74 Bronco Ranger Build Advice

[JGbronc]

Yep. It’s a sweet ride..... She drives the heck out of it and drives it to SC every year. Here it is at the Heflin show with a soft top on it. I think the only change to it is power front disks. It’s a stock 302 with 3 speed....

I stand corrected. I thought it was Automatic

 

[Eastwood]

I would just rebuild the original engine. I have a 77’ sport that I bought from the second owner 10 years ago. It’s hot ginger as well and uncut. It had the original parchment floor mats in mint condition as they were covered in carpet for 30 years. I had planned to rhino line the floor so I sold the mats to a guy on here restoring a Baja for a considerable amount of money. I changed my mind about the rhino liner and I sure wish I my original mats back. I did put WH 2.5 lift on mine and I wouldn’t change that. I’m struggling to decide if I should put a family cage in it as I have two young sons. The stock engine is plenty powerful and can be made to be reliable. We used to drive my dad’s 77’ ranger 500 miles one way to Arkansas pulling a trailer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[txpd]

Thanks so much for all of the feedback so far. Much of what is being said is in line with my original intentions, however, my real dilemma lies in two areas... 1. I have a teenage daughter who will also drive this vehicle...so it has to be safe and reliable -and- 2. I like THIS Bronco as I know the history (originally sold right here in Boise, ID, 2 owners before me, etc...). Although I could certainly sell it as is and make a significant profit, I would not feel right having convinced the wonderful gentleman to sell it to me...only to turn around and profit off of his good nature. I absolutely intend to leave the body, interior, etc...original and only upgrade items beneath the skin that could easily be unbolted and returned to stock if desired. I guess I am kind of looking for a “best of both worlds” scenario. Crazy...it has actually been quite stressful trying to decide what to do. #firstworldproblems

You wouldnt feel right talking the original owner into selling it to you and then sell it but you are ok with flushing what makes it special down the toilet in your first move?

I will buy it if you want to sell it.

Meanwhile you want to put a 347 stroker motor in your kid daughter's rig?

 

[Tbrand2068]

You wouldnt feel right talking the original owner into selling it to you and then sell it but you are ok with flushing what makes it special down the toilet in your first move?

I will buy it if you want to sell it.

Meanwhile you want to put a 347 stroker motor in your kid daughter's rig?

Thank you for your input...I really do appreciate everybody's feedback on this. I realize these are special vehicles and I appreciate everybody's passion on the topic. Perhaps I should clear up a couple of items that I may have communicated poorly.

1. As I have indicated in comments above, I think I admittedly got carried away with the 347 option (also a 302 engine...just a little saucier)...as it was a simple and quick solution to a Bronco that was currently not running. Whether it was the right answer or not, I have already written the check for the engine. I could potentially stop the process, but would not be inclined to go back on my commitment unless the circumstances were quite extreme and/or compelling.

2. My question is not, nor was it ever, should I put the 347 in it. As I indicated in my opening remark, I had already decided to do that. The primary question was would it be wise to keep the original engine and transmission, and if not do they have any value / how to best capture that value?

3. This is not / will not be my "kid daughter's rig". I mentioned that "I have a teenage daughter who will drive the vehicle as well"...not that she is the primary or only driver.

4. If you, or anybody else reading this thread is actually interested in purchasing the vehicle...please share with me what approximate range you might be interested in paying. Throughout my life I have often spoken to those who want me to let them know when I am ready to sell something, but when that day arrives they are either not actually interested or not remotely in the ballpark of the actual value. Perhaps you would be willing to purchase this vehicle for a value that would force me to change my mind on my current direction...??? Sincerely...let's talk if you are genuinely interested.

Regardless, I genuinely do appreciate everybody taking the time to chime in. It certainly gives me a better feel for the general thinking of the Bronco community as it relates to the original vs. Restomod discussion. I was just optimistic that potentially there was a way to weave the two worlds together in a way that protected the originality while improving the drivability.

