Hey fellas I,ve got a 95 Bronco 5.0 V8, 113k. Seems like I finally have alittle time and money to play with it. I would like some good advice on a lift, tires, and possible power upgrades. I was thinking of a 4" lift with 35" tires? Maybee a new exhaust sustem and one of those funky computer chips for performance. Anyone out there that would like to throw some advice and info my way it would be much appreciated.
THX

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Dec-02 AT 09:13 PM (EST)]Advice: start slowly. If you feel like you need bigger tires, get some 33s - you can do them with no lift and only a few washers at the frame to shim the bumper out. Make sure the engine is running properly (and the trans, too) before you decide you need to change the chip or anything else. Become familiar with the truck & how to diagnose problems on it, or you'll quickly become frustrated with all the extra maintenance you're asking for. Read the Haynes manual cover-to-cover and crawl around under the truck so you can see what they're talking about.

Having money to spend on the truck is nice, but if you don't understand what you've paid someone to do to it, then you won't have any idea how to fix it when you break it on the trail. Do your own mods and keep them commensurate with your own mechanical proficiency. As you gain experience, you'll be better-equipped to decide what mods you really want, and it'll cost less when you do them yourself.

 

Hey I appreciate the response greatly. I don't have alot of money just a bit to start. I will take your suggestions to heart and begin my reading. I have a Chilton for my Bronco but I have discovered it's not real helpful, does the Haynes manual have better poop? Thanks again.

 

I prefer the Haynes manual myself. I always buy both Chilton and Haynes for my vehicles. They always use different pictures and diagrams than each other, so between the two I can usually get a pretty good idea of what's what in the Bronco.

 

Thanks to all, I'll be picking up a Haynes in the morning.

 

If i were going to put in order what I thought was important, I'd have to know on what you were planning on doing with it first. If its a daily driver, this is what I'd prescribe (with money as no consideration)

Cat back exhaust
4" suspension lift
33" tires, new wheels.
Maybe a grill guard or new bumper or both.

for a trail rig / daily driver:
shorty headers, cat back exhaust
6" lift
35" tires, wheels
new gearing to 4.10
receiver and wench

for a weekend warrior (pretty much trails only):
full length headers, high end exhaust system
perhaps an engine upgrade (to a 460 or something)
6" suspension lift, 2 or 3" body lift
38+ inch tires, wheels
definitely have a wench
definitely put some new gears, 4.56
will need new drive shaft

thats what i'd do..but thats just me

 

1st thing, do not waste your money on a computer chip. I have not heard of anyone who had success with one(I would like to hear if someone has). Start with cat back exhaust, and a low restricition air filter(K&N for example). If you go with the 35" tires change gears to 4.10.
Does the 95 still use speed density? i.e. If there is a sensor on air intake next to the air filter housing than it is not speed density.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 31-Dec-02 AT 05:51 PM (EST)]Here's empirical data on why a K&N and cat-back are good, and why some other things are NOT:
http://www.performanceunlimited.com/projectmpg/

For a daily driver, I wouldn't do any lift, but a winch is almost a necessity if you still plan on doing serious wheeling. You can get away with just a come-along or Hi-Lift jack if you carry plenty of chain, cable, &/or straps, but that's not fun.

 

Steve have you used a adjustable fuel pressure regulator? How about a computer chip or what computer chip do you recomend? I bought a hypertech chip for my f250 that I once had but did not seem to notice alot except like the article said in your link. It seemed to pull alot better. What about advancing the timing? I plan to add the k@n and headers and cat back exhaust. I had all these items on my f250 and did notice a nice power increase. My f250 also had a 351 but not obdII.

 

Thank you everyone for your great responses and ideas. I went and bought the Haynes today and am cross refrencing all this info with my Chilton/Haynes. By the way it will be more of a Trail/Daily driven truck. Thanks for the interest in my new hobby.
Jess

 

I recommend stock everything. I know it's not as exciting as lots of mods and aftermarket equipment, but I preferr driveability over all other issues. I fought my carburetor for years, and now that I have EFI, I'm gonna keep it running smoothly for as long as I can. My engine is the smallest ever put in a FS Bronco (except maybe a few rare V-6s ) and it has enough power for everything I want to do except the occasional drag race! If you've ever looked thru my photo album, you'll know that I do a LOT with it, so it really does do the job.

I know lots of people love big tires, and they require engine mods, but it's no fault of the engine. Stock engines are more than enough for most vehicles and are MUCH easier to maintain, diagnose, service, & repair. It's also a LOT easier & cheaper to get parts when you're buying the same one that 50,000 other trucks use! If you want my recommendation: keep it tuned up & working the way it was designed to - it'll last longer and you'll have more time for fun instead of trying to fit a Caterpillar engine into a 1/2-ton truck body.

I don't expect that post to be widely accepted, but you asked...
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13217