So...finally heard back from the radiator shop....well not great news. Crack, 2 holes and completely blocked. So I put a new 3 core aluminum radiator in...since the larger radiator for the V8 was so much cheaper ($160 vs $500)...I went with that and had to do some "creative" work with the hoses but it looks pretty good and works great. I ended up getting all new mounting hardware for the radiator from bronco graveyard. The radiator bolt kit for the early 70s f100/late 70's broncos fit perfectly. After filling up the radiator and testing everything I noticed my temp gauge didn't budge after leaving the truck running for 10 mins to heat up. So I went thru diagnosing...grounded the wire and the gauge maxed out when I put the key on ACC so its the sensor. Really bummed I didn't notice this before I put 3 gals of coolant into the truck. I am assuming that I need to drain the coolant before I pull the temperature sensor, right? I tested the OHMs on the sensor but I don't know what they are supposed to be...was only reading 2.5 ohms. On the 240, its at the right rear side of the engine. I definitely need to drain it right???

 

So...pulled the plug and drained the coolant. Pulled the temp sensor, only to find out the local shop gave me the wrong sensor, they said a TU25 would fit but it absolutely does not. Didnt want to go back and forth so just ordered one from Macs...I should have remembered what I read on these forums and tried Napa first! As I was typing this I searched Napa...could have gotten it Friday for half what I paid for the part and shipping!!! That's it...will be my go to for now on! I hate that they charge nearly the cost of small parts in shipping. Hopefully it gets here before winter! I have not been having very good luck with part orders getting here in a reasonable time lately.

On another note...pulled the old, brittle and cracked engine ground wire. Replaced with a perfect match...CJ Pony parts is local to me (25 mins away). So I was able to match the exact same repro wire from a 1968-69 stang. Looks great. I know I could have just ordered generic grounding straps but it was the same price and I think looks better.

I really feel like a slacker reading some of the other threads out there...there are guys doing some CRAZY restos...way out of my league right now...maybe someday. I don't even have a plasma cutter or welder yet. That seems like when the fun really starts.

 

So...realized I never really went into the brake rebuild much. So as @kenny nunez said, thank you sir!!! I had to pull the steering box to get the pre-bent lines mounted. The lines from inline worked out really well, perfect bends and fit nicely. I did have an issue with the fuel lines they sent, completely the wrong diameter, but they quickly refunded my money. I initially had a couple spots that seemed like they didn't seal very well but after a tweak, seems everything is solid. Was worried the flares were not done well. Had to do everything from a creeper but worked out pretty well...had my boy as a second set of hands to pass me what I needed.

Got the spring kits on ebay, which were actually really nice and complete. Got the rear hose w/splitter from brake hoses unlimited, usa made and a perfect match. Had to get the rear slave cylinders from LMC but was able to get the rest of the parts, master cylinder, front slave cylinders, hoses, shoes etc locally. I ended up wire wheeling the outside of the drums, which cleaned up great. Sprayed them on the outside with rust inhibitor and flat black just to keep from turning back into a rusty mess. After I put everything back together...realized...didn't take a single pic! Sometimes you're so focused on what you are doing...you forget to stop and enjoy what you've done.

Again...after reading several threads now...had a few hours to kill...I will do a better job documenting the work. Seems like there are so many of us out there...every little bit helps. Thanks to everyone out there that provides the information for us newbies! Maybe one day I will get the courage to do half of what I have seen in the forum. Gotta start somewhere.