TRE based TRO on a 77

[Rox Crusher]

Howdy guys,

As we learned a few things specific to 76/77 model Bronco, I thought I would share results of my TieRod Over conversion using Roughstuff TieRod End components in combination with knuckles off of a 78/79 Bronco.

The tie rod attachment points on the 78/79 knuckle are about 1" lower than the stock knuckles used on 76/77 Broncos. So in theory, the 76/77 knuckles would be better in terms of achieving maximum trail clearance for steering linkage.

Unfortunately, the attachment points on 76/77 are about 1" closer to the wheels preventing use of any of the heavier duty steering linkage components available which is why I elected to use the 78/79 knuckles.

On to the good stuff, since the 76/77 Bronco came stock with a longer track bar bracket, you don't have to use a drop pitman arm or an axle riser bracket to achieve nearly perfect geometry between trac bar and drag link. Mine ended up being within 1 degree of each other.

I will post pics later when it gets lighter out.

 

[Crawdad]

Subscribed! Yes pics please, I want to use this set-up as well on my 77 build.

 

[BucknEB]

Thanks Rox! I bought the same set up for my '76 but I have yet to attempt the conversion. I want to go TRO with the new set up and I"ve been worried about the clearance issues. Post some pics.

 

[andybgood]

Is this with 3.5" lift and 33's as in your sig?

 

[gnsteam]

Thanks Rox, good information. Also wounder about your lift.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Aside from spelling errors his signature is correct.

 

[Rox Crusher]

Is this with 3.5" lift and 33's as in your sig?

Yes indeed

 

[Rox Crusher]

Another interesting detail is that the attachment point on the 76/77 knuckle is 1/8" thicker than the 78/79 knuckle.

This made it difficult for another guy we know, who retained the 76/77 knuckles because he has narrow wheels (stock), to get enough engagement on the tie rod threads to use the cotter pin hole. He had to drill a new hole.

 

[Bronc937]

I did the Extreme Custom Fabrication kit which I think is the same as ruff stuff, on my '77 luber frame off. After installing it I found that I had to use rims with no more than 3.5" of backspace or they would rub on the tie rod ends.

I will probably switch to 79' f150 knuckles and go TRO in order to keep the ground clearance and be able to go with more backspace.

 

[Rox Crusher]

Finally, some pics for your veiwing pleasure

 

[andybgood]

Looks great! Did you have to change your brakes or anything else? Or was it just the knuckles? Can you give a link to the kit? I'm going to be building mine up in a few months and this sounds like a great option for my 76. Thanks.

 

[Rox Crusher]

78/79 knuckles are interchangable, no changes necessary other than the tie rod connection points to whatever linkage you use

The Ruff Stuff components are just that, you buy the components @ http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/STEER.html

and get your own DOM tubing and cut it to length.

Some of the vendors (including Ruff Stuff) sell custom kits if you have a standard configuration or can give them dimensions to work with

 

[garberz]

Aside from spelling errors his signature is correct.

That's too funny. The link is bad also, because if the error.

 

[Rox Crusher]

That's too funny. The link is bad also, because if the error.

What's even funnier is that I looked at every word in my signature trying to find the spelling mistake but couldn't see any. I thought ol Viper was just giving me the business again !

 

[andybgood]

78/79 knuckles are interchangable, no changes necessary other than the tie rod connection points to whatever linkage you use

The Ruff Stuff components are just that, you buy the components @ http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/STEER.html

and get your own DOM tubing and cut it to length.

Some of the vendors (including Ruff Stuff) sell custom kits if you have a standard configuration or can give them dimensions to work with

Thanks for the info.