'84 Bronco 351W - Slow upgrades
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
'84 Bronco 351W - Slow upgrades
Hello All:
I just joined FTE and have been doing a lot of reading. I bought a running '84 Bronco with the 351W for $3200. It is totally stock and has been driven extensively, but it's rough. It's now to the point where basically everything needs significant maintenance. As I fix things, I think I'll upgrade them some. Nothing crazy, but just a bit or more better. I would LOVE your advice on this. Ultimately, I want a highly reliable on/off road daily driver with improved fuel economy and torque.
Here's the short list in order of priority:
So, big summary, what are the big bang for the buck things you would suggest to a stock '84 Bronco 351W.
Very many thanks in advance - I'll keep y'all posted.
Best,
Noah
I just joined FTE and have been doing a lot of reading. I bought a running '84 Bronco with the 351W for $3200. It is totally stock and has been driven extensively, but it's rough. It's now to the point where basically everything needs significant maintenance. As I fix things, I think I'll upgrade them some. Nothing crazy, but just a bit or more better. I would LOVE your advice on this. Ultimately, I want a highly reliable on/off road daily driver with improved fuel economy and torque.
Here's the short list in order of priority:
- Front end: tie rods, ball joints, steering box (?)
- There is a CRAZY amount of steering play, like 180 degrees. I wouldn't drive this rig over 45 mph.
- I was planning on going with Moog parts from Summit . . . any other recommendations?
- Shocks? recommendations?
- Steering box? recommendations?
- Exhaust
- The manifolds are cracked. I was going to replace them with regular Dorman manifolds. Are there better manifolds? Is there an end to end kit?
- I'm reluctant to go with headers because I truly favor reliability. Am I off base?
- Seats
- Original vinyl seats are all crunchy and crackly.
- Can I get a bench seat for the Bronco? I'd love one.
- Rebuild existing?
- Lift
- I want some modest lift - nothing crazy. I'm not rock climbing, just doing some unimproved Alabama dirt roads out in the boonies.
- Does this sound like a 3" body lift?
So, big summary, what are the big bang for the buck things you would suggest to a stock '84 Bronco 351W.
Very many thanks in advance - I'll keep y'all posted.
Best,
Noah
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 607
Likes: 153
From: Canada
Fully repair or replace the steering. Steering brace if you need one. Get equal length shorty headers. And Corbeau will have seatbelts. And seats. Do the brakes and seatbelts and front end before you drive it. To stay safe. If you're staying under 35" tires you don't need to upgrade too much. Just a standard lift you get a decent price on. Drive it and save for a long block. Do your vacuum lines.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,963
Likes: 897
From: Montana
Since reliability and economy are on your listing, I'd consider an efi system from summit or holley. Fluids, rubber, wear items are a given. Go with good shocks when you lift it. Don't skimp.
I wouldn't hesitate to install headers. Good quality ones will net good power and shouldn't leak.
Post pics or we must assume you really got a prius...
I wouldn't hesitate to install headers. Good quality ones will net good power and shouldn't leak.
Post pics or we must assume you really got a prius...
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