Minimum Setup For “Easyish” Trails

[76BroncoPete]

Looking for recommendations on a basic trail setup for easy/beginner trails. I don’t have delusions of grandeur at this point like conquering the Rubicon or Black Bear Pass. Just contemplating actually using my 76 for a little fun with my son. I’m located in south central Kentucky and would also appreciate recommendations on potential trails to try out around the surrounding area. Appreciate any help or direction you guys can provide. I don’t mind checking out an existing thread if this happens to be a repeat. I did a few searches without much success before posting.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[1969]

How is your Bronco currently set up?

 

[ep67bro]

So I am a big fan of 2.5" lift with 33 tires.
I wheeled on 33s for a long time (I had a 3.5" lift). I had the 3 speed and a mild 289. Stock axles with no lockers and 3.50 gears. Did all the green and some blue trails at Rausch Creek in PA and Big dogs in VA. Didnt do anything too tough but always had fun.

The 2.5" lift is nice because you typically dont need longer drive shafts or major changes in steering components.
33" tires are nice because stock axles and gearing will usually work and survive. The truck isnt too tall to get in and out of and is stable in turns for street use.
Plus this set up looks good and will give you the extra ground clearance needed for some basic Green/blue trails.

Besides the lift and tires dont forget a good tow strap, good jack, spare tire, fire extinguisher, and some basic tools to bring with you on the trail.

Again this is if you are just wanting to get on the dirt and not tackle black and red trails at your local offroad parks. Have fun out there.

 

[Yeller]

As asked above your current set up would be helpful.

For easier trails 31’s with or without a lift is a great start. Bronco’s are sized where they will do remarkable things in stock form. As an example, we have done a lot of trails in Moab with my wife’s bone stock V8 explorer, it doesn’t even have low range or a lockable transfer case. It’s about accepting your clearance limitations and your driving limitations. Just taking your time a stock bronco will comfortably do Hells Revenge in Moab and Black Bear in CO. Often the difficulty is between the ears and not under the tires.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Basically stock drivetrain. 302 non fuel injection, long tube headers. 3 speed still on the column. Some old PR78-15LT tires with an old 2-2 1/2” old block lift. An old working but could probably use a refresh warn 8274 winch. Stock gas tank. Y steering converted to 3 way adjustable with an old duff conversion.

 

[399strokerEB]

Looks pretty well setup for easy stuff as is. I'd replace the tires, the older they are the harder and more likely they are to fail.

 

[ep67bro]

Basically stock drivetrain. 302 non fuel injection, long tube headers. 3 speed still on the column. Some old PR78-15LT tires with an old 2-2 1/2” old block lift. An old working but could probably use a refresh warn 8274 winch. Stock gas tank. Y steering converted to 3 way adjustable with an old duff conversion.

It looks like your are set up good to go. Get some fresh tires on it and hit the trails!

 

[76BroncoPete]

Exactly the type of information and responses I was looking for and hoping to get. I appreciate the help and advice. Any other thoughts are welcome to add. Thanks again for all your responses

 

[Yeller]

Yep replace the tires and enjoy it. You'll find things that you want to upgrade but those can be done in pieces. Springs and shocks will make a big difference in how it rides, which makes the trips more enjoyable but no need to do anything to make it go other than tires.

As for the winch, make sure the gear box has oil in it and it functions, beyond that those are the toughest winch ever built, run it. If it doesn't work, motors and solenoids are available. If the solenoids are bad, I would go to an Albright contactor switch, they are an easy upgrade. There is also a recovery gear thread here that you might find helpful. I need to get busy and write up a recovery 101 thread.....

 

[76BroncoPete]

So I am a big fan of 2.5" lift with 33 tires.
I wheeled on 33s for a long time (I had a 3.5" lift). I had the 3 speed and a mild 289. Stock axles with no lockers and 3.50 gears. Did all the green and some blue trails at Rausch Creek in PA and Big dogs in VA. Didnt do anything too tough but always had fun.

The 2.5" lift is nice because you typically dont need longer drive shafts or major changes in steering components.
33" tires are nice because stock axles and gearing will usually work and survive. The truck isnt too tall to get in and out of and is stable in turns for street use.
Plus this set up looks good and will give you the extra ground clearance needed for some basic Green/blue trails.

Besides the lift and tires dont forget a good tow strap, good jack, spare tire, fire extinguisher, and some basic tools to bring with you on the trail.

Again this is if you are just wanting to get on the dirt and not tackle black and red trails at your local offroad parks. Have fun out there.

Appreciate your perspective of how your rig changed based on your experience and the extra gear suggestions at the bottom

 

[76BroncoPete]

It’s about accepting your clearance limitations and your driving limitations.

