OJ Special

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 12:32 am

I'm not normally the best with documenting my builds, but I'll give this one a shot. This is my 6th bronco, and like most of the vehicles I have built...it is snowballing into more than originally planned.

A few months ago I started looking for a new toy, as I was tired of my JK, and knew that I was ready to do another Bronco project. I found a crashed 1993, that was immaculate (besides the body damage). The interior was in near perfect condition, and the drivetrain was stock and well taken care of. He was asking $1k, and I picked it up for $800. The only catch was that it needed to pass smog and a brake and light inspection before I could get the (salvage) title. I picked up a set of fenders and a driver door for $150, a set of stock beams for $200 (passenger was bent in the crash) and got to work on putting it back to stock.

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 12:38 am

After a few nights and a case or 2 of beer, I got the truck road worthy. I opened the air box to confirm there was an air filter in there, and drove it down the street to get my inspections done. Without a tune up, or even checking the oil for that matter, the truck passed emissions and the lamp test with flying colors...now it was time to get the title coming my way so I can start the build.

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 12:51 am

I started off with removing the front fenders, Hood, grill, then moved on to removing the stock suspension. I used a cut off wheel to slice the rivets on the stock mounts, then used an air hammer to cut them off and punch them through...and that was the night I came up with the name of the project, I even ordered the CA plates to make it official.

OJ SPECIAL

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 1:29 am

I picked up a set of stock width Threat beams and ordered up a set of universal coilover mounts from Ruffstuff ($100ish for the pair). I went back and forth on how I was going to mount my fiberglass, and decided on using stock fender skins with some trimming and bracing as my fab skills are not top notch, and I wanted to get this thing done in time to enjoy it this winter.

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 1:41 am

I designed a template out of cardboard, then had one of the engineers at work draw it up in solidworks so I could send the .DXF file over to Alpha Laser to cut a winch plate that welds between the frame rails, and hides my winch below the grille, and behind the bumper. i also built up a set of Sway A Way 2.5" x 12" stroke coilovers that will be used on this truck. I took out the overlap spacer, so instead of the standard 12.5" stroke, I was getting just over 13" of shaft travel, which amounted to 15.5" of wheel travel measured from the end of the Hub.

cs_drums · Post by **cs_drums** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 10:01 am

I just saw those ruff stuff c/o mounts and was curious how they would work out for the bronco. What size c/o are you running?

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Tchajagos · Post by **Tchajagos** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 12:41 pm

Good to see you on here Mike. The truck looks great.

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:26 pm

[quote="cs_drums"]I just saw those ruff stuff c/o mounts and was curious how they would work out for the bronco. What size c/o are you running

I had 12" SAW coilovers installed with the stock width beams, and if you put the lower mounts in front of the beam you can go to full bump and with the internal spacers removed I was cycling over 15" of travel. The upper mount is approximately 13" above the top of the frame rails.

As I stated in my first post, this project is starting to go overboard from my original plan...I sold the stock width beams last week, and picked up a set of 4.5" wider beams today. By this weekend I should have the new ones installed and can tell you for sure how the shocks fit. I'm considering ordering another pair to weld next to these so I can run bypass shocks too.

mL8on · Post by **mL8on** » Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:10 pm

I was able to sell off the stock width beams last month and go the +4.5" Threat beams installed. I am now cycling 18.5" of front travel in the front with the same 12" coilovers. I can get more when I decide to remove the factory AC/Blower motor, as I am losing about 2-3" of up travel. I also welded the Threat double swing steering in place, and have the tabs ready for my Sway A Way hydro assist ram. I have cycled through the travel and am not getting any measurable bump steer.

After drilling out my knuckles for 3/4" bolts, I decided that I should spend the extra time to add a double shear to them along with the stock pitman arm.

I finally installed the Q80 leaf pack and set the truck on the ground. RIde height is about 2" taller in the rear than I was hoping for, so it looks like I will bite the bullet and grab the Solo shackle mounts and shackles.

the maiden voyage will be at KOH in a few weeks, and I am really cutting it close to having it running.