"ARMY GREEN" EB Build

AKwheeler · Dec 17, 2014

It is a 3.5" WH lift, 2" BL. They are 35x12.5 BFG Mud-Terrains on 15x10 ProComp Wheels.

The color is a green that borders on gray, which happened when the paint shop didn't match the color right. It looks better than the original color, so it got sprayed. Like a bunch of us, I am color-blind, so I had to get quite a few opinions on the color.

When I first bought the shell, I called it "Navy Blue". The paint was so oxidized that it looked like a flat Navy color. Once I buffed that up a bit it was green. Being it had a military data plate and all the other military goodies, I called it "Army Green". It's still green, or so they tell me

Jc.av8r · Dec 17, 2014

AKwheeler said:
It is a 3.5" WH lift, 2" BL. They are 35x12.5 BFG Mud-Terrains on 15x10 ProComp Wheels.

The color is a green that borders on gray, which happened when the paint shop didn't match the color right. It looks better than the original color, so it got sprayed. Like a bunch of us, I am color-blind, so I had to get quite a few opinions on the color.

When I first bought the shell, I called it "Navy Blue". The paint was so oxidized that it looked like a flat Navy color. Once I buffed that up a bit it was green. Being it had a military data plate and all the other military goodies, I called it "Army Green". It's still green, or so they tell me

Rad....I love this color too.

And thanks for the height info. Mine also has a 3.5" lift and I will be forced to add a 1" body lift to fit the tranny and fuel tank I want.

I may lower it to a 2.5" lift kit as I think it will be a little too high for our intended use. Tire size is great though. Thanks a lot!

AKwheeler · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks for the compliments. Funny how little things like that helps build the enthusiasm to keep working on it!

UPS shows all my seals, wiper components and other cool things sitting in Anchorage. One more day...

canada · Dec 18, 2014

That is an amazing looking bronco!

AKwheeler · Dec 21, 2014

Spent a few hours and was able to throw on a bunch of parts that I had been hoarding; Hood struts, hood hardware including latches, stops and cowl lace. Tailgate support cables and the other bumpers and seals. Clocked my electric wiper motor and just need my inibit to make the holes bigger. It's nice to have so many little parts installed.

AKwheeler · Dec 22, 2014

Headlight splash guards, electric wiper motors and wiper blades installed, Tailgate silencer hinges installed as well as the tailgate release handle. The handle is loose and tilted, so I must have missed something.

Collecting the parts I forgot to get painted (hood-mounted windshield bracket, license plate bracket, rear tailgate weatherstrip mounting pieces, lower dash-mounted console and my vent window frames) so I can prep them for paint.

The grille is a better color of Wimbledon White, so I am going to respray my dash and door panels to match.

So much stuff and I haven't even started putting the drive-train together (except the built engine sitting in the corner).

AKwheeler · Feb 6, 2018

3 years later....

The bronco was put to the side while I completed another couple projects, built a 4 car shop and was busy teaching auto shop. This October, We moved from Alaska to Colorado and while I sold off almost all my other projects and toys, I kept the bronco and hauled it down to Montana while we looked for a new home. Fast forward a few months and with the house all set-up, I took this last weekend to run up to Montana and bring the Bronco home.

While not much has happened, there are going to be changes, such as a 4R70W instead of the AOD (most of the parts I have collected will still work considering I was using 4R70W internals) In the last few years I have been busy learning EFI tuning, and really appreciate having proper control of the transmission shifting! Just need to get the converter I had built configured for non-lockup I hope.

I am also changing from factory EFI to an aftermarket TBI so I can use my "powered by ford" valve covers and retain a cleaner look under the hood.

Anyways, I just wanted to get this back up there and start recording the process! Maybe an admin will have pity on me and remove the "3 week build" portion of my thread title, as its a bit embarrassing at this point!

txtruk15 · Feb 6, 2018

great to see this starting up again! Can't wait to see how things progress!

AKwheeler · Feb 8, 2018

I seem to have lost my output shaft for my 4R70W to Dana 20 conversion during the move. I believe I had it sitting in a 4R70W stackup when I threw those spare parts away.... I DID however save a stock shaft. %) Since it is an older 27 spline kit, I have to pony up for the newer 23 spline stubshaft as well.

I have a new Edge converter on the way (I have a brand new Edge AOD converter sitting in a box as well).

Here is a pic as we arrived in CO.

sprdv1 · Feb 9, 2018

AKwheeler said:
3 years later....

