Chuck got my diesel swap sitting level on all four!!

[Miley]

Hey Guys & Gals,

Christmas break was a slow time when it came to working on the Bronco! It was just way too damned cold. Now that it is a new year and school has started back up, I'm motivated again. ;D

Just wanted to let everyone who is considering a diesel swap know that Chuck at BC Broncos has been absolutely awesome with helping me find the right springs for my rig.

We results were actually a little suprising. Originally, I had WH 3.5 Rockcrawlers up front and National 11 leaf 3.5's in back. When we dropped the drivetrain in place, the front springs squatted down to only 1.25" overall lift. All the compression appeared to come fromt he 'progressive' part of the spring.

I figured since I had to replace suspension anyway, why not go with something just a tad larger. With that said, we went with Chuck's Deaver 4.5" rear leafs and, believe it or not, 4.5" winch coils up front! Shocked? I was! I was expecting to have to go with 5.5" coils and let them squat down to 4.5" It wasn't neccesary (spelling?).

With everything sitting as it should (front weight as it should be and an extra 180 lbs in the rear for fuel and gear) the Bronco seats exactly 1.5 degree up in the rear. Seeing as how all leafs settle some, how much more perfect could it have got?

Some minor mods will have to be made to the oil pan for diff clearance under extreme compression, but if it were a street pounder, there would be no issues at all.

Again, my sincere thanks to Chuck at BC Broncos for his help with this project.

James

 

[RolledItAgain]

Great job on the progress, I am impressed with your website as well; very informative and lots of good pics.

Can I ask what the motor swap is costing?

 

[Miley]

I've got somewhere around $2000 in the engine, rebuild, engine plate, bellhousing, and clutch parts.

James

 

[Nuke]

How much heavier is the 4BT compared to a 302? Did you consider (or do you have) a fiberglass hood to reduce the front end weight? I would be curious to know the change in weight distribution too, but I doubt you would have that.

I've been following your progress closely. I'm very interested in putting a diesel in the my rig. My original thought was to use the diesel engine Ford was thinking of using in the F150. Keep it up and thanx for going were few have gone before.

 

[Miley]

The 4BT is right at 200 lbs heavier than my 5.0 was. But, the weight sits a tad bit further back than the 5.0. I've also relocated my battery (in process of) to underneath the passenger seat area. That made a bigger difference than I thought it would.

 

[MnkyBiz]

"Enough already!" the Monkey said on hands & knees!

Where are the photos! No teasing the primates, we throw poo!!!!

 

[bronco italiano]

Another cheer for chuck at BC! That's why your the man chuck......Building broncos and taking care of customers in a personal way!! Keep up the great work. I will be down to visit you (and buy a couple grand worth of parts too) when uncle sam sends me my return. BI