Sucker born every minute

[Ioverpaid]

So I bought a 1973 Bronco from a 'friend' who lives out of state and sent pictures that I now know were years old or doctored. Unfortunately I didn't listen to my inner-self that reminded me I didn't trust him a broker so why should I think an auto transaction would be any better. Did I mention that i fired him as my broker years ago? Live and learn.

Good news is that the truck isn't in horrible shape but does need some TLC and a bit of upgrading would go a long way. Bad news is that while I'm somewhat mechanically inclined and ambitious (everything on youtube is easy, right?), I really don't have any shop tools. Best news is that when I break it all, I race sailboats with a guy who owns a garage down the road and will fix my destruction once after I have it towed there. Pray I don't need repairs on a weekend that I beat him!!!!!

The interesting bit…What do I really need in the way of tools to maintain and upgrade the Bronco? Immediate honey-dos are disc brakes..definitely on the front, rears look a bit scarier. Would like to put on Rancho 9000 shocks to clean up the appearance a bit and might as well change the leaf springs while I'm at it. I've already had the PS redone because the steering box mount was breaking off from the chassis. In time I'll put in new seats and replace the current roll bar with a family roll cage, but I presume that's just a socket set job. Do I need a pneumatic impact wrench? I know I need jack stands and I guess I should buy a high lift jack. What about a rolling hydraulic jack?

Lastly (and this is the one I really feel stupid asking), how do I know if the Bronco has had a suspension lift, is there a way to measure from stock height? It has 33' tires and I know the fenders have been cut, but there are only five leaf springs on the rear so if something was done, it wasn't aggressive.

Many thanks,

Brian

ps-if anyone is in the Houston area, I'd love to buy you a beer or lunch…it's a cheap retainer for future labor!

 

[bmc69]

First of all...welcome to the forum and the EB passion. And I know there are plenty of EB experts in your areas...you guys even have your own annual EB rally. So hang on to yr hat...help is on the way!

 

[TX SS]

Welcome. I'm a fairly new Bronco owner from Houston as well. What part of town are you in? So far I've been able to handle working on mine by hand with standard sockets and wrenches. That along with a jack (I have a low profile that I used on my Z06 that works just fine) and jack stands would be a good starting point for tools. Search and read the forum and you will find lots of good information.

 

[bronconut73]

BTW
Anything more than 7" measured between the frame and front axle tube is your amount of lift.
For example, if you measure 9.5" then you have a 2.5" lift.

 

[broncnaz]

Welcome.
Usually your basic hand tools will do most of what you need(socket set box wrench and a BFH= big hammer;D really just the common items will usaully get you by.. Impacts help a lot on older vehicles and tall jack stands are a good idea as well.
I think theres probably quite a few guys around your area that can lend a hand or more insight.
To check the amount of lift you have measure from th top of the axle tube to the bottom of the frame the stock front hieght is about 7in stock rear height is about 6in.

 

[Bronco Sully]

IOP, I've been in the Bronco Business about 13 months and learned a shed load over that time period. May not be able to offer to much expertise, but if you are down in the Heights, I'll take you up on the beer.

Post some pics of the rig.

 

[TX SS]

IOP, I've been in the Bronco Business about 13 months and learned a shed load over that time period. May not be able to offer to much expertise, but if you are down in the Heights, I'll take you up on the beer.

Post some pics of the rig.

Not to derail the thread, but you are close by to me. I'm at Washington and Studemont. I have seen 2 or 3 Broncos in the area since I started looking for one about 6 months ago. Wonder how many more in the immediate area are out there.

 

[Bronco Sully]

Once I bought one they emerged from the woodwork. Tech Auto, right around the corner from you, usually has 4 or 5 in their parking lot at any given time. I live right near Reagan high school and i have seen several in the neighborhood. If it works out, let's see if we can meet for a pop over the holidays. My rig is up on jack stands to overhaul the rear brakes. hopefully get this done over this weekend if things go well, my first crack at drum brakes so who knows...

 

[TX SS]

Once I bought one they emerged from the woodwork. Tech Auto, right around the corner from you, usually has 4 or 5 in their parking lot at any given time. I live right near Reagan high school and i have seen several in the neighborhood. If it works out, let's see if we can meet for a pop over the holidays. My rig is up on jack stands to overhaul the rear brakes. hopefully get this done over this weekend if things go well, my first crack at drum brakes so who knows...

