Well it's been some time since I had a chance to mess with an OBS truck (suv in this case). By far my favorite body style (or the 78-79 style). Anyway to make a long story short... I build off road vehicles and have had a built OBS ford. It was my first truck and took me through high school. I regret selling it! I found a steal on a '96 Bronco w/ 351 and manual tcase 4x4. 97k miles picked it up for $1000!!

I was thinking at first buy it, turn and sell to make some money. But after looking at it and driving it, I think I'm going to restore it (partially) and make it a daily driver again. Save me a vehicle payment for now. I have a samurai for off road use so this will be mainly a mall crawler.

I've posted this thread to get your feed back on my list of upgrades/fixes thus far. Like I said, it's been some time and you all probably know more about the newer products than I do! Or maybe upgrades/tips/tricks. Please feel free to input on any all parts/ideas.. .. Here it goes:

Exhaust -
- Shorty Headers Probably just some headmans. Not sure if full length fits?
- 2.25 true duals, remove cats into flow master 50 series
- 3" slash tips out the back
- weld 02 bungs in

Engine -
- Tune up, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, ect ect...
- Cold air intake?
- Bigger throttle body?
*Not looking to build the 351 yet, just some fuel helpers and longevity stuff

Suspension -
- 4/6" TTB Lift kit with full rear springs
- Possibly shackle flip instead of rear springs
- Rebuild the d44 hub to hub
- Try to install 4.88 gears for 35's or 4.56 gears for 33s
- extended radius arms cage off road me thinks?
- Super-lift Super runner steering upgrade (worth it?)
- 15x8 steel wheels 4" or BS
*I don't want to do an SAS as I won't be wheeling this truck, looking for ride

Interior -
- Need to re-do the front seats (buckets) foam is shot
- add heat to the seats for my butt
- new carpeting
- upgrade stereo system
- remote start
- fix in-op coolant gauge
- Tint

Exterior -
- Need to fix rust on wheel wells, fender, cab corners, tailgate (not all is bad)
- Cowl hood?
- Custom bumper front (winch) rear (tire carrier)
- maybe change the paint job haha

I know this list is huge and very expensive.. I am still in research phase. I will be coming back to this with your suggestions and updating my information, such as price, brand, ect. Just asking for your input!

Thanks,
Brian

Oh this thread needs some pics! Here is what is going on the operating table!

 

looks like a real good deal on a fixer upper
heck I'd drive er like she is
would check really in depth to the underneath before all the lift work and such
rust can be a pain

 

I made sure of that! Looks like factory (or aftermarket) under body coating. It is peeling off. How ever the floor pans and bed bottom looks to be in great shape yet! The only rust are the issues on the side of the body. The rockers aren't gone either. The bottoms of the doors seem to be good yet! I'm not sure if these are original colors or maybe the truck was painted before. I have no history (boo).

I'm thinking more and more that it seems to be a good base to build from!

 

If you're gonna toss the front bumper, and if it has no rust/dents....I'll pay the shipping for it....

-Wes

 

awesome find! other then some rust.

from what ive read and advice given to me, shorties are pointless. i have been suggested pacesetter LT's but they are around $300, they are the best fitting and gain the most ponies, and help mpg.

since you have a roller motor 351w more than likely, you can get some 1.7 rockers and add a little power also.

i wouldnt worry about a throttle body or cold air unless your going to really tear into the engine, you will see minimal gains with a stock motor

i cant really suggest a good lift but im running a cheaper 6in rough country lift and love it. it might ride rough for a f150 but it is a cadilac compared to an f250 or f350

if you have automatic locking hubs i would suggest Milemarkers since its what im running. they are cheaper than warn and just as good

Edit: i just seen you had manual hubs.. idk how i missed that!

 

Keep ya in mind Wes when the time comes!

 

Thanks man....You have an idea what S & H will cost?

-Wes

 

Not a d**m clue. My zip is 54901. I'd wrap it in shrink wrap and ship as is possibly?

 

I know the postal service has flat rate shipping...If it fits, it ships..Too bad we cant cut it in half...

Idk...Have to check that out...Thanks for the info man...We'll PM further info...

-Wes

 

OO Great info!! Thanks!

I just wasn't sure if the long tube headers would fit. But if they do heck yes sign me up! I'll take a look at them.

Can you elaborate more on the 1.7 rockers? Might as well throw a cam in there then too?

I've worked with RC alot for lifts. I was thinking the same thing. But getting some extended rad arms to help it even more! Maybe upgrade shocks to 5150s or something also.

I'll skip the Intake and TB as well, wasn't sure on gains, Intakes never seem to help on gas vehicles for me anyways.

Again thanks for the post!

 

no problem! i believe your year motor has the best cam for a stock motor/fuel and computer system. if conanski joins in he can probly elaborate on the rockers some more. im sure your truck is mass air... if so you are not as limited to certain cams as speed density... if you dont want to dig into the motor, i wouldnt change the cam unless your changing heads.

 

Looks like Fed Ex is gonna run $30-50.....

-Wes

 

sounds really cheap for a 50 or so lb bumper.

 

The hedman shorty headers have a known defect that I have seen a few times. There is pin holes in the welds and they flange is thin which is more prone to warping.

I would get the Summit brand Pacesetter shorty headers.

By the way, don't waste your money on a hot air intake.

 

Well if the long tubes will fit then I might as well go that route! Thanks for the heads up though!