I recently acquired two bronco projects that came as one lot. One is a 69 that is as rusty as they get. I don't think most people would consider it restorable but hey it has the title with a VIN. With that came another frame with the title, and most all the parts to put it together another bronco minus the drivetrain (engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear ends). The intent of the previous owner was to put together 2 for one. But I'm starting to think why build one when you can build two for twice the price? First step is finding a front and rear end on the frame. I've thought about putting the 9" and dana 30 from the rusty one on, but starting adding up everything that would need to be done to them: bearings, seals, disc brakes, ect. I'd rather start with someone in a little better shape.
My biggest concerns are cheap, easy to find, easy to fit, disc brakes front, similar to a bronco 58" width. Here's a few options I've thought of. Feel free to chime in and correct me.
-76-77 ford f150. Sounds like the easiest way to go 65" wide but can make up some width with backspaced wheels but they are hard to find!
-isuzu drivetrain. was looking good at first 58" solid, until I figured out they didn't make a solid front axle. Still the rear is dana 44 on many
-jeep cherokee dana 44 rear swap. Only put dana 44 in cherokee for 3 years. 60" width, but either settle for a dana 35 front or find another front the match
-Variety of jeep options TJ dana 60.5" width 30 and 35 seems to be common
-Rubicon TJ dana 44s with factory lockers and 4.10s. I won't see of road much but I also don't say no to free lockers
-wagoneer dana 44s swap. Seems to be a slew of info on what years had drivers drops and what years went to a much wider.
-chevy dana 44s. Much more common much cheaper, many more disc brakes years. could bolt an NP205 with a different drop side but that is getting pretty hodge podged
-dana 60 front. Having looked into it much but not that interested in it. Not sure they make one narrow enough and don't off road anyway.
My biggest concerns are cheap, easy to find, easy to fit, disc brakes front, similar to a bronco 58" width. Here's a few options I've thought of. Feel free to chime in and correct me.
-76-77 ford f150. Sounds like the easiest way to go 65" wide but can make up some width with backspaced wheels but they are hard to find!
-isuzu drivetrain. was looking good at first 58" solid, until I figured out they didn't make a solid front axle. Still the rear is dana 44 on many
-jeep cherokee dana 44 rear swap. Only put dana 44 in cherokee for 3 years. 60" width, but either settle for a dana 35 front or find another front the match
-Variety of jeep options TJ dana 60.5" width 30 and 35 seems to be common
-Rubicon TJ dana 44s with factory lockers and 4.10s. I won't see of road much but I also don't say no to free lockers
-wagoneer dana 44s swap. Seems to be a slew of info on what years had drivers drops and what years went to a much wider.
-chevy dana 44s. Much more common much cheaper, many more disc brakes years. could bolt an NP205 with a different drop side but that is getting pretty hodge podged
-dana 60 front. Having looked into it much but not that interested in it. Not sure they make one narrow enough and don't off road anyway.
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