Maybe too general of a question?

[rubywoofs]

I'm looking to improve the drivability of my 74. I'm a little tired of the sloppy shifting (3 on the tree), sloppy steering, shaky clutch if I'm not paying enough attention, low power, etc. I don't have power brakes or steering. Original engine, 31 inch tires, no lift, uncut, etc. My ride is pretty original, if that matters.

So, I'm trying to decide whether I take steps to boost power, clean up the clutch, get new shifting components, etc. Or, maybe I bite the bigger bullet and go engine replacement, new clutch, 4 (or 5) on the floor, etc. I'm no mechanic, so all steps would be paid for. I have some budget for it, but not unlimited (no Coyote conversions, etc.)

Is there a discussion to be had from that, or is that just too general?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[spap]

You have a 45 / 50 year old truck, that didn’t handle that great when it was new.
If you add a new engine you are still going to have all the problems of age.
Just do one step at a time and work from there, tackle the steering get it till you like and are comfortable with it drink a beer , then tackle the shift linkages get those dialed in.
Then Do the clutch. I do my own stuff so I have to break down that way. Plus I trust my work better, good or bad. Has
If you do those then start looking for engines
Little improvements really help along the way to enjoy the truck

 

[77RHINO]

I'd rebuild the engine you have with some small upgrades, and use the majority of the funds for a 5-speed. I think that swap was my best upgrade for driveability, before I jumped into a 351 build. Even with my old tired 302, it was still a blast to drive with more gears.
Once those are underway I'd be tracking down power steering and brake components, as well as a front sway bar (or both) and inspecting the rest of suspension/driveline for issues and go from there.

 

[Timmy390]

My take.......

Fix the steering first. It isn't that hard and you can do it with minimal tools. The hard part it figuring out that's wrong with the steering. With no lift i.e. no problems that come with a lift, you need bushings at the very least. While I was there I would change the tie rods too. Then you can see how it drives. If still an issue then focus on the steering box and braces in the frame. On a side note, what PSI are your tires? That can cause some real handling issues.

The clutch is probably a combination of things. Linkage bushing are worn out and the 3 finger clutch pressure place has taken a beating and needs replaced. When replacing the clutch go with a "diaphragm" style pressure plate....see image here http://www.moderndriveline.com/Technical_Bits/how-to-choose-the-right-clutch.htm

You need gears with those 31's. I ran for years with stock gears and 31's so it can be done but once I upgraded......WOW....while not cheap to have someone change them it's the best bang for the buck for more get up and go.

Sloppy column shifting is more than likely bushings worn out and the column needing a rebuild. I moved my shifter to the floor and love it. The pattern is backwards but you catch on real quick.

As for engine, I would let it bump till it starts giving you trouble.

Tim

 

[Justafordguy]

power steering and replacing worn steering components will make the most difference in how it drives. Next would be power brakes. Now it drives and stops good so it's time for fixing the clutch and shifter. After that if it needs more power I'd rebuild the engine you have with a few upgrades or swap in a 5.0 Explorer engine.

 

[hyghlndr]

The best driving Bronco I have owned was 100% stock with all new parts properly installed and sorted out. The factory stuff gets a bad rap after it is untouched for 20-30 years. Buy new everything, try to get a good person to install not a chain store.

There is also some very nice aftermarket parts (have a great driving 427 heavily modified one) but I would suggest getting the full package of items and get them installed correctly. Basically go to Duffs (link on here) and buying everything at one shot. Don't try to piece everything together from 10 different places, that is better left to the DIY who has a ton of experience. The aftermarket parts often allow more tuning ability and built stronger.

For brakes, power booster is a simple addition and get new hoses!

Engine and trans is up to you, a nice crate motor with Fitech/Sniper system is a nice upgrade but may not be needed. Transmission choice is really up to you, everyone has there 2 cents on the best option. For me, I like automatics - c4 or AOD and manual the NV3500/4500.

 

[Orig93gt]

An NV3550 makes for a nice driving and shifting experience as opposed to the column shifter and 3 speed. Just my humble opinion. And agreed with the above. Sort out and tighten the steering. A nice solid feeling steering wheel and modern trans will go a long way toward improving the ride. Good luck

 

[bbolander]

I took mine into a Bronco shop and had power steering, power brakes, front disc brakes, c4 automatic for the same reason the OP is discussing. Made mine into a really enjoyable daily driver for many years.

 

[markatherton]

slop

You can rebuild the shift column with a new shift tube, bearings and anything else that is worn. It is not that bad of a job. A rebuilt 3 on the tree will shift beautifully. Mark In San Diego; Beach City Broncos.

