Updated 12-23-20 Project Nacho. Father Son Project, Gonna save one.

[DRBRONCO69]

Update 1-22-19

So here is the frame after sandblasting, POR 15, roller reassembled with all new bushings, 3.5” Wild Horses Lift, All fresh Dana 44 front with a new Auburn Posi, 4.56 gears and Big Bronco disk brakes, Rear fresh with a Spartan Locker and 4.56 gears, Mild Cam 9.5 compression 351W motor with GT40 intakes, mated to an AX-15 trans.

 

[trailerjack]

Looks great!

 

[Dneel81]

That's fantastic. I have the same plans for my son. he's only 6 now but still likes to cut wood, "drive" the tractor, and help me weld. Our time together is such rich quality time together. i hope you and your son get the same out of this project. Good choices so far on the running gear. Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[pipeline010]

looks great! wow, wish I had your know-how.

What did you do with the 3550? Any major reason you chose to go with the ax15 instead?

 

[DRBRONCO69]

looks great! wow, wish I had your know-how.

What did you do with the 3550? Any major reason you chose to go with the ax15 instead?

When I bought the trans and transfer case used, the previous owner claimed it to be a NV3550. Once I brought it home and checked the numbers, turns out it is in fact an AX-15. I'm OK with it as the NV3550 is discontinued from what I understand and that the AX-15 is still in production so parts can still be had. I've also read that the AX-15 is just as strong as the NV3550. ( not sure if that is true or not, read it on the internet. ) ;D

 

[pipeline010]

When I bought the trans and transfer case used, the previous owner claimed it to be a NV3550. Once I brought it home and checked the numbers, turns out it is in fact an AX-15. I'm OK with it as the NV3550 is discontinued from what I understand and that the AX-15 is still in production so parts can still be had. I've also read that the AX-15 is just as strong as the NV3550. ( not sure if that is true or not, read it on the internet. ) ;D

i'd say that was a score. been reading everywhere on site about all the different trans options and it seems the ax15 is about as great of an od manual we can get to fit our trucks.

 

[DRBRONCO69]

i'd say that was a score. been reading everywhere on site about all the different trans options and it seems the ax15 is about as great of an od manual we can get to fit our trucks.

I had a 3550 in another truck and I really liked the way it shifted/felt. I am hoping the AX-15 is equally impressive.

 

[jmhend]

Great looking project.

 

[DRBRONCO69]

4-28-20 Covid Update with progress pix.

I've had a ton of time lately to work on this again. The body assembly is coming together nicely. I was only able to save the firewall assembly, left front door post and the right rear tail light corner from the original tub assembly. The remainder of the sheet metal is either used from donor trucks that I have been hoarding or replacement re-pop stuff. Both doors are used and re-skinned, fenders are good used OEM, hood will most likely be OEM unless I decide to go fiberglass. Tailgate is a nice OEM piece as well as the grill. I am currently fabbing additional supports for the roof on the hard top to give it some more beef.

 

[green61bug]

Wow, the body has taken on a whole new look! Nice work! Love that you recycled a lot of original body panels... Its come a long way since your post about possibly scrapping it huh. haha Are you going to have to run a scoop in the hood with the gt40 head? It looks awfully close...

 

[DRBRONCO69]

Wow, the body has taken on a whole new look! Nice work! Love that you recycled a lot of original body panels... Its come a long way since your post about possibly scrapping it huh. haha Are you going to have to run a scoop in the hood with the gt40 head? It looks awfully close...

Yeah, I had a change of heart.
As far as the hood goes....I think so. It is very close. I have the same setup in my crawler with a 1" body lift and it was scraping the hood so I had to fab a scoop for it. I was hoping not to keep the factory hood look.... I did read yesterday that 1 3/8" body lift will allow it to clear although I havent tried it

 

[svastano]

Looks Great!

 

[tennessee toy]

Awesome job. I also have the lovely fiberglass end demon boards in mine also.

 

[DRBRONCO69]

Picked up this 118,000 Mile Mountaineer for the Engine, Harness and 4R70W transmission combo.