78/79 Bronco Resto/mod

[Raleigh]

A few goodies arrived today

Lower door posts from LMC

2 1.25" heims so I can get the radius arm brackets welded and get the axle to powder coating

These things are huge!

I will be ordering the other 6 heims and the 2" .25 wall DOM for the radius arms next week. Then it is time to get the roller together

 

[Burning oil]

Those joints are dead sexy!

 

[Raleigh]

Well today was pretty much a waste of time.
Stripped down the front axle and found a crack in the center section where the long side tube goes in.

So now not only did I waste a few hours I need to buy new axles.
I wanted to upgrade anyhow but couldn't justify it when I had 2 good axles already.

I did get the radius arm mounts welded up and ready for the axle.

 

[Raleigh]

***EDIT***
Found a set of 99 Stupid Duty axles with calipers and discs for $500 for the pair.
Picking them up next weekend.

Unfortunately this throws my whole time table off.
Probably setting me a month behind since this money was supposed to go to primer not axles.

 

[red]

even though it set you back thats a good find.

 

[Raleigh]

Picked up the axles today, overall in great shape.
I will need to have the rotors turned and replace the seals on the front.

the rear is missing the E-brake parts on one side, but those should be easy to snag from a JY.

Warn manual lock outs installed already though

 

[Raleigh]

Started tearing into the front axle today. Got the outers off, I still have to press out the ball joints so I can pull the shafts out.
The unit bearings are pretty easy to pull, I had never dealt with them before and didn't know what to expect.
I had both sides taken down in about 45 minutes.

I also dropped off the rotors to be turned.

This weekend I hope to get the front ready for paint which means getting the spring/radius arm mounts welded on.

 

[Raleigh]

Had a few hours this afternoon, got the axles taken off the trailer and got the front axle mostly stripped today.

Started in on the rear axle. The E-brake on the driver side was completely removed.
The passenger wide was destroyed by a leaking oil seal.

I am thinking it may be cheaper to put a pinion brake on than to replace the stock parts, opinions?

Found these cool little saw horses, they are the perfect height! They were hanging out behind the garage.

Here is a pic of the unit bearing from the front axle, not as bad to replace as I thought.

 

[3500GMC]

Will you see any overall width change switching from the OE Bronco axles?

 

[Raleigh]

Will you see any overall width change switching from the OE Bronco axles?

Nope, the axles are the same width front and rear.

Got my mounts installed and primed the axle today.

A couple of the welds are a little boogery! But they have good penetration, I think I was moving too slow.

 

[Raleigh]

Painted the front axle and started the install today

I need to cut down the track bar and rethread it, then start building the radius arms.

This weekend I want to get the rear axle under the frame.

 

[NVW]

Looking good all painted up.:thumbsup:

 

[Raleigh]

Got one of the leaf packs assembled today, new bushings (what a pain in the ass), new pads and ORD Zero Rates to recenter the axle in the wheel well.

I did find a good way to get the bushings out though, wedge a cold chisel in the loop and press them out with a 6" clamp.

 

[3500GMC]

I did find a good way to get the bushings out though, wedge a cold chisel in the loop and press them out with a 6" clamp.

That's a good idea.

Lookin' good there.

 

[Raleigh]

Got the springs finished up today and put them on the frame.
Going to get the rear axle painted tomorrow, I need new U bolts and spring plates (because of the zero rates).

 

[Raleigh]

I have some progress on this, got the engine cleaned up and painted

and I finished the front axle links

 

[btfarm]

That's really starting to look good Dave!

 

[NVW]

x2:thumbsup:

 

[3500GMC]

Yep. Looks Real good. :thumbsup:

 

[DieselSlug]

Very nice job, love the looks of that vintage ford!