I'm 18, and attempting to learn more about cars. i recently purchased a 1996 Eddie Bauer bronco with the 351W. I'm pretty sure it's got the E40D automatic. I would like to swap a ZF in it, but I'm not sure how involved that is. i payed 9 grand for it, and it just rolled 90k miles. So i think it's a pretty good deal.

Things i want to do to it:
-4 inch lift, 35inch Toyo M/T's (i hear i need extended radius arms)
-hedman headers, and true dual exhaust, either flow master 10's or super 40's
-(if possible) swap a ZF5 into it.
-any motor upgrades: intake, throttle body (here is where my knowledge cuts out.. What else is there to do?)

I want to learn by doing. I've got some cash in my pocket, and the potential for a very sweet truck. I need some ideas, and a bit of a point in direction. Are there a handful of simple things someone new into the car world can tackle?

Thanks for the help!
Alex

 

9 GRAND!!!!!

Well that thing better be super factory fresh without a scratch. Did you get to open the time capsule yourself?

Ok, well on to helpful comments. Yes you will have the E4od. Do a search on here for the manual swap, its pretty involved and requires alot of parts. Check the F150 as well. There are nice threads on it.

You won't need extended radius arms for a lift, but they give more articulation. if you are jsut building a mall crawler that sees an occasional puddle, then you will be fine with the regular arms. If you are like every other 18 year old with a 4wd and Duke of Hazzard onto the freeway from the ditch, get the extended arms.

For headers, go Pacesetter, since they allow you to keep the EGR and the fitment is perfect. I just did them myself a few months ago. I'd recommend losing the true duals dream, its not worth the hassle. There are plenty of threads on here about that as well. Easier and better to have a custom Y-pipe made and run a good single exhaust.

Welcome to FTE and we will help you with any questions, but be sure you search first to see if your question has been asked before.

 

Some trans swap links.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/869833-zf5-swap.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...sion-list.html

Where are the required pictures for introducing a new truck

I forgot to mention, its great that you want to learn to do this stuff yourself. First thing is to pick up a haynes or chiltons manual for the truck. You can do pretty much everything with a good set of tools (mostly basic, but a few special ones). If you take your time and look in a manual and research before starting, you can do almost anything by yourself, like mentioned before, don't be afraid to post a question on FTE here. We've all had places we got stuck and sometimes the answer may be simple but you just can't focus. Good luck

 

9K is crazy spendy for a bronco man unless its a classic early bronco.

if you spent that kind of money dont mess with the tranny and such. if you want to run larger tires just get some 33x10.50 tires and shim the front bumper out a bit with washers. if you want to run 35's you will need to have the gears done front/back to at least 4.56 or 4.88's. expect to drop anywhere from $1200-$2k depending on shop and other goodies you want in the differentials. YES get extended radius arms, by a complete system with new leaf springs, not blocks or AAL's.
You wont be running true duals on a bronco the transfer case is in the way. you can run long tube headers but understand the fit can be very tight and may not work at all. running shorties are fine and then get a customer Y pipe with a hi flow cat and 3" exhaust to a single in / dual out muffler so you get the dual look. Make sure the o2 sensors get put back exactly where they are currently.

spending that kinda coin and then transforming the rig is not wise. Just run what you brung in my opinion. Just so you know with the coin you spent to buy the rig you could have built a better rig and still saved money. but your young and will learn :-)
get us some pics we want to see this unicorn.

 

It is in very good condition, with only one scratch on it under the driver side key hole.
I am a dirt biker, so yes. the bronco pulls the trailer to the trails. it's not the main attraction for off roading.
Do you suggest single exhaust because of ease of installation? I hope to get out some time next week to get estimates from a local muffler shop for both single and dual. I'm not aware of the huge difference between the two. There is enough room for an exhaust pipe between the drive line and frame for the left side.

 

The only picture i got of it in the sun. Weather went south few hours after that, and i haven't seen the sun sense.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=83069

 

I don't think i really wanna cut anything.
This is the lift i was thinking about getting:
4 inch Ultra Deluxe Lift w/Superunner Extended Radius Arms 9

Alright, maybe i got the wrong vehicle for a custom exhaust setup. I'll check what the muffler guy says with his head under my truck.

 

That is clean and nice looking, but are those cloth seats?

Running an exhaust pipe if you could fit it between the frame and driveline on the drivers side is not wise as the fuel and brake lines are right there, as are all the Wires...

 

That is a really nice kit, thought about running it myself one day. But i'm with Kemical, wait awhile, at least until the current tires wear out, then go ahead with the lift and get bigger tires. Run the truck awhile, you might find something more urgent needs attention.

 

That's a good point, i got probably a good year left on these tires. I had planned on upgrading the exhaust and sound system first, and then just what ever goes out on it. What are some of the high wear areas? so i could replace them before they cause damage.
The one thing that does bother me, is it an automatic transmission. i've never had one, and it has slipped once! I might grab a ZF from a junk yard, and rebuilt it.
Yes, it does have cloth seats.

 

The E4OD is picky, it will shift very erratically sometimes, 99% of this is caused by a bad sensor elsewhere on the truck. Good places to start are of course, first pull the codes to makes sure its good, just cause there's no light doesn't mean the bulb isn't burnt out. Next up, check all the bushings and U-joints for slop and excessive play. I would do a full tune-up and fluid/filter change. bump the timing a bit (six litre tune up).

 

Thanks a lot for the help. I'll get underneath it and check it out. It came with the original maintenance log, I'll look threw that as well.

One other question. When i park, i put the truck in neutral. engage the parking brake, then put it into park. To alleviate the transmission, and put the stopping power in the brakes. Not sure if this is good? i just assume i should baby a Mazda transmission.
However, when i get in it a few hours later and start it up. It still has a pretty nasty noise when put into drive, a metal on metal clunk. I hope changing the fluid will help.

As for the transmission bad sensor. I can just take that into a dealership and have the code read?

Thanks a lot for the help Brett.

 

Oh, don't worry so much when parking, place the tranny in P, engage the parking brake, then release the brakes slowly. Welcome to FTE kid!, we will do our best to help you!.

 

Alright, thanks for the advice. I just want my bronco to last!

 

Sounds like a U-joint making that clunk. Otherwise your trans is detecting an issue and putting full line pressure at drive, does it shift nicely or rough?