Often the difficulty is between the ears and not under the tires.

Some of my primary concerns out of the gate. Trying my best to have enough self awareness to keep myself out of a bad situation before getting some time behind the wheel on some trails and making sure that the mechanical reliability is dialed in as well. Also awesome stuff on the explorer at Moab

 

[76BroncoPete]

Looks pretty well setup for easy stuff as is. I'd replace the tires, the older they are the harder and more likely they are to fail.

It looks like your are set up good to go. Get some fresh tires on it and hit the trails!

Tires are a must these are actually scary old at this point. Any thoughts on going to a large wheel other than what’s available and price over the 15s?

 

[76BroncoPete]

Yep replace the tires and enjoy it. You'll find things that you want to upgrade but those can be done in pieces. Springs and shocks will make a big difference in how it rides, which makes the trips more enjoyable but no need to do anything to make it go other than tires.

As for the winch, make sure the gear box has oil in it and it functions, beyond that those are the toughest winch ever built, run it. If it doesn't work, motors and solenoids are available. If the solenoids are bad, I would go to an Albright contactor switch, they are an easy upgrade. There is also a recovery gear thread here that you might find helpful. I need to get busy and write up a recovery 101 thread.....

Thanks for this info in the winch. Really didn’t want to make a change there other than what you have suggested if possible. Also thanks for the link to the recovery thread. Good stuff

 

[399strokerEB]

Tires are a must these are actually scary old at this point. Any thoughts on going to a large wheel other than what’s available and price over the 15s?

With a smaller tire size the more sidewall you have the better, you'll get a better ride. I'd stick with 15s, plenty of options for 35s and under.

 

[JSBX]

I don't see a roll bar or cage in your Bronco. I strongly suggest checking into at minimum a roll bar but better yet a cage. Our Broncos tend to roll easier than some other offroad vehicles and the top and windshield frame offer very little protection. I had two different friends that rolled their Broncos on paved roads. Neither had a roll bar or cage. They both are very lucky to be alive. Also with a bar or cage it is easier to add 3-point seat belts. Just something to think about.

 

[76BroncoPete]

I don't see a roll bar or cage in your Bronco. I strongly suggest checking into at minimum a roll bar but better yet a cage. Our Broncos tend to roll easier than some other offroad vehicles and the top and windshield frame offer very little protection. I had two different friends that rolled their Broncos on paved roads. Neither had a roll bar or cage. They both are very lucky to be alive. Also with a bar or cage it is easier to add 3-point seat belts. Just something to think about.

You are correct. No roll protection whatsoever. Something that’s been on my mind for sure and like you said not just for the trail. Kind of always uninformed worry about leg room/parking brake/ glove box restrictions. All manageable I’m sure just always been kind of a self inflicted barrier. I welcome suggestions on cage options, likes and dislikes, ect. Thanks JSBX

 

[m_m70]

Often the difficulty is between the ears and not under the tires.

wisest statement I've heard in a long while!

 

[gnpenning]

Look at Tom's cage if you are worried about glovebox and brake pedal issues. There are other ways around those issues as well.

Nice looking bronco. Keep it that way.

As mentioned your winch is as great one with basically every part still available.

If you haven't done anything with the rear wheel bearings now is a good time to do something about it.

Checking all fluid levels is recommended

Tune-up. The original 2100 series carb is about as good as you're going to get off-road and on. Easily rebuildable if needed, just don't swap it out for something else.

Don't know what your budget is but modern shocks and springs (coil and leaf) can give you a nicer ride. You can start with shocks and later work your way through the rest of needed.

Remember never feel pressured to do something you are uncomfortable with. Anyone that tries to push you is someone to stay away from. As you get practice, your confidence in yourself and vehicle will increase. Nothing wrong with taking a nice drive and enjoying the scenery.

Go have fun.

 

[Yeller]

I tend to be a stickler for the safety stuff.... I should have caught the cage. Bailie Bilt would get my money everytime, and not just because Gordon is a great friend, his cages are tested, and they fit, IMO its the best designed cage on the market, coming from a fabricator that has built lots of stuff, I'd just buy one and not build my own if I had a normal bornco . By testing I mean rolling over and over on purpose Bailie Bilt cage testing at K2 Mason TX

 

[76BroncoPete]

Thanks for the recommendations on cages. I will check out both.

Nice looking bronco. Keep it that way.

Thank you, really appreciate all tech advice in your post as well. Also this valuable advice.

Remember never feel pressured to do something you are uncomfortable with. Anyone that tries to push you is someone to stay away from. As you get practice, your confidence in yourself and vehicle will increase. Nothing wrong with taking a nice drive and enjoying the scenery.

Go have fun.

Yeller thank you as well for the value built recommendation