1969 Bronco Project K.I.S.S build/update thread

[frdboy]

I acquired this Bronco from a friend a few years ago, he had owned for a quite a while. I don't know the complete history of it but at one point it was on tons and 40's with a 408.

A small engine fire when he was out wheeling caused the removal of the 408 for repair and an explorer 5.0 was installed. He was in the process of downsizing the axles to make it more of a driver and life happened. That is when I bought it, basically sitting on junkyard axles with nothing but mounts tacked in place and axles needing to be rebuilt/geared.

Here are the basics

5.0 Explorer
4R70W/205
3 Link front with a full width D44
8.8 Rear
I finished installing the axles, set them up with a grizzly locker in the rear, zip locker in the front and 5.13 gears.

 

[frdboy]

Mounted up some 37 Maxxis RAZR MT's on some Racelines

 

[frdboy]

Wheeled this way for the last couple years, added a winch, some explorer cop car take out rear seats.

 

[frdboy]

Gonna make some changes to it this year, the wiring mess was killing me so I am in the process of re-wiring it with an American Autowire severe duty kit. I am removing the 5.0 and have started putting a 408W for it. Planning on using a Holley Terminator X Max kit to run it and the trans.

 

[Soylent]

Wheeled this way for the last couple years, added a winch, some explorer cop car take out rear seats. View attachment 919099 View attachment 919100 View attachment 919101 View attachment 919102

I know that some places require it that way but I like the flag in the front. Looks fun on those dunes.

 

[frdboy]

Got a call from the machine shop, engine stuff was ready! Checked bearing clearances tonight, thrust and deck height. everything looks good so I'll get ring gaps set soon and at least get this short block together.

 

[DirtDonk]

Nice. Any more details on the engine?

How did those explorer seats work out for you?
My cop car takeout (91 mustang) seats have always been my favorites. Even though they are a little tall.
Yours look to be a little lower, and more suitable to a bronco.

 

[frdboy]

Nice. Any more details on the engine?

How did those explorer seats work out for you?
My cop car takeout (91 mustang) seats have always been my favorites. Even though they are a little tall.
Yours look to be a little lower, and more suitable to a bronco.

Engine is a 1995 block, Scat 4" stroke cast crank, Scat rods, Mahle pistons/rings. Should end up about 10.5:1 compression.
Have some 225 Highports ordered for it, FTI hyd. roller. Not sure on intake yet, most likely will be ah Holley hi-ram.

I like the seats but I haven't ridden back there. I think they are a good compromise height wise. I love the built in belts. Probably be good for the kids, not so great for a taller adult.

 

[cldonley]

Looks great! But you gotta do something about that calendar

 

[frdboy]

Looks great! But you gotta do something about that calendar

Haha...I thought that would get a comment! That belongs to one of the techs that works for me

 

[frdboy]

Spent a good part of the weekend working on installing the American Autowire kit, really a nice kit. Only issue I have had is the connectors that go to the fuse box didn't want to plug in without adjusting the male pins a little to allow the connector to seat.

I am about 90% done, need to order an Ignition switch wiring harness as mine was pretty rough. Need to finish the main power wires, install a couple relays and tidy everything up. Tried to also plan ahead for the Holley Terminator install with some extra leads built in.










My dash was hacked up from years of changes so I fabed up and aluminum dash piece to go over it. Still using the OE ignition switch and heater control.




Got my cooling fan relay, hi amp fuse holders and starter solenoid mounted.

 

[frdboy]

Headers showed up......some assembly required

 

[DirtDonk]

That’s cool for sure. I’ve always wanted to do headers from scratch. Make them the way I want and not the way someone else thinks that they should be.
Not that most of the engineers don’t know their stuff, just that I’m a little odd that way.

 

[frdboy]

Short block going together, custom cam from FTI and a rollmaster timing set.

 

[frdboy]

Working on building my cam sync, 3.8 mustang shaft will be installed in the explorer 5.0 housing. Waiting on a new gear and it should be good to go.

 

[frdboy]

Short block is finished up, as soon as heads get here I'll get it back in the bronco so headers can be built.

 

[frdboy]

One of my cylinder heads showed up so I was able to set up the valve train and measure for PR length. I am going to install the engine so headers can be built while waiting on the other head to show up. I'll pull it back out for final assy.

 

[frdboy]

Intake manifold came in so I was able to do a test fit with that, looks tall! The hood I have clears it but not by much. Was hoping to use a different hood but I may just have to run this one for this year. Bronco is off to a good friend of mine for header fab.

 

[frdboy]

Still waiting on other cylinder head. I did get a pic. from my friend that is building my headers. Looks like he is making good progress on those.