Bferrari
Sr. Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2013
- Messages
- 856
Well, it's finally time to start the build on the 73. What I have is a very solid 73, 302 2V, C4 automatic with manual steering and manual drum brakes. My objective is to build this into a functional and reliable vehicle that will tote the family around the mountains during our hunting and camping adventures. On the flip side of the coin, it needs to be easy to drive, have creature comforts (as in air conditioning) and definitely needs the 'ugly' knocked off if it to make my wife happy and keep her from locking up the check book.
I have spent countless hours reading and researching all that I can find early bronco related, trying to compose a plan to transform the Bronco into our perfect family off-road vehicle. The Classic Bronco site has been such a great resource and the articles and threads posted by the members have given great enlightenment to all of the modifications I want to make. Needless to say, seeing some of the member's rides have definitely gotten the creative juices flowing.
As referenced above, I am starting with a 73, 302 and C4 setup. I have also purchased a 1990 Lincoln MarkVIII with the 5.0 HO and AOD transmission. It is a complete running car however the transmission is smoked. I also have a 99 Explorer 4R70W, the AA adaptor kit to D20 and have ordered a Baumann Controller (special thanks to price209 who set up the Mass Buy). With that said, here is a recap of what I am going to try to do:
1. 5.0 conversion with 4R70W trans using my original D20 TC.
2. Would like to install a 3.5" SL and 1" BL.
3. Thinking of running 4.56 gears with 33" tires.
4. Want to upgrade the alternator to 3G to accommodate winch and off road lights.
5. Install power steering and power disk brakes.
6. Install a 'family' style roll cage which will work using the hard top.
7. Electric windshield wiper motors.
8. Install Air Conditioning
9. Install a winch front bumper and rear bumper that holds spare tire, cooler and jerry can.
10. Install a new tilt column
11. Install custom seats and center console (I really like the looks of the complete custom seat setup from Tom's).
With that said, I do have a few questions regarding the plans for my build. I am also interested in hearing from you all regarding similar items that you have done, do's and don'ts, as well as any recommendations and 'trade secrets' you are willing to share.
Some of my questions are as follows:
1. I have read several threads for the 5.0 swap. I intend on using the stock stuff from the lincoln. What items on this motor can be eliminated (i.e. smog pump, extra sensors??) and not hurt the performance of the motor? What is the benefit/detriment to running the EGR? When I install A/C, do I use the existing compressor? Do you need to run a CAT with this setup? Will I need to have a custom chip to run the computer (I think it's an A9L)? Plan on running the stock wiring harness and stripping the extra wires out myself.
2. What is the best setup for radiator and fan for the 5.0 conversion? Use electric fans?
3. Where do I find a 3G alternator that will fit my stock set-up?
4. For the 4R70W w/D20 setup, it is imperative to run twin sticks? What is the benefit to twin sticks, my stock setup has a J shifter.
5. Should I change anything with the D20 (other than replace bearings) while I have it out?
6. Any recommendations for power steering upgrades? I've been eyeballing the setup BC Bronco's sell, has any other's had good luck with it? Any alternative kits out there I should check into?
7. What is the deal with Tierod over versus under set-ups? Is this something from the factory or is it a modification to be made? What are the benefits to each? My tie rod is currently under, should I be converting this over?
8. For power brakes should I be looking into a brake booster setup or looking to go hydraulic? Can the hydraulic setup work with the 5.0 serpentine setup with A/C?
9. Any recommendations on differential carriers? Want posi set-up that will work good for both street and off road.
10. Any of you out there running the 4R70W with 4.56 and 33" tires? How do you like it? Would you change anything if you had to do it over? (i.e. different ratio)
11. Planning on cutting the fenders and running fender flairs. What kits would you recommend? When installing the flares should I move the rear axel an inch back?
12. I want to install the family style cage (I like the WH Family Custom Cage). My concern is that I am 6'3" tall. Has anyone out there used this cage with Tom's custom seats? If so, how is the headroom? I want to avoid throwing out the dough for the seats and cage and knock myself out the first time I take it off road.
13. Any recommendations for 3.5" SL kits? The vehicle is going to be dual purpose, both street and off road, so I would like to find the one that will accommodate both to the best of its abilities. In lifting, what steering modifications should I be looking into to enhance handling and avoiding issues such as the infamous "death wobble". I also prefer the lift's end result to be level or a bit nose high. I don't like the 'stink bug' look on a 4WD.