 

[Scoop]

Bottom line is it's yours and do what you want. There have been far worse instances of people modding collectible Broncos than what you are proposing. (One Bronco builder's total reconstruction, or really destruction, of an original Balloon Chaser into a restomod comes to mind.) Everything you've talked about is reversible. My advice in my previous post was to try to keep all the original parts if you can - including the stock engine and tranny. Make it fun and safe to drive for both you and your daughter. Enjoy it!

 

[Tbrand2068]

Bottom line is it's yours and do what you want. There have been far worse instances of people modding collectible Broncos than what you are proposing. (One Bronco builder's total reconstruction, or really destruction, of an original Balloon Chaser into a restomod comes to mind.) Everything you've talked about is reversible. My advice in my previous post was to try to keep all the original parts if you can - including the stock engine and tranny. Make it fun and safe to drive for both you and your daughter. Enjoy it!

Thanks for your kind words. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[fishinman78]

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304816&highlight=Ranger

Here is a link to my 76 Ranger. Very similar discussion

After owning it for several months and enjoying it I have ultimately decided to keep mine as original as possible.

They are only original once

 

[Tiko433]

Just my .02 .., a teenager does not need to be driving a EB with a 347.... believe I know. With that being said. Like the rest has said. That is a awesome Bronco. I would rebuild the motor, add disc brakes and power steering. You will love it.

 

[txpd]

Thank you for your input...I really do appreciate everybody's feedback on this. I realize these are special vehicles and I appreciate everybody's passion on the topic. Perhaps I should clear up a couple of items that I may have communicated poorly.

1. As I have indicated in comments above, I think I admittedly got carried away with the 347 option (also a 302 engine...just a little saucier)...as it was a simple and quick solution to a Bronco that was currently not running. Whether it was the right answer or not, I have already written the check for the engine. I could potentially stop the process, but would not be inclined to go back on my commitment unless the circumstances were quite extreme and/or compelling.

2. My question is not, nor was it ever, should I put the 347 in it. As I indicated in my opening remark, I had already decided to do that. The primary question was would it be wise to keep the original engine and transmission, and if not do they have any value / how to best capture that value?

3. This is not / will not be my "kid daughter's rig". I mentioned that "I have a teenage daughter who will drive the vehicle as well"...not that she is the primary or only driver.

4. If you, or anybody else reading this thread is actually interested in purchasing the vehicle...please share with me what approximate range you might be interested in paying. Throughout my life I have often spoken to those who want me to let them know when I am ready to sell something, but when that day arrives they are either not actually interested or not remotely in the ballpark of the actual value. Perhaps you would be willing to purchase this vehicle for a value that would force me to change my mind on my current direction...??? Sincerely...let's talk if you are genuinely interested.

Regardless, I genuinely do appreciate everybody taking the time to chime in. It certainly gives me a better feel for the general thinking of the Bronco community as it relates to the original vs. Restomod discussion. I was just optimistic that potentially there was a way to weave the two worlds together in a way that protected the originality while improving the drivability.

I ssent you a pm.

 

[eb-nutt1]

Unfortunately it sounds like the resto shop saw you coming and instead of suggesting how to repair the original engine properly, they sold you the crate 347 they had been sitting on because someone elected out of purchasing it after they ordered it...your bronco, build it as you want, but don't be so impulsive...sounds like you really wanted a restomod bronco though.

Brian

 

[Deerklr]

I have a 74 Also

I recently found a survivor 74 Bronco w/ Ranger package and 43k original miles...great condition. Took me almost a year to talk the owner into selling it to me, but finally got the job done.

Although low mileage, the engine compression was weak, so I have decided to put a new Ford Performance 347 Stroker and 4R75 transmission in it...which brings me to my first question...is there any real value in keeping the original engine and C4 transmission? Although numbers matching, etc...I cannot imagine anybody ever wanting to put them back in and really don’t prefer to take up the space storing them.