 

[pipeline010]

Baby steps, absolutely. You throw everything out and rebuild it all you might fix things or you might not and be left frustrated, more poor, and ready to sell your rig.

As said, steering first. And ya, install power steering. After your order poke around and try to figure out why your steering is loose before install, otherwise you're just adding variables. Take pics or better yet videos of what your truck is doing when you turn the wheel and post in the tech forum for help. These guys here are eagle eyes and between everyone they've seen it all probably 20x each.

After you tighten your steering up add a front sway bar. 1000%. Singularly the best upgrade I've put on my truck, went from taking corners on a county road at 30mpH to 55 mph without any exaggeration.

Next I'd address the low power. Tight steering with a few horses and youre having fun again. It's possible the clutch problem and the hp problem are linked, and it may be time to replace the clutch. With your timing dialed in, fuel/air mix, and straight compression you should have generally enough power to be happy. Do a compression test (rental kit at au*ozone is free) and verify your engine is firing nicely. Annoying yet very very easily done.

One thing at a time...

 

[Banjer Picker]

You have a 45 / 50 year old truck, that didn’t handle that great when it was new.
If you add a new engine you are still going to have all the problems of age.
Just do one step at a time and work from there, tackle the steering get it till you like and are comfortable with it drink a beer , then tackle the shift linkages get those dialed in.
Then Do the clutch. I do my own stuff so I have to break down that way. Plus I trust my work better, good or bad. Has
If you do those then start looking for engines
Little improvements really help along the way to enjoy the truck

Agree 100%.

Also, if you do the work yourself you start to understand how the components work by themselves and as a system. Helps you diagnose future problems relatively easily. The knowledge on this forum and their eagerness to help is 2nd to none!

You don’t have to be a mechanic for most of the common things you’ve mentioned.
I literally did all of the things you’ve asked about at some point over the course of owning my bronco and had previously never done any of them.

Another great advantage of doing the work yourself is that it will save you a TON of money that you would be paying in labor. You can use that $ for more and better upgrades!

Go for it!!!

 

[sprdv1]

The best driving Bronco I have owned was 100% stock with all new parts properly installed and sorted out. The factory stuff gets a bad rap after it is untouched for 20-30 years. Buy new everything, try to get a good person to install not a chain store.

X2 or use a bronco brother, friend in the area that's a good mechanic type... Good luck

 

[rubywoofs]

I appreciate all the thoughts and answers. I'm about to make a list and will put steering at the top, though the shifting is sloppier than the steering. I have 7 inches of play in the shifter before it actually comes out of gear. I think I can make some progress on my own on shifting and steering. I don't have the equipment or space for the clutch, so that'll wait till it's going in the shop.

The engine is stock except for headers, K&N filter, and hotter ignition, so there's a lot of room for improvement there. After I get some other things done, may take it in for the clutch and some other upgrades like mild cam, timing chain, etc., that I won't do myself.

Anyway, thanks again everyone.

 

[blubuckaroo]

rubywoofs,
If you've got a budget like mine, you really need to break it down system by system.
Also, if you try to tackle all the problems at once, that "reward drive" could be a long way off, and you'll get overwhelmed and discouraged.
That way you can find joy in each success.
Sure, some of the work can cross over to other systems. Steering and suspension could be combined, but they really don't have to. You should still be able to tighten up the steering if the bushings are in ok shape.

 

[Timmy390]

I know I'm not the with the group on this one (story of my life) but I would NOT do any engine work to a good running engine until I got the proper gearing. I'm not just saying this, I lived it.....;D

I don't like cracking something open that's not broken. While the gears are not broken, you changed the tire size and it made the gears wrong for the application. It's not the engines fault.

If you change to 4.11's with 31' it will feel as if you doubled the HP. u can buy a direct drop in 3rd member already setup and just drive around in 2WD till you have the money to have the front done.

Get the steering fixed first. It's nothing you can't handle with just a few tools. Start a thread and post up some pics and explain what it's doing. Because it's all stock, I bet bushings and maybe a steering box adjustment will all but fix it. If it is tie rods then that's easy too.

I'm about to tackle a steering issue on my Samurai. Tie rods are good (they will still be checked) but the steering column has a bad bushing and the box needs adjusting......replacing the bushing in the column with a bearing.....manual steering and bigger than stock tires just beats things up.

Tim

 

[onpier55]

Tackle one area at a time. Then put back together and drive it for a while.