The Do-over
Does anyone know how exactly the outside rubber pieces. Weatherstrip End, Right
How they fit on the tailgate. I think I got it, but I didn't put a screw into them because I want to make sure it's right before I put unneeded holes in the new tailgate.
Also I found out my new front axle is a D44, but I think I'm going to sell it and get a D60.
408 stroker - Torque monster (with my set up) have the base of what I need (block/wiring/etc.) No fabrications needed
7.3L diesel - Good fuel economy in a light truck, can be built for good power/torque. Requires donor truck which means additional money spent on getting good donor truck before being able to rebuild stuff - i.e. engine, trans (transfer case should work)
Should I keep the 10.25 or try and go with some Dana 60s? i.e. http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/4462669130.html
As for the front axle I'm not looking for ANOTHER D44 out of a f150/bronco instead of the leaf sprung HD d44 I currently have, but I will be using the spindles and such from the 8 lug on the 5 lug.
I was able to press 3 of 4 ball joints out of the D44 steering knuckles, the 4th one I will have to take into the local shop and have them press it out with a actual press.
Also since one steering knuckle is joint-less I have it in my Electrolysis rust remover at the moment. Electrolysis - Rust Removal Maybe a $25 investment for (from what I hear) quite a lengths time of investment. Larger parts just require a larger tub.
I think if you had the cash you could do a whole frame in a small pool.
Pictures to come when they finish uploading.


This is the electrolysis setup I have. 7 pieces of re-rod (18" pieces $1.68 ea.) Connected together by steel wire. Then a steel framing square on top with the steering knuckle connected to it via steel wire. Positive to the re-rod, negative to the part.
First put it in

After ~1 hour.

Currently it's still going. Has been nearly 2 hours.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
1978/9 D44:
-Stock axle shafts vs Ultimate Dana 44 CV Axle Set for Ford F-150 ('68-'79) & Bronco ('78-'79) vs Chromoly axle shafts
-ARB air locker
-Motive 4.10 gears
-XRF steering parts
-Warn lockouts
Sterling 10.25:
-Chromoly axle shafts vs stock axle shafts
- ARB air locker
-Disc brake conversion
-Motive 4.10 gears
Engine/drivetrain:
408 stroker vs 7.3 PSD (leaning toward PSD)
-Trans rebuilt with ~3,000 miles
-Transfer case rebuilt with ~3,000 miles
Exterior body panels:
FiberwerX front/rear fenders 80-96 Ford Bronco Fenders 96 Headlight Conversion - FiberwerX Off Road Fiberglass
80-96 Ford Bronco Bedsides - FiberwerX Off Road Fiberglass
Scoop hood?
Redo body work on doors
Custom bumpers/push bars
Interior panels:
Custom fiberglass door panels
Paint or upholster dash
Carpet vs rubber floor
Roll cage
Electronics:
Add 3rd set of speakers by tailgate
Indoor/outdoor speakers
Dual batteries Dual batteries - FSB Forums
Roof rack w/ lights (suggestions on types?)
Paint:
Dark/military Green like

or a 2 tone paint job
(Picture courtesy Diesel_Brad) I'm open to suggestions and opinions from everyone on ideas.
Little update:
Have been having some issues with the tailgate opening. Actually have to remove the panel piece and pull the levers by hand.
Problem 1 was that the driver side rod was trapped under the new torsion bar and problem to is that they are probably both well worn out. The driver's side one won't open all the way.
Here is how the handle sits normally.

Here is how it's supposed to sit.

Part of the problem is that the rod from the handle to the mechanism is bent so I think I need a new one of those.
Does anyone have these pieces on their tailgate?

The driver's side one sits like this nice and flush (no screws in it yet as per suggestion from JBG.)

But this is as good as I can get the passenger one to rest.

Thoughts?
Lastly and update on the Electrolysis:
Before:



After: (Not the exact same one but they turned out the same.)


You can even read the parts numbers now.

That's all for now, not that anyone but me reads this.
I've since fixed it a little. I got both sides to latch but one side the latch doesn't close fully. I left the exterior latches on.
I spent a few hours after work Saturday looking for some new doors since mine are starting to show some signs of rust and near the fenders they are bent inward from an accident a few years back. (Pics to come.)
As for the progress today I got the steering knuckles for the D44 painted.




Don't say much because I'm not a mechanic. I try to fix things that break on my Bronco, however it's been pretty solid since I've had it
Biggest issue I had was a bad alt and battery.