What have you done to your Bronco today?

[Speedrdr]

Thanks! Both for the pictures, and for that final description, which I find very interesting.
It’s great to know.

And if I EVER get the fuel and vent lines installed between the tank and fill neck I’m not planning on taking that rat nest out again. Going to have to get a muffler shop bend a piece to get across the frame rail.
I’m beginning to question the sanity of the numb nuts that changed the rear tank design for a 1-year only model…and the last year model built, no less.
Rant over for now.

 

[Soylent]

Put a map light back in the wiper cover. It even allows you to cycle through RGBW with just the rotation switch on the headlight knob.

View attachment 942326 View attachment 942327
View attachment 942328 View attachment 942329

You just need a mini disco ball

 

[DirtDonk]

I’m beginning to question the sanity of the numb nuts that changed the rear tank design for a 1-year only model…and the last year model built, no less.
Rant over for now.

I’ve often wondered myself.
I understand the initial changes that started in 76. The redesign of the evaporative emission system, and the addition (later for the ‘77 models) of the gas doors.
Those were necessary to meet the 77 safety requirements of getting all fuel out of the cabin, and no exposed gas caps anymore.

The only reason I can think of to change the original tank design, however, would be perhaps they needed to allow for more air space and some kind of change in the venting that required a major change to the tank.
They probably just found that using a poly tank instead of changing the metal tank saved them development time and money.
They wouldn’t willingly have done a one year major change, except to meet requirements, I’m fairly sure.

 

[abrogate932]

I was able to get the TrueTrac installed in my Bronco this morning. I prepped everything last night and installed this morning. I wish I built a 9” holder for my work bench prior to this install, but I improvised instead. I reused my gears and installed new carrier bearings. Getting the back lash to match was easy although setting the carrier bearing preload for new bearings left me wishing I had a spare axle shaft I could modify for my in/lb torque wrench. Now I need to wait out this storm system we are having in the Midwest to take it out for a drive.

 

[Speedrdr]

I’ve often wondered myself.
I understand the initial changes that started in 76. The redesign of the evaporative emission system, and the addition (later for the ‘77 models) of the gas doors.
Those were necessary to meet the 77 safety requirements of getting all fuel out of the cabin, and no exposed gas caps anymore.

The only reason I can think of to change the original tank design, however, would be perhaps they needed to allow for more air space and some kind of change in the venting that required a major change to the tank.
They probably just found that using a poly tank instead of changing the metal tank saved them development time and money.
They wouldn’t willingly have done a one year major change, except to meet requirements, I’m fairly sure.

Maybe so, but this pic shows just how tight it is trying to get the new fuel hose in. As an aside, the WH replacement hoses with the metal sleeve in the middle? Well, the hoses are so freaking stiff that it is impossible to make the bend over the frame. It feels like hydraulic line. Lol.
The attached pic is evidence…and that’s WITH the body mounts unbolted and the bed lifted 3 inches.

 

[DirtDonk]

Always on a Saturday…
Any 77 owners have any insight? Shouldn’t really be any pressure on the filler hose, or it’ll eventually crack the neck right off the tank.
I thought the 77 didn’t touch the body. The upward limitation is the skid plate attaching to the frame, correct?
And I guess this is the time I ask something that has been bugging me since I first saw your pictures. I thought the filler neck was on the side, but that the sending it it was still facing the front. Obviously, yours is not that way.
So I don’t have any insight on this fitment thing.
In the old days, I would’ve asked right off, if you had the right application hose. But there’s only one hose that fits the 77 tank if I’m not mistaken.
Hopefully, someone can get you some helpful tips before Monday.

 

[Speedrdr]

Always on a Saturday…
Any 77 owners have any insight? Shouldn’t really be any pressure on the filler hose, or it’ll eventually crack the neck right off the tank.
I thought the 77 didn’t touch the body. The upward limitation is the skid plate attaching to the frame, correct?
And I guess this is the time I ask something that has been bugging me since I first saw your pictures. I thought the filler neck was on the side, but that the sending it it was still facing the front. Obviously, yours is not that way.

The sending unit hole and the fill tube and the vent tube are all on the D/S of the tank. You are spot on about the skid plate limiting the upward movement of the tank and there’s the clamp that pulls the tank tight to the skid plate.

Monday I’ll either try to find an appropriately flexible fuel tolerant hose or get the muffler shop to mandrel bend a splice piece. I refuse to do like the PO and use a piece of flexible radiator hose…

I mean, it’s not like I don’t have plenty of OTHER things to work on.

 

[399strokerEB]

Got the hardtop back on today

 

[abrogate932]

Got the hardtop back on today View attachment 942402

I like the black on red. Looks good. Who makes the sliding glass you have?

 

[1969]

Got one step further on the sheet metal repair. I post a few more pictures in my build thread for anyone interested.