Any recommendations you all can give will be much appreciated. Also, thanks to all the members that have posted threads on all of their projects. It has definitely been the shot in the arm I needed to tackle my build head on!
I have spent countless hours reading and researching all that I can find early bronco related, trying to compose a plan to transform the Bronco into our perfect family off-road vehicle. The Classic Bronco site has been such a great resource and the articles and threads posted by the members have given great enlightenment to all of the modifications I want to make. Needless to say, seeing some of the member's rides have definitely gotten the creative juices flowing.
As referenced above, I am starting with a 73, 302 and C4 setup. I have also purchased a 1990 Lincoln MarkVIII with the 5.0 HO and AOD transmission. It is a complete running car however the transmission is smoked. I also have a 99 Explorer 4R70W, the AA adaptor kit to D20 and have ordered a Baumann Controller (special thanks to price209 who set up the Mass Buy). With that said, here is a recap of what I am going to try to do:
1. 5.0 conversion with 4R70W trans using my original D20 TC.
2. Would like to install a 3.5" SL and 1" BL.
3. Thinking of running 4.56 gears with 33" tires.
4. Want to upgrade the alternator to 3G to accommodate winch and off road lights.
5. Install power steering and power disk brakes.
6. Install a 'family' style roll cage which will work using the hard top.
7. Electric windshield wiper motors.
8. Install Air Conditioning
9. Install a winch front bumper and rear bumper that holds spare tire, cooler and jerry can.
10. Install a new tilt column
11. Install custom seats and center console (I really like the looks of the complete custom seat setup from Tom's).
With that said, I do have a few questions regarding the plans for my build. I am also interested in hearing from you all regarding similar items that you have done, do's and don'ts, as well as any recommendations and 'trade secrets' you are willing to share.
Some of my questions are as follows:
1. I have read several threads for the 5.0 swap. I intend on using the stock stuff from the lincoln. What items on this motor can be eliminated (i.e. smog pump, extra sensors??) and not hurt the performance of the motor? What is the benefit/detriment to running the EGR? When I install A/C, do I use the existing compressor? Do you need to run a CAT with this setup? Will I need to have a custom chip to run the computer (I think it's an A9L)? Plan on running the stock wiring harness and stripping the extra wires out myself.
2. What is the best setup for radiator and fan for the 5.0 conversion? Use electric fans?
3. Where do I find a 3G alternator that will fit my stock set-up?
4. For the 4R70W w/D20 setup, it is imperative to run twin sticks? What is the benefit to twin sticks, my stock setup has a J shifter.
5. Should I change anything with the D20 (other than replace bearings) while I have it out?
6. Any recommendations for power steering upgrades? I've been eyeballing the setup BC Bronco's sell, has any other's had good luck with it? Any alternative kits out there I should check into?
7. What is the deal with Tierod over versus under set-ups? Is this something from the factory or is it a modification to be made? What are the benefits to each? My tie rod is currently under, should I be converting this over?
8. For power brakes should I be looking into a brake booster setup or looking to go hydraulic? Can the hydraulic setup work with the 5.0 serpentine setup with A/C?
9. Any recommendations on differential carriers? Want posi set-up that will work good for both street and off road.
10. Any of you out there running the 4R70W with 4.56 and 33" tires? How do you like it? Would you change anything if you had to do it over? (i.e. different ratio)
11. Planning on cutting the fenders and running fender flairs. What kits would you recommend? When installing the flares should I move the rear axel an inch back?
12. I want to install the family style cage (I like the WH Family Custom Cage). My concern is that I am 6'3" tall. Has anyone out there used this cage with Tom's custom seats? If so, how is the headroom? I want to avoid throwing out the dough for the seats and cage and knock myself out the first time I take it off road.
13. Any recommendations for 3.5" SL kits? The vehicle is going to be dual purpose, both street and off road, so I would like to find the one that will accommodate both to the best of its abilities. In lifting, what steering modifications should I be looking into to enhance handling and avoiding issues such as the infamous "death wobble". I also prefer the lift's end result to be level or a bit nose high. I don't like the 'stink bug' look on a 4WD.
Any recommendations you all can give will be much appreciated. Also, thanks to all the members that have posted threads on all of their projects. It has definitely been the shot in the arm I needed to tackle my build head on!