Michael's never ending prject.

[crashdean]

I had just introduced myself and wanted to share more on the project. I started this build 6 monts ago and have had some progress. Just to list the parts involved so far.

-Autofab 4 over per side equal lenth one ton beams.
-Sandy Cone 3 inch per side full floated rear.
-Sandy Cone cast front hubs for one ton beams 5 on 5-1/2.
-Front and rear Wilwood brakes.
-3.0 Fox triple bypass for rear.
-3.0 Fox coil overs for front(not purchased yet)
-2.0 Fox Bump stops.

The trick is to not get distracted. I have great ideas for the Bronco, but I am also learning as I go. Found out a few things about making shock hoops-on my third set. I Decide to keep the Bronco street friendly. I was going to use a spool in the rear. Now I need to respline the 40 spline rear axles to 35. I was going to 4 link it, but now I am going to use leafs. The pictures I have so far are from the last few months. I have also be drilling out rivots from the frame and replacing with bolts.

[crashdean]

Here are some more photos of the progress. Here is a photo of the front mount for the shock hoops. I am working on rear mounts for the shock hoops and should have them done on Thursday. I also need to run a plate inside the frame to reinforce the area between the cross member and the first body mount under the floor of the cab. There are a lot of holes there and I am going to fill them in once the plate is in place. I will post a photo of what I plan on doing to give you a better idea.

[crashdean]

So I finished the rear mounts for the shock hoops. I think they came out nice. I made the plate line up with one hole that was already in the frame. Of course, it had to be drilled out to 1/2". Then I used a 2-1/2" long 2" diameter .120 wall tube and welded it over the middle hole. Should be strong enough. I also finished building the bump stop mounts and got them bolted in place. Everything is moving forward without too many snags. When I finish all of the brakets, I will weld everything up. I learned long ago to just tack everything first and do the final welding when everthing works and lines up. I will work on the brake lines for the front calipers next Thursday.

[Nick]

Nice! What year bronco are you building?

[bajascott]

looks nice,i look forward to watching the build.

[crashdean]

The Bronco is a 91 Nick. The plan is to have it on its wheels by Aug. Might not have the rest of it done by then, but at least I can drive it.

[crashdean]

Thanks Scott. I hope not to disappoint everyone with the build. So much pressure to succeed.

[bajascott]

well a little advice......"always set your self up for failure,so when you succeed you are surprized"
haha im sure its gonna be a very nice ride,you are off to a good start!!

[crashdean]

Started the shock hoops. They came out really well. I made the driver side first to clear the brake booster and steering. Then I matched the passenger side to the driver side. The fun part is getting the front of the shock hoop to fit the front mount. It has to be notched to fit the angle the tube intersect the frame. I made a mount for the shock so I could see where it would sit. That's why it looks so funny in the first photo. Don't worry, it's just temporary. Once the hoops are finished, I will work on the tabs for the top and bottom. The 3.0 triple bypass is not going to be used in the front, it was just the same size as the 3.0 coil over I am going to buy. The triple bypass is going to be used in the back.

[SteveG]

I like all the bolt-on stuff. Where's the coil-over gonna go?

[crashdean]

I am making everything bolt on so things can be fixed if they break. I am only using the triple bypass for mocking up purposes. It is the same size as the 3.0 coil overs that I am going to use. The front will only use one shock per side. The back will have leaf springs and 3.0 triple bypass. Thanks Steve.

[crashdean]

So the Bronco project has been sitting for a while without progress. I finally started working on it again. Here are some pictures of the latest. The shock hoops look the same but they are a different set. The first ones I did sat too far forward and the rear mount was not like I wanted. So I did them over again. I like how they turned out this time. I also got the mounts done for the front clip. I will be working on the mounts for the fenders in a few weeks. I also moved the bump can forward a few inches and put a plate between the rear hoop mount on the frame to help cover some of the holes left from the other mounts. Once everything is fitted and looks right, I will weld it all.

[ChaseTruck754]

Really like the work on this. Can't wait to see more!

[crashdean]

Have been working hard to get this thing done. I painted a bunch of stuff and bolted everything in. Got the limit straps done also. I still need to get the brake lines ran and steering figured out. I hope to have it sitting on its wheels in a month or so. Then I can get the rest of the engine put back together.

[cwrisley]

Looks great Mike.

Im convinced I need shock hoops now!

[tcm glx]

This is looking great, love to see the work's in progress!

[crashdean]

Get some shocks Chris so we can get started.

[cwrisley]

We need an update. I know there has been work done!

[crashdean]

John at Autofab is making me Vessel fenders which are wide enough for the front end. I took my daughter with me today to work on the Bronco. We got the calipers mounted and the brake lines on the driver side. I also got forged alcoas for the Bronco. Need to get the rims sized for the larger hubs. Then I will get the tires mounted and then it will sit on the ground. I will take pictures of it next week.

[tcm glx]

John at Autofab is making me Vessel fenders which are wide enough for the front end. I took my daughter with me today to work on the Bronco. We got the calipers mounted and the brake lines on the driver side. I also got forged alcoas for the Bronco. Need to get the rims sized for the larger hubs. Then I will get the tires mounted and then it will sit on the ground. I will took pictures of it next week.

What size Alcoas are you running over those brakes? Project is looking great by the way!