Paint, inject or Dana 60?

[Scrapper_MV]

Here's my rig as it currently looks.

I can't decide what to do next. It runs really good with the Q-jet that's on there now, but fuel injection would run even better. But I can't fit Ford fuel injection, it would have to be something aftermarket.

My weak link in the drive train is the Dana 44 in front. I could go to a 60 to match the rear end. Then I wouldn't have to worry about those front axles going snap!

But I really hate the way it looks. It deserves a good paint job. Probably grabber blue with a white hard top.

So what should I do next, paint it , inject it or put a Dana 60 in the front?

 

[Heus33]

Why won't a ford EFI unit fit?

Whats your budget? You can get a quicky paint job at home (suitable for a trail rig).

What axles are in there now? How big are your tires, 37s?

Here's what I'm reading:

a) Runs great - so why upgrade?
b) Weak link D44 - why is it weak? Are you breaking stuff now?
c) Want it to look nicer.

I vote for a cheap paint job, run the Q-Jet as-is, then wait for the D44 to break and then upgrade. Lots of guys run 37s with a D44.

 

[13below0]

Nothing like the piece of mind running a 60. Go where you want and not worry about being that Guy. I vote 60. Save up and do the injection next your rig doesn't look bad at all.

 

[broncnaz]

Paint is probably the most time consuming and overall rewarding. Once painted you might not wheel it as hard. at least for awhile so axle breakage might not be as big of a issue. Axle swaps can be done at anytime and are probably the easiest swap. EFI swap well its not going to make much differance in how it runs if your currently running good.

 

[Scrapper_MV]

I have cage work under the hood with cross braces that support the coil overs. The braces cant go any higher because they are already hitting the hood and the Ford manifolds wont fit under neath them. (Yes, I tried 5.0 HO and GT-40 manifolds.) They just ain't gonna fit. Plus the throttle body would interfere with the top of the coil overs. I tried and tried, then sold all the parts I had gathered for the swap. The engine is a 408 and runs good with the Q-jet. It does stumble now & then off road, but Ive learned how to drive it and can get most obstacles done with out stalling.

The front end is a built Dana 44 with wilwood disc brakes, Detroit locker & chrome moly axles. The rear is a Dana 60 with 35 spline axles, Detroit locker & disc brakes. The tires are 37". I haven't broke anything yet. But I'm trying more and more difficult stuff all the time. Its only a matter of time before the 408 snaps an axle!

I would love to paint it myself, but I don't have the time or skills. I can get all the body work done and a decent paint job for around $2500. Or go to One Day Paint and let them screw it up and get paint on everything, like my coil overs, for about $1000.

Why won't a ford EFI unit fit?

Whats your budget? You can get a quicky paint job at home (suitable for a trail rig).

What axles are in there now? How big are your tires, 37s?

Here's what I'm reading:

a) Runs great - so why upgrade?
b) Weak link D44 - why is it weak? Are you breaking stuff now?
c) Want it to look nicer.

I vote for a cheap paint job, run the Q-Jet as-is, then wait for the D44 to break and then upgrade. Lots of guys run 37s with a D44.

 

[73stallion]

paint it mike. you have 35 spline axles in your 44, you're not likely to break one of those. get it looking nice so you can scratch it!!!!

 

[broncnaz]

Well if your going to be doing harder offroading then a cheap paint job may be the way to go as sooner or later body damage will also happen. Might ook into the RCV or RVC? shafts for the D44 they are supposed to be better than anything else availible and should hold up to your tires and locker.

 

[Izzy]

Do you want a shiney paint job or just a fresh paint job? You would be very surprised at how well a job you can do yourself. Time is the key factor. If you don't mind spending a touch of time on it, you can paint it for very cheap yourself and it can look great. You also won't mind scratching it when you only spend a few hundred on it. Then spend the rest of the money on the front axle or save it and wait for it to break. That all depends on if you want to be proactive or reactive.