Anyways, I just wanted to get this back up there and start recording the process! Maybe an admin will have pity on me and remove the "3 week build" portion of my thread title, as its a bit embarrassing at this point!

Happens to the best of us, Long as you're motivated now

399strokerEB · Feb 9, 2018

That's too bad you left the state, but it'll help in getting the bronco wrapped up in a timely manner.

AKwheeler · Mar 7, 2018

Yesterday I ordered an Edelbrock Air-Gap intake, MSD distributor and FITech 600PA Fuel Injection System for my 5.0.

Today I called FITech support up and asked a few questions and was put off by their attitude. I did some research and found that the Sniper indeed has laptop tuning capabilities (that was the only reason I was buying the FITech 600PA) and spark idle control functions (although a bit rudimentary). I called up and asked the same questions to Holley and besides the 5 minute wait, they were eager to answer my questions. My plan was to return the FITech unopened and reorder the Sniper, but as luck would have it, Summit held the order one day so they could call to confirm my new address, so I made the order changes and don't have to hassle with the return (and saved a couple hundred bucks).

Tonight I downloaded the Sniper EFI software, and using the factory fueling/timing maps I already had I have already made the fueling and spark changes to the a base configuration file! Certainly not as refined (or complicated) as factory EFI, but that is part of the charm I hope. After I get it running and the bugs worked out, I will take a road trip to AR and put it on the dyno for fuel and timing validation.

Justafordguy · Mar 7, 2018

I have heard several complaints about FITech and their rude/arrogant attitude. That sure has crossed them off my list.

AKwheeler · Mar 28, 2018

Yesterday I tore the transfer case apart, cleaned it up and started rebuilding it. My recent move has certainly made things more challenging; lost access to a shop press and hot-tank, which required me to buy a press (a plus) and find a new machine shop. Sometime in the last 5 years, I misplaced the 13 roller bearings to the rear output shaft which i thought wouldn't be a problem since I had a spare t-case sitting next to me. Turns out someone reassembled that one without the bearings in it! So I ordered a set of bearings yesterday and this morning I find a complete master rebuild kit on the shelf! With everything working out, I was able to get it back together and painted this afternoon.

I also put the new mounts on the engine, adjusted the rocker arms and installed the intake. As soon as the valve cover bolts have been painted, I can install those and the engine is ready to be set in place.

Also lost my complete serpentine belt set-up in the move- hopefully I just gave it to my brother by accident with all the spare parts I will likely need! %)

AKwheeler · Mar 29, 2018

The engine is about ready to be installed. I always wanted an oval air cleaner on a Ford, but seeing it on the engine makes me rethink that. Once the distributor is in and rotor phased, I can set it in.

AKwheeler · Apr 17, 2018

Was able to get the transmission installed today after fighting with the 4R70W torque converter seating for a couple of days. I contacted Edge racing converters to ask if I might have to use a rubber mallet to get the torque converter seated all the way. The input shaft wouldn't push past the seal in the torque converter. After getting that cleared up, I tapped it a half dozen times pretty lightly and it slipped into place. Posting this up in the event others have a issue like mine! The picture shows the long arms just tacked up; before anyone wonders about my mechanical abilities, this is just until it goes to the alignment shop. I want to make sure the axles have the proper setback before permanently affixing them!

Should be able to make some good progress tomorrow!

AKwheeler · Apr 29, 2020

Another year later....look at how the time just flies. My wife's job move us again, so the project went back in a holding pattern. I have been able to get some work done on it lately and it's getting closer. Engine has been installed, cooling system, engine accessories, PS hydraulics, New soft top. Dash and gauges installed. Most components installed on dash and just need to install the battery tray and then begin the wiring. I rebuilt the vent window assemblies and reinstalled the door lock and windows in the last few days. Yesterday I installed the FJ mirrors and today I installed the PS hydraulics and mounted the radiator and cooling system components. Probably could get a ton more done, but projects always pop up; built another Samurai for myself, and am working on a TDI-swapped Samurai Buggy for my brother, also have a turbo foxbody that needs to get wired up so I can hit the racetrack in a few weeks! My current goal is to have it finished for Super Celebration West here in Colorado this fall. Posted up some pictures of the mirror install yesterday and will post up some current pics just to revitalize this thread!

AKwheeler · May 1, 2020

Cut out the dented portion of the inner fender and added some fresh steel. Hopefully get the brake booster and master installed tomorrow and the ignition system wired up.

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