- Joined
- May 12, 2022
- Messages
- 63
Hello and thank you for reading, I am new to the forum and my lifelong dream of completing this building is finally kicking off this fall as I have the funds for the entire build. I'll save the sentimental portion of my build for the chat forum but want to go ahead and get some technical opinions out before I start ordering the wrong parts. In short, I am rebuilding an all original/stock '66 bronco that I will never sell, therefore I am less concerned about keeping its stock value and more concerned about nice upgrades which make it cool and functional. I am looking for a weekly driver than can be driven a few hours in all weather. I would also like to do some light off-roading but nothing too serious. 80% street and 20% trails. At the most, I am looking to do some of the easier stuff in Colorado and Moab. I am looking to be cost efficient but am also not looking for a low budget build either. I want a quality bronco that does well at a cars and coffee. Feel free to interject any opinions toward any part of my setup. Below is my current plan:
- Fuel injected 302 out of a 92 mustang I already have (the body of the car burned but the motor is salvageable), I will then have the motor rebuilt into a 347 stroker. Mild cam and tune to be streetable.
- NV 4500 Transmission out of a dodge 4x4
- Power steering
- Power disc brakes
- Air conditioning
- 2.5 inch lift with bilstein shocks
- 16" or 17" wheels 33" tires
My questions are:
- Will the stock Dana 20 transfer case suit my needs or do I really need to upgrade to an NP201 or something? Either way I will have costs associated with rebuilding it or ordering a new/rebuilt transfer case.
- Will the stock Dana 30 Front Axle suit my needs or do I really need to upgrade to the Dana 44? Do I need lockers? I have never minded manually locking the hubs? Not sure how all that works.
- Should I go with a ford 9" in the rear? I would imagine I want posi trac in the rear
- What gearing would be best for the use I am looking for in this rig? 4.10? 4.56? With a NV4500 on 33", I am looking for 5th gear to be a somewhat decent highway speed cruising RPM.
- What gas tank options are best to have more fuel than the tiny factory one? I know there are some auxillary tank options?
- I am looking for decent handling. Are there some trac bar, shock, stabilizer or coil over upgrades that are worth it?
- How far do you think a budget of 40k will get me considering I plan to pay someone 10k-15k for body work restoration?
Thanks for all the help!
- Fuel injected 302 out of a 92 mustang I already have (the body of the car burned but the motor is salvageable), I will then have the motor rebuilt into a 347 stroker. Mild cam and tune to be streetable.
- NV 4500 Transmission out of a dodge 4x4
- Power steering
- Power disc brakes
- Air conditioning
- 2.5 inch lift with bilstein shocks
- 16" or 17" wheels 33" tires
My questions are:
- Will the stock Dana 20 transfer case suit my needs or do I really need to upgrade to an NP201 or something? Either way I will have costs associated with rebuilding it or ordering a new/rebuilt transfer case.
- Will the stock Dana 30 Front Axle suit my needs or do I really need to upgrade to the Dana 44? Do I need lockers? I have never minded manually locking the hubs? Not sure how all that works.
- Should I go with a ford 9" in the rear? I would imagine I want posi trac in the rear
- What gearing would be best for the use I am looking for in this rig? 4.10? 4.56? With a NV4500 on 33", I am looking for 5th gear to be a somewhat decent highway speed cruising RPM.
- What gas tank options are best to have more fuel than the tiny factory one? I know there are some auxillary tank options?
- I am looking for decent handling. Are there some trac bar, shock, stabilizer or coil over upgrades that are worth it?
- How far do you think a budget of 40k will get me considering I plan to pay someone 10k-15k for body work restoration?
Thanks for all the help!