Sounds good, just let me know. Good luck with the brakes.

 

[rhino2104]

A good socket and end wrench set is all you really need. Jack stands and a good jack will serve you well too. I would invest in some cans of PB Blaster or some other kind of penetrating oil to help with the stuck bolts.

 

[bsquared]

IOP - Yes, I can be had for beers. ;D I'm off 288 and Beltway South, in Pearland. All are asking where are you at?

I don't have everything I want, but I've got a garage full of stuff that can help you, preferably if you are close. Also, there's a bunch of Houston folks that are planning a get together in early Jan. Might want to subscribe to this thread and meet up there, once a date is set:
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234235

Oh, and welcome to the addiction! Look forward to checking out your new adoption! B2

 

[Fairlane514]

I'm in Northwest Houston, near 529/Hwy 6 area. I have a lot of tools, welder and experience.

 

[andyp]

Welcome and congrats on probably the best and most truthful forum handle. ;D

 

[Justin@WH4x4]

Hey Brian, just wanted to say welcome to the board and congrats on your new rig! (Pics would be awesome btw) You will find a ton of useful info on here, and from all your new fellow bronco comrades. If you're ever in a spot where you need anything else from technical advice, parts, help on an install, or just suggestions during your build, feel free to give us a call. We're always happy to help.

-Justin @ Wildhorses 4x4

 

[Sniper]

i fought mine for a while with just hand tools etc that my dad had laying around and buying what i needed as i went. but i kept finding myself in desperate need of an impact and i finally broke down and got one...after the third bronco showed up... i couldn't be happier. many many many times has it saved my butt in the last few weeks alone. plus it fills tires much faster than a regular pump

 

[ransil]

Skip he High lift jack that thing will hurt you.

get a floor jack and Jack stands ( harbor freight for the jack stands)
easy way is to go to sears and buy a 99 or so piece tool set whatever is on sale since its christmas, that should get you started.

I started with an off brand tools some how i still cant stop buying tools.

No need for air tools, they are nice but I rarely use them.

 

[Ioverpaid]

Thanks all for the warm welcome. Will put some pics up today.

I'm in West U so the Heights is very doable for beer and burger at Christian's or some other local.

Brian

 

[Toddpole]

IOP,
Welcome to the land of dreams and empty wallets! You are smack dab in the middle of a group of hooligans that can help you and heckle you to your hearts content. Some of the best people I know! Check out our site www.lonestar-ebc.org. Click on the link in the middle of the page to sign up for the email list. You will find lots of members near you with decades of EB experience that will be glad to help.
Good luck!
Todd

 

[lowbush]

Welcome. I'm a fairly new Bronco owner from Houston as well. What part of town are you in? So far I've been able to handle working on mine by hand with standard sockets and wrenches. That along with a jack (I have a low profile that I used on my Z06 that works just fine) and jack stands would be a good starting point for tools. Search and read the forum and you will find lots of good information.

I am going to second this, you would be surprised at how far you can get with a set of hand wrenches a set of screwdrivers and a roll around jack. A socket set and an adjustable wrench are also nice to have. But for under $200 bucks at Harbor Freight you can be in business and yes I recommend Harbor Freight tools for the beginner, use them see how interested you get in working on your own truck and then upgrade them if you get anywhere past intermediate tinkerer. You do not need a impact wrench, I have one and use it less than I do hand wrenched.

 

[DuctTape]

I am going to second this, you would be surprised at how far you can get with a set of hand wrenches a set of screwdrivers and a roll around jack. A socket set and an adjustable wrench are also nice to have. But for under $200 bucks at Harbor Freight you can be in business and yes I recommend Harbor Freight tools for the beginner, use them see how interested you get in working on your own truck and then upgrade them if you get anywhere past intermediate tinkerer. You do not need a impact wrench, I have one and use it less than I do hand wrenched.

My approach on tools has always been to buy if:

A) I can't do a job without it
B) I will use it more than once
C) I haven't purchased a new tool in the last three months

A lot of auto speciality tools can be borrowed for free at local parts house. Two somewhat expensive tools I will never regret buying are a floor jack/jack stands setup and an air compressor/tools.

As low says start with basic set and then just start working and buy along the way. I'll never have all the tools I want but I've got most of what I need after almost thirty years of collecting.