If I do not keep them, do they have any value? If so, any recommendations on where to sell / dispose of them? Don’t really want to run an ad...more curious if there is a place that specializes in this sort of item that may just purchase it?

Next question...would love some various opinions of proper direction to go with this vehicle? My current thinking is keep exterior (Hot Ginger) and interior as is since they are both original, upgrade engine and trans as mentioned above, upgrade to disc brakes (which ones?) for safety, small 2.5” lift w/ 30” x 9.5” BFG AT KO2 on original wheels, and 23 gallon fuel tank. Any other / better thoughts?

Here are some numbers to think about:
-Four Wheel Disc Brake Conversion, Extended Fuel Tank, 3.5" Suspension Lift kit, 1" Body Lift, Rebuild Kit for transfer Case = $5,000.00+ at Tom's Bronco Parts
-Rebuild Stock 302 to a 331 Stroker $6,500+ C's Automotive Machine Shop in Vancouver, WA
-New drivelines, rebuild kit for RAT transmission, Clutch kit = $1,000.00 Tom's Bronco Parts
-Sand Blasting Frame and Axles & POR15 = $875.00
I am taking my Bronco to a Body Shop in February, and it is going to be $20K. It was an uncut original that I chose to upgrade. The top needed work and the doors needed work. Regardless of what people say, it is your Bronco, just keep in mind everything costs money. IMO, you have a nice one. Stick to stock OEM parts. Rebuild the 302 as a 302, and enjoy the Bronco. Don't sell it after working on the previous owner for a year!

 

[Tbrand2068]

Progress Update

Making good progress! Body is currently off of frame and vehicle shows no signs of rust anywhere. Looks like it had some undercoating added when it was new, and I am now trying to decide if I should have it all cleaned off of the frame and other components or if I should leave everything fundamentally the way I found it? Kind of neat to see the 47 year old undercoating, etc... Any thoughts? Link to photos / videos below.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4aekgpzdswh34eg/AADDLYwcVdRhwiuuXCr5xaoBa?dl=0

Video of underside of body here:

https://youtu.be/9gP5DixoJUg

Video of frame here:

https://youtu.be/9oU98WGMdvQ

 

[71 CA Bronco]

Wow, definitely a candidate for keeping original.

Make sure that body is braced well around the doors and tailgate. They are very flimsy and can fold up like a taco. Even a slight bend will be havoc when you go to line up doors later.

 

[Tbrand2068]

Should I have the frame cleaned up and re-treated / coated in some way? Same question for the underside of the body? Is it better to leave it alone as evidence of originality?

 

[DirtDonk]

I would coat it. As for evidence of originality, take boatloads of pictures during the whole process to prove to any non-believers that it's all good underneath. Everything else is done for your own satisfaction and not a future owner. Unless you're trying to sell it as soon as you're done?
But re-coating it now will protect it for the next 50 years.

Doesn't have to be anything fancy of course. Just some paint would work. But if you want it to be a more comfortable driving experience, a coating that helps minimize noise and heat is a good thing. On the frame just keeping the rust at bay is a worthy cause, but for the body anything that keeps the heat and noise down is a truly wonderful thing!

Paul

 

[sprdv1]

Should I have the frame cleaned up and re-treated / coated in some way? Same question for the underside of the body? Is it better to leave it alone as evidence of originality?

rework it / coat it so it'll be good to go for you for a long time

 

[Tbrand2068]

Thanks again for the input gang. Very much appreciated!

 

[Tbrand2068]

New Question - Vintage Air?

OK...as I keep getting deeper and deeper into this, now wondering if I should add Vintage Air to the Bronco? I am unsure if we will be removing the top in the summer...

I have owned several Defender 90’s...some with and some without A/C and I don’t feel as if I ever used it with the D90’s, but I always removed the top during the summer.

Any input is greatly appreciated.