EFI 4.9 I6, and a 2.5" exhaust from the engine to the tailpipe, a high flow cat and muffler along the way.
Suspension Modifications:
Nothing but a full rebuild and restore. All new suspension bushings, shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. The works. Nice and tight, but still stock.
Wheels/Tires Modifications:
Stock 30x9.5" tires on the original steel rims.
Interior/Exterior Modifications:
Front bumper guards!
Future Modifications:
32" tires, roll bar, captains chairs. An engine port and polish.
