Insane Idea for a full size Bronco?

I've already got the Bronco. It's black and it's a 1993 model. I intend to keep using it as a tow truck. I'm thinking of converting it to 2WD & making an all-black Lightning Bronco out of it, using the fpllowing stuff:

• 98=03 P71 Crown Vic front suspension clip (apparently this is a popular swap into classic hot rod trucks)
• E40D 4spd automatic from a 1-ton van (already got it)
• DOHC 4.6 from a Lincoln Mark8 (already got it, supposedly the same as an SN95 Mustang Cobra engine)
• Used supercharger & intake manifold from an 03-04 Cobra (+/- $1000)
• Grille, wheels &front air dam from a 95 F150 Lightning
• Paint it monochrome black and go do some towing & some burn outs

I could then sell off all the discarded Bronco parts (transfer case, AT, front axle, 302, etc).

I have the shop, the tools & the skill to get this done, but is it an awful idea?

Awfully awesome!

If I was close by, I'd totally drink your beer while you work on this.

if you really want to do this why not just locate a 2wd one and go from there. these things can be bought very cheap you just need the frame. do all the prep work on the frame get it already for your body and then just switch the body.

Why is this not in the build thread portion yet?

M030 wrote: - DOHC 4.6 from a Lincoln Mark8 (already got it, supposedly the same as an SN95 Mustang Cobra engine) - Used supercharger & intake manifold from an 03-04 Cobra (+/- $1000) - Grille, wheels &front air dam from a 95 F150 Lightning - Paint it monochrome black and go do some towing & some burn outs

I picked out the problem areas you will run into or places where you don't have to spend money that I have a nugget of knowledge in for the time being.

Yes, the M8 4.6L DOHC is very similar to the Cobra, but not exact. To do the S/C swap, you also have to swap to the "C" heads found on 99-up models.

The grille is nothing more then the grey/unpainted XL grille that then gets painted. Air dam is readily available in the aftermarket through LMC Truck or NPD for $50. Good luck finding those wheels for anything less then a good high dollar polished aluminum wheel.

Full size or not?

In reply to cutter67:

Because, if the Internet is to be believed, it will drive better with the P71 front clip. And really, when is the Internet ever wrong?

In reply to PHeller:

Full size, of course

cutter67 wrote: if you really want to do this why not just locate a 2wd one and go from there. these things can be bought very cheap you just need the frame. do all the prep work on the frame get it already for your body and then just switch the body.

I believe all FS Bronco's were 4wd.

Sounds like an absolutely brilliant idea. I grew up in the back of an '89 my mom had, absolutely loved it.

beans wrote: I believe all FS Bronco's were 4wd.

No, Ford did make 2wd versions. It was just that 4wd's outsold the 2wd's by like 100:1 on a guess.

Ranger50 wrote:

beans wrote: I believe all FS Bronco's were 4wd.

No, Ford did make 2wd versions. It was just that 4wd's outsold the 2wd's by like 100:1 on a guess.

because, seriously, what's the point of a 2wd Bronco? they are supposed to be used for all sorts of offroad shenanigans, and 2wd isn't a part of the recipe for that..