Project: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

[Gupster88]

I would like to use this rig to revive or start a new "bronco" club for snow play days and such. There used to be an old local club called "cascade classic broncos". I really like the name, its catchy but they fizzled out. Something that has no fees or dues. No drama just a common interest, old classic broncos.



If you're in Western Oregon and want to be apart of a small group for annual get togethers, pm me. Maybe we can put together a group.

Pm sent

 

[phred]

Man that console is a work of art!!

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Weather was hot and dry during hunting season so I was able to sneak some wrenching in during the fall. Got the body removed. Been waiting a long time to do this.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Documenting the process....

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Progress pictures on the frame (Current Day Progress Pics~!)


- Reinforced frame plate from BC Broncos, utilizing the factory lower rear hole, body mount trimmed.
- Duff HD Track Bar Drop Bracket

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

well here is the final product of the 6R80W to Atlas 2 Speed crossmember I ended up with. Tight clearances but I'm happy. Long time coming.

 

[sprdv1]

Looking good.. One step at a time

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

I have the stock manual 3 speed steering column and a stock automatic column. Is there benefits to one or the other?

I have a 4x4x2 box and 2" BL.

 

[Yeller]

Converting the 3 speed column to an automatic is a nice theft deterrent. Hook the linkage to lower shift lever, then you have to push on the shifter to get it to shift, if you pull/lift on the shifter like normal you get dead air. The indicator can be placed on the column so it looks normal. The indicator will function as well. Not sure how well it would work on a 6R.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Converting the 3 speed column to an automatic is a nice theft deterrent. Hook the linkage to lower shift lever, then you have to push on the shifter to get it to shift, if you pull/lift on the shifter like normal you get dead air. The indicator can be placed on the column so it looks normal. The indicator will function as well. Not sure how well it would work on a 6R.

Cool idea. I’ve got a VX shifter from RADesigns however.

Just wondering which is better to adapt a shaft to the 4x4x2 box. Either one will need the collar changed/smoothed

 

[Yeller]

I’ve adapted so many columns I don’t think it matters. You can pull either one apart and change the bell to one for a floor shift. Wild horses had them last I checked.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Cracked the 6r80 open to inspect, completely drain all fluid, remove valve body, install new sure-cool thermal by-pass delete valve, bulkhead sleeve/o-ring, pump pass thru seal, filter and Dorman pan with drain plug.

Helpful video for 6r80 teardown:

I noticed it only had 3 transfer tubes, which I think is a newer model/design. Then after reading this link: https://www.transmissiondigest.com/spotting-the-changes-to-ford-6r80-15-later-valve-bodies/, I noticed my valve body is likely consider a 2015+ or newer unit. It has the large hole in the valve body. This made me do some digging, as this is supposedly from a wrecked 2014 f150 with 22,000 miles on it. Build date on the transmission case sticker is 120814, so a late model 2014.

Build date identification: https://atracom.blob.core.windows.net/gears/2015/2015-07/2015_7_4.pdf

Now those who deal with 6r80s know theres two generations, 1st gen (2011-2014) and 2nd gen (2015-2019?). I believe the 2nd gens are more desirable due to upgraded lead frame and updates elsewhere. Now I wonder if mine is considered a 2nd gen (?). I looked hard for a 2nd gen but gave up after 3 months of looking everyday, multiple times a day. I wanted a low miles transmission. Either way, this should be ready to go after a quick paint job.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

I am concerned the trans filter I installed is not the correct one for my valve body. Unfortunately I tossed the old filter months ago and didn't pay attention. Lesson Learned.

Those with 6r80 experience, can you please comment? @nvrstuk & others....


The filter I installed:

The one I think I need:

Mine has this hole that is beveled.

 

[badkarma]

I will end this year (2022) off with some eye candy, one of my favorite parts of this build so far. Custom center console!

Made by CarrParts in Oregon. One of the most genuine bronco guys around. I knew I had to have one the moment I saw his personal console. All his consoles are one off, custom builds tailored to what you want.


I opt'd for a US Shift Quick 6 Mount up front. Stainless Steel cupholders up front and out of the way. JB Fab cable twin stick shifters, cable out the front. Incorporated my VX Shifter to be flush mounted to the console. I wanted some sort of rocker switch panel, he opt'd for a switch pros style AUX control panel (push button). USB charger with volt meter for charging phones. and a storage cubby with a padded lid and gas strut to keep the lid open. It is all rivnut assembled, for easy removal and access. I plan to paint or powdercoat the whole thing, though I do like the looks of it in raw metal. Really stoked on this. Always wanted a sweet center console so I went all out. why build it twice??

View attachment 893952
View attachment 893953




With all this said, my goal is large but I do better with deadlines. My goal is to be driving this bronco by the end of 2023. I really want to hit some snow by the end of next winter (I have been saying this for several years and the build keeps evolving with transmission changes, center consoles, etc...) My original plan for this bronco was an explorer swap, but I felt like I needed more power. Had a 4r70w built to the hilt for behind my stroker motor, but that wasn't enough, I decided to go 6r80w which lead down the path to order an Atlas. The transmission change from 4r70w/D20 to 6r80w/Atlas really killed my timelines but I am eager to get this done in the coming new year!!!

Thats your console! Lol he sent me a pic did not realize it was yours.

 

[badkarma]

Mine is just finishing up driving and tuning the hp efi this week. Speed gems and 6r80 and atlas.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Mine is just finishing up driving and tuning the hp efi this week. Speed gems and 6r80 and atlas.

post pics, videos and tell us all the things.

 

[badkarma]

Okay had issues posting but it was easy to put into garage photos. Big takeaway 2 inches is considerable in an already tight area. Had to go with 2 inch body lift as i ran out of tunnel. Toms bronco passenger side header pipe did not clear the speed gems plate. Van Tumblin cut some of speed gems plate and modded header to clear. Get the speed gems recommended flywheel ! On the whole the Transmission and atlas were straight forward just tight which was to be expected.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Okay had issues posting but it was easy to put into garage photos. Big takeaway 2 inches is considerable in an already tight area. Had to go with 2 inch body lift as i ran out of tunnel. Toms bronco passenger side header pipe did not clear the speed gems plate. Van Tumblin cut some of speed gems plate and modded header to clear. Get the speed gems recommended flywheel ! On the whole the Transmission and atlas were straight forward just tight which was to be expected.

curious to see the transmission crossmember. My headers clear the adapter but not the inner fender, so some trimming will be needed.

 

[BruiserOutdoors]

Okay had issues posting but it was easy to put into garage photos. Big takeaway 2 inches is considerable in an already tight area. Had to go with 2 inch body lift as i ran out of tunnel. Toms bronco passenger side header pipe did not clear the speed gems plate. Van Tumblin cut some of speed gems plate and modded header to clear. Get the speed gems recommended flywheel ! On the whole the Transmission and atlas were straight forward just tight which was to be expected.

looks good! thanks for posting those photos. Report back with how it drives. What shifter are you using?

 

[badkarma]

Okay had issues posting but it was easy to put into garage photos. Big takeaway 2 inches is considerable in an already tight area. Had to go with 2 inch body lift as i ran out of tunnel. Toms bronco passenger side header pipe did not clear the speed gems plate. Van Tumblin cut some of speed gems plate and modded header to clear. Get the speed gems recommended flywheel ! On the whole the Transmission and atlas were straight forward just tight which was to be expected.

looks good! thanks for posting those photos. Report back with how it drives. What shifter are you using?

Will get you more in depth on friday. The same shifter as yours rad design getting a console made like yours just a lil different as My shifters are side by side