Diesel Bronco
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
depends on U. do you plan on doing all the work yourself like weld,fabricate etc etc...
well to do it right would run $5000 - $8000, i say this because not only do you need to get the motor to fit, wired up and such but you also need to strengthen the frame, upgrade to 1 ton axles front/rear, get a different tranny etc..
well to do it right would run $5000 - $8000, i say this because not only do you need to get the motor to fit, wired up and such but you also need to strengthen the frame, upgrade to 1 ton axles front/rear, get a different tranny etc..
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Diesel Bronco
Well.....forget that. I knew iy wouold be expensive, but didn't think it would be THAT expensive. Oh well, I'm perfectly fine with finding on that has a 400 or a 460, not like you buy a bronco for good mileage anyway.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
I did mine for about $3500. I bought a donor 86 F250 4x4 with a 6.9 and swap out the axles, motor mounts, ttb for the dana 50 front end, core support etc. Most of the money went into engine parts (the donor cost me $1100) while I had it out of the truck just to be safe. I did do all the work myself and if you use a stick or a C6 these old IDI's only need one wire to keep them running. You can swap out the whole wiring harness but I didn't. Also you can do some upgradeing to thses engines (like turbo it) and get some awsome results as well as keep real decent mpg's.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
I did mine for about $3500. I bought a donor 86 F250 4x4 with a 6.9 and swap out the axles, motor mounts, ttb for the dana 50 front end, core support etc. Most of the money went into engine parts (the donor cost me $1100) while I had it out of the truck just to be safe. I did do all the work myself and if you use a stick or a C6 these old IDI's only need one wire to keep them running. You can swap out the whole wiring harness but I didn't. Also you can do some upgradeing to thses engines (like turbo it) and get some awsome results as well as keep real decent mpg's.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
No I don't. I still have a lot of body work to do to the truck. I might get some on here soon though, if I can figure out how lol. With the 3/4 ton suspesion under it, it sits up pretty good now and that is changing soon as well I hope with 4" body and 6" suspension lift. It is great to live in a common wealth that has no bumper laws!
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
Likes: 35
From: Semper Fi tell I die!
the frames are pleanty strong for the 6.9 and 7.3 idi diesels. i swapped on in my 75 crew cab ford, and am in the process of putting one in my 78 bronco now.
RAy
RAy
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Apples and oranges when you are talking the difference between the 78-79 frames and the 80+ frames. Keep in mind that the SMALLEST available engine in the 78-79 models was a big block V8. The frames in these trucks HAD to be able to handle that kind of weight and torque.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
The frame under my 88 is the same as that of the 86 F250 donor I used just shorter. All the swapped parts were measured out for the fit from the same pionts on both. The front end was put together the same on both, even the rear srings wrer a direct swap no alterations needed at all.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
but the frame itself is boxed more on the 3/4-1 ton frames. also the D50 really isnt much of an upgrade over the D44 TTB front end. if the bronco is used as a DD and doesnt see anything more then gravel roads at best then the half ton frame is probably fine. you start bouncing around a bunch and wheel the bronco and the frame and suspension wont hold up in the front.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 5
From: Sand GAp, KY
As I said before the frame on the 86 f250 and my Bronco where identical in the front, the same hieght, the same width, the same boxed areas and all. As for the D50 it is alot beefier than the D44 that was under the truck, and I swapped in the front leaves so as to get rid of the arms. My Bronco has seen some pretty rough stuff (nothing like extreme) I use it as a truck. By this time next year the whole frame on my truck will be boxed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Yeah and it has NO provision for using coil springs. People berate the TTB setup in its half-ton form... have you actually looked at the ridiculousness of the TTB LEAF-SPRUNG D50?! Its a silly setup! The movement of the TTB axle halves deliberately twists the spring eyes because of the radial movement. Leaf springs are not designed to move like that in the first place. Its the reason folks prefer to stay with or even swap to coils if they don't have them. Front leaves went the way of the Dodo for a reason. The radius arms on the TTB D44 are far better equipped to handle the proper movement and cause no harmful twisting or tweaking of the springs. Apologies for going on like this but the D50 TTB setup is the worst offense Ford ever committed in the area of front suspension in a truck in my opinion. It is contrary to the whole idea of making things move in sync. Eh, take my rantings for what they are worth guys and gals.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Oh man, I haven't been here in awhile, and thought I'd come to ask about buying a donor 250 diesel for the drivetrain. Looks like I was beaten to the punch. Was thinking also about that new raptor.....could be fun. I used to have a lightning, so a big fan of svt.........An offroad lightning meant for off road racing?