Save the EFI for later as it sounds like that is the lower concern\priority.

Either way, good luck and have fun.

 

[Heus33]

Do you want a shiney paint job or just a fresh paint job? You would be very surprised at how well a job you can do yourself. Time is the key factor. If you don't mind spending a touch of time on it, you can paint it for very cheap yourself and it can look great. You also won't mind scratching it when you only spend a few hundred on it. Then spend the rest of the money on the front axle or save it and wait for it to break. That all depends on if you want to be proactive or reactive.

Save the EFI for later as it sounds like that is the lower concern\priority.

Either way, good luck and have fun.

x2 - A cheap paint job doesn't have to look like crap.

I had a buddy spray my first Bronco with a single stage paint - it came out great and all it cost me was a few hundred bucks (pic attached). I'd try to go this method first but there are always other options:

You can spray bomb it - 70EB did an AWESOME job on his in a dark gray with clear coat. http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93808

You can evel roll it on using the Rustoleum method. Finding a color close to Grabber Blue shouldn't be too hard. http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170790

And another good thread about painting on the cheap: http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174777

 

[bknbronco]

Sounds like you got everything in your truck that i would want! Probably more! Id get that 2500 dollar paint job (that bronco needs and deserves it). I wouldnt even attempt doing it yourself if you can get bodywork and paint for that 2500. Sounds like you need another project all together!

 

[13below0]

you have 35 spline axles in your 44QUOTE]
35 spline in a 44? inners and outers?

 

[Pedestrian]

Not really a priority, but have you tried the 94-95 Mustang/ 91-93 Tbird-Cougar mainfold it is lower and positions the throttle body at a forward angle.

 

[Scrapper_MV]

you have 35 spline axles in your 44QUOTE]
35 spline in a 44? inners and outers?

Im not convinced that the front axles are 35 spline. Ben thinks they are, but we have never had them out of there. I can tell that they are aftermarket axles & joints, but I won't know exactly what they are until I take them out.

 

[KyleQ]

Nothing beats the piece of mind of a D60 up front. I know every single time I go out on a trail ride the front axle will be fine. I've blown up 3 dana 20's, an atlas front yolk and a d70 rear yolk and the front end hasn't needed a single thing.

Sure pretty paint it nice, my rig needs it worse then yours. Fuel injection is great, I'm doing that as well, but it's low on the list as my current 4bbl carb runs great at any angle I put it at.

Wheeling with a D60 up front gives you more confidence and you can pick those harder lines or trails you were unable to "work" your way though. I love my skinny pedal now

 

[Scrapper_MV]

Not really a priority, but have you tried the 94-95 Mustang/ 91-93 Tbird-Cougar mainfold it is lower and positions the throttle body at a forward angle.

I tried them all. Part of the problem is that the 408 need to breath, so a stock manifold is going to choke it. I had a GT-40 lower & upper, they were the lowest by far. But still an inch too tall. Now I'm looking at the aftermarket throttle body stuff and it doesn't look like it will flow enough. I called Howell injection and they told me their system is only good to about 350HP. I know I'm making more than that with the carb now!

 

[cesco]

wheeling harder stuff will probably end up with more body damage...

 

[13below0]

What locker is in the front? I think only arb, maybe Detroit sells a 35 spline 44. Im guessing but I doubt that's its 35 spline, especially the outers. If it were I would leave it alone

 

[Pedestrian]

I tried them all. Part of the problem is that the 408 need to breath, so a stock manifold is going to choke it. I had a GT-40 lower & upper, they were the lowest by far. But still an inch too tall. Now I'm looking at the aftermarket throttle body stuff and it doesn't look like it will flow enough. I called Howell injection and they told me their system is only good to about 350HP. I know I'm making more than that with the carb now!

I didn't realize you had a 408, clearance and breathing will be a problem.
Custom injection will probably be your only option.

 

[73stallion]

detroit does sell a 35 spline 44, jones has one and i'm pretty sure that's what dave put in his.