76 Build Thread: Overdue

[76BroncoPete]

Starting a build thread for my 76. I’m hoping it can keep me motivated and focused. Picked this thing up in 2002 after finding it in wheels and deals for those that remember that great publication. It hasn’t changed a whole lot since I bought it, a few things here and there but nothing too major. Hoping to make this thing more reliable, we’ve had our ups and downs over the years, as well as safer and more functional for light trail use. Also looking to ditch most of the PO “fixes” that I’ve lived with but have always bothered me over the years. Also hoping to install the parts I’ve bought over the years and have never taken the time to install. I’m looking to attempt most things myself first but I’m no mechanic so it may be a pretty steep learning curve and some hard knocks along the way. Looking to do this as safely as possible and keep it drivable in between projects. Always appreciate the help this site provides and would appreciate any tips or advice.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Few projects in the near future.

Install wild horses 2.5” lift I’ve had sitting around for a few years.

Install brake hoses and stainless lines

Front wheel bearings

Fix leaks as much as possible

 

[tennessee toy]

Good luck with the build. You can become a pretty good YouTube mechanic or builder in today’s world. This site is amazing also.

 

[Scoop]

Your build "starting point" looks pretty nice!!

 

[toddz69]

I'll second what Scoop said - great starting point!

Todd Z.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Your build "starting point" looks pretty nice!!

I'll second what Scoop said - great starting point!

Todd Z.

Thank you both. It’s always been pretty solid which was part of what kept me from changing much. Just time to start making what are hopefully improvements and added reliability.

 

[gnsteam]

Great looking rig! I will be following your progress.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Great looking rig! I will be following your progress.

Thanks, your rig is real sharp. Gives me something to shoot for, looks great.

 

[gnsteam]

Thanks, your rig is real sharp. Gives me something to shoot for, looks great.

Thank you. I hope to have it on the road next spring.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Picked up a set of heavy duty shackles from migs. Going to try to install with the WH 2.5 suspension I’ve had sitting around for way too long. Getting everything together so I can try the leaf spring replacement first before moving to the front.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Painted the shackles today.

 

[green61bug]

Great looking rig to start. love the buckshot radials.

 

[DirtDonk]

Not necessarily while you’re doing the suspension, but definitely while you’re doing the brakes, go one step further in the rear end and replace the wheel bearings.
Unless you know they were done recently, or have so few miles on them that it’s not worth the trouble, they need to be replaced.
The grease ages out after a long time, but no matter what the life in years, they have a finite life expectancy in miles.
Approximately 100,000 miles, unless used hard.
A little less for small bearings, a little more for large bearings. But if we use 100,000 miles as our marker, we are “usually” safe. Mine were toast at 85,000 miles, but probably wouldn’t have failed catastrophically for another 10 or so.

When you do the fronts, learn to do it by the book rather than by YouTube.
There are far too many mistaken experts out there, making videos. Good quality videos too, with some very good information.
But with far too much erroneous information.

So if you haven’t already, buy a couple of shop manuals.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Great looking rig to start. love the buckshot radials.

Thank you, buckshots have been awesome but man they’re really old like probably unsafe old. Going to have to replace at some point

 

[76BroncoPete]

Not necessarily while you’re doing the suspension, but definitely while you’re doing the brakes, go one step further in the rear end and replace the wheel bearings.
Unless you know they were done recently, or have so few miles on them that it’s not worth the trouble, they need to be replaced.
The grease ages out after a long time, but no matter what the life in years, they have a finite life expectancy in miles.
Approximately 100,000 miles, unless used hard.
A little less for small bearings, a little more for large bearings. But if we use 100,000 miles as our marker, we are “usually” safe. Mine were toast at 85,000 miles, but probably wouldn’t have failed catastrophically for another 10 or so.

When you do the fronts, learn to do it by the book rather than by YouTube.
There are far too many mistaken experts out there, making videos. Good quality videos too, with some very good information.
But with far too much erroneous information.

So if you haven’t already, buy a couple of shop manuals.

Thanks for the suggestion Paul. I’ve got some shop manuals. I was planning on replacing the bearings up front but will now plan on doing the rear as well while I’m at it. I’m sure I will still have questions even with the manuals.