newbie

[bowhunter1331]

new owner and looking for guidance. 69 U15 Bronco is in great shape , all new metal and floors. Drive tran is original. 2 front seats, no jump.

4.10 rear end with factory 3 speed (now on the floor)

what do i do first? rearend gears? transmission? or complete motor and trany swap? power brakes , Power steering.


I will not be rock crawing or really even 4 wheeling, just want a crusier that looks good. I dont even care about 4 wheel drive at this point but will keep it so that if i want it, i have it.

i have been reading for days and im lost at this point and what to do first.

Any direction would be appreciated. I live in Ohio, so winter is coming...

 

[fatboy]

Welcome.

Focus on safety and drivability first. I would say power steering and brakes would be the first thing I tackled. Power brakes and disc up front. Really no need ever for disc in the rear. Drive it and enjoy it.

 

[dmoses42]

Welcome to the best Early Bronco site in existence! There are tons of knowledgeable people on here, and most are willing to share their knowledge, so you are in the right place.

Couple of things to start: a lot of the initial answers to your first questions on here are going come down to 2 or 3 things, 1. Are you planning to do the work on your Bronco yourself and if so, what is your comfort level in doing them. 2. Do you have a budget in mind for what you want to spend on any given Bronco related project. 3. A little more info about your Bronco (6 cyl or V8, does original drivetrain mean it hasn't been gone through or just original to the Bronco, etc)

For me, the first thing I would do is change all the fluids. This will give you an idea of how well it was maintained before you bought it, and possibly where to start. If you drain the front and rear diffs and water comes out with the lube, you know those have been underwater and need to be looked at further. If there are flecks of metal in it, it will need attention sooner than later. Brake fluid often gets overlooked, but it can develop moisture and corrode the internal parts of the brake system. Engine oil should be self explanatory. Transmission and transfer case shouldn't have water in them unless it was really submerged, but once again, metal particles in the lube can give an initial idea of the condition of the internals.

Again, welcome and enjoy!

 

[ep67bro]

Safety and drivability first. If the engine and trans work well then leave them alone. Get good brakes and good steering then DRIVE IT!!! After you drive it you will know what needs to be done next. Too many people tear running driving trucks completely apart then run out of money, time or desire and never put them back together. Unless you have unlimited funds and are going to pay someone to do all the work start small and simple, enjoy the little victories like replacing the steering or brake system. Then get into the suspension and drive train. Good luck, become a member and post up some pictures!

 

[SLOWnEASY]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with the above, focus on safety first. Brakes, tires, seatbelts etc. Then drive it for a while and see what you think it needs. And when you have time get us some more details. What size tires, types of brakes, is there a lift? In fact grab a tape measure and crawl under the Bronco. Measure from the top of the axle tubes to the bottom of the frame and post it here. That will tell you (and us) if there is a lift and more importantly how high of a lift.

If it darts or wanders excessively when driving you're going to want to get an alignment. An alignment shop with a modern alignment machine that clamps a sensor on all 4 wheels. See if the shop will give you a cheaper price for just giving you a printout of your current specs and no adjustments. Just make sure they understand you need the whole printout (caster, camber, toe, SAI, cross caster, cross camber, cross SAI, rear camber and toe even though the rear isn't adjustable). like it's a modern car even though the only adjustment available is the toe. Then post the numbers and we can help steer you in a direction for repair.

 

[BronCowie]

Welcome to THE BEST Early Bronco forum in existence. First and foremost, become a "Contributor" which allows you to easily post pictures of what you have and your progress moving forward. Oh, and We Like Pictures here! Here's one of my Bronco of 33 years.

 

[bowhunter1331]

Thank you EVERYONE!!!! great advise and i agree, saftey first. Im 57 and still a kid that wants it all NOW.
she is a factory v8 with 3 on the floor now. I don't believe it is lifted. I will measure and verify.
Ill start reading all the brake post so i can find the right set up. I will do 99% of the work myself. I've built a few vehicles with my father.

my 33 Ford and 67 F 100 BUILT NOT BOUGHT

 

[fatboy]

Thank you EVERYONE!!!! great advise and i agree, saftey first. Im 57 and still a kid that wants it all NOW.
she is a factory v8 with 3 on the floor now. I don't believe it is lifted. I will measure and verify.
Ill start reading all the brake post so i can find the right set up. I will do 99% of the work myself. I've built a few vehicles with my father.

i have to figure out the picture thing,

Try this - https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/how-to-upload-photos-become-a-contributor.34373/

 

[Pops68]

Where are you in Ohio??

 

[bowhunter1331]

Where are you in Ohio??

Canfield Ohio

 

[bmbm]

new owner and looking for guidance. 69 U15 Bronco is in great shape , all new metal and floors. Drive tran is original. 2 front seats, no jump.

4.10 rear end with factory 3 speed (now on the floor)

what do i do first? rearend gears? transmission? or complete motor and trany swap? power brakes , Power steering.


I will not be rock crawing or really even 4 wheeling, just want a crusier that looks good. I dont even care about 4 wheel drive at this point but will keep it so that if i want it, i have it.

i have been reading for days and im lost at this point and what to do first.

Any direction would be appreciated. I live in Ohio, so winter is coming...

NV3550 transmission, 4 turn power steering and front disc brakes first will provide a much improved driving experience. The NV3550 is in a way a performance upgrade with 1-4 close ratios but equally important is the od fifth makes comfortable highway cruising available so usability and drivability is vastly increased over the stock 3 speed trans which is similar to a tractor transmission in my opinion. Power assist brakes if you feel the need. Your leaf springs have likely sagged so new springs front and back, shocks, bushings and 1" body lift if you want some lift for larger tires. Is it cut with larger than stock size tires now? You need to change front and rear gears together. Better road manners are achieved with no or minimal spring lift.

 

[CatskillCruiser]

Bronco pics???