A whole new world...

[conor_nolen]

I just checked off a childhood dream and bought a 1974 Bronco and couldn't be more fired up. I am now however trying to figure out where to focus my attention. The Bronco is in visually good shape and the mechanic reviewed the engine (302 w/ 160K miles...not sure if original and not sure how to check) and gave it a healthy report card.

Like many others I am sure...I am still extremely interested in where I should be focusing attention as far as improvements an upgrades. Here is what I know so far:

1. Disc upgrade done on front brakes
2. Fuel lines replaced and in good shape
3. 3.5" lift with shocks that appears to be in good shape
4. Seats need replacing (Would love to do a black or grey houndstooth)
5. Need interior rhino lining (not sure if thats the best approach)
6. Steering is loose and has a bit of sway but might not be "fixable"
7. Need to install horn and not sure if I should go button or integrated steering wheel route

Here are some photos: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B115idkMwo10Th

Basically I am looking for the experts out there to give me some expert guidance on what to consider and keep and eye on bc of history and experience.

Can't you the community enough for the thoughts and feedback.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey! Welcome to classicbroncos. And, well, to owning a classic Bronco too!

I'll check out the pics, but wanted to be the first to say hello.

Paul

 

[romegadave]

Like that soft top and want one too---welcome to the best Bronco resource site on the planet!!

 

[DirtDonk]

You're right. That's a very sharp Bronco. Looks like a great starting point without too much to do.

Steering: They all feel a little looser with stock linkage and bigger tires. But how much more depends on lots of little things. They're not that bad when everything is in perfect shape, but can get to wandering and wobbling pretty quickly if not.
Can you post up some more detailed shots of your front end from underneath? Specifically a broad pic of the linkage from side to side?
Thanks

Rhino Liner: This is a can-o-worms worth of questions. First, where do you live and do you need it, or just want it? Is it for cool-factor, or for durability? You going to drive it regularly or just wheeling on weekends?
Basically, bedliner does very little to insulate against heat or noise. If you don't plan to carpet and insulate it, don't plan to drive it very often with your family if they don't like heat and noise.
With the top off, it's not as bad. But with a hard top the noise and heat is oppressive if you don't have A/C. And even if you do it's not great.

One other thing about liner. If you decide to do it, document the heck out of the floor before you do. If you go to resell it later a lot of buyers will wonder what you were hiding by lining it. It did not used to be that way, but lately a crap-ton of resellers/flippers are using liner to hide rust and bad patch jobs.
Something to keep in mind then.

Seat covers can be had in houndstooth, but not sure about exactly the one you want. Most seats are not available that way new however, unless you go custom.
And speaking of non-stock seats, beware of how high they are at the base. Most seats, whether aftermarket or OE from a donor vehicle are way too tall for a Bronco. You end up looking out of the top of the windshield through the wipers!
Just something else to watch when you're choosing.

Anyway, get some shots of the front linkage and we can maybe see what's up.
Another thing that all bronco owners should do is perform the steering test with a helper racking the steering wheel back and forth. While they do this continuously (tires fully on the ground or it doesn't work) you are laying under there watching ever joint, link, nook and cranny to see if anything is loose or moving where it shouldn't. Really tells the tale on these old rigs.

Have fun!

Paul

 

[conor_nolen]

Dont know what I dont know...

Please let me know if there is useful info I can share about my rig that would be helpful to give me direction. Also helpful likely to know I plan to offroad but not do anything crazy. Ride comfort is king...for now of course

 

[DirtDonk]

Good to know. As you can imagine, there is a world of difference in how you'd set one up if you were using it as a hunting rig vs a cool street rig with some occasional excursions. Or as a strictly street rig too, as I would have to say more new owners are going to be using theirs.
Plenty of owners just wanting a fun vehicle to run the kids down to the ice-cream store on hot summer days in. Safety and comfort become paramount.
Not that either of those were what Ford had in mind when they were building these of course. Hey, they didn't call them Utility Vehicles for nothing!

You might as well post up some detailed under-hood pics as well then. We should be able to see if the wiring is stock (very important to know when tracking down and gremlins) or anything is amiss under the hood that needs taking care of.

For now, the important things I see for the new owner (since you already have disc brakes) is to change ALL the fluids. And I do mean ALLL the fluids.
Most PO's (previous owners) might change the engine oil, but that's about it. And even if they say they did, it's really cheap insurance to do it anyway because many do not do what they say.
Is this a recently rebuilt/gone through truck? If so, then chances are that most of your fluids have been changed already. But if it's just a freshen-up, chances are better than average that things like brake fluid and transfer case and transmission and differential lubes never got touched. If differentials get swapped, they don't always even have matching gear ratios! If you trust the seller to at least have done most things right, you're probably not going to need to worry about that stuff. But you just never know.
And I'm guessing this was a pretty big investment for a 40-something truck. So doing things now will keep the wallet happier in the long run.

What about front and rear wheel bearings? With the disc brake swap, they should have at least been re-packed and properly adjusted. But do you know for sure?
And rear wheel bearings are the bane of our existence now. When new they were the best on the planet practically. But after 40 years and anything over 100k miles and they need to be changed. And if you don't know they were already, and the rig has more than 120k miles on it, have them all checked. And replaced if necessary.

Just a few things to add to the list...

Paul

 

[redwards69]

Welcome! Great looking truck. Everything Paul is telling is you spot on. I had the same plan when I bought mine, which was to just get it safe, streetable, and fun. After I kept finding hidden problem after hidden problem, well, it's been 2.5 years and I just finished a frame-off rebuild. Way more than I wanted to do and spend, but now, everything (and I mean everything) is new or rebuilt and worry free. Good luck.

 

[Eoth]

DirtDonk is spot on. My only suggestion is to play with it a while before tearing into things. Each Bronco has its own quirks, moods, and personality. You will find out your own priorities.....

 

[69broncofun]

Welcome nice bronco. Tons of info here

 

[SteveL]

Nice rig and welcome. One thing I dont see, but I'm getting old and blind, are shoulder belts or harnesses. Looks like a nice cage. If it don't have em I would get some.

 

[73azbronco]

Take this to heart:

DONT DO ANYTHING but drive it around for a year. Then: DONT DO ANYTHING which breaks it for more than a day or two. If you do, come back in 8 years and tell us about it

 

[conor_nolen]

Great advice all! Appreciate the suggestions and will post some additional photos shortly. Can't wait to drive her around for a bit and get a feel for the rig. Excited to be a part of the community!

 

[conor_nolen]

One small item...been scouring the forum and haven't found a good black step bar option built specific to this year bronco. I really like the smitttbuilt option but looks to be in available now. Petite wife and trying to make it easy for her to get in and out.

 

[sprdv1]

Congrats and Welcome Aboard...

 

[sprdv1]

One small item...been scouring the forum and haven't found a good black step bar option built specific to this year bronco. I really like the smitttbuilt option but looks to be in available now. Petite wife and trying to make it easy for her to get in and out.

there's a couple good options....

 

[sprdv1]

Take this to heart:

DONT DO ANYTHING but drive it around for a year. Then: DONT DO ANYTHING which breaks it for more than a day or two. If you do, come back in 8 years and tell us about it

LOL, good point. Drive that sucker and enjoy the heck out of it

 

[Skiddy]

it kind of looks like mine but a lot prettier lol. where are you located?
Hit up some bronco events, great people, get some ideas and have fun.
Welcome to the addiction.
oh yeah 74 is the best year;D

 

[sanndmann3]

Welcome aboard! You have found the best Early Bronco resource around. People here are very courteous and helpful.
I'd recommend becoming a contributor ($12 a year) and then you can post pics directly here. Drive and enjoy it and your to-do list will become obvious. Are you taking it off road or mostly on the pavement?

 

[conor_nolen]

Sprdv1...did you share a link? I don't see it posted. Might be a newbie issue with using this forum thread.

 

[SteveL]

X2 on hitting some events. Then you get a first hand look at different upgrades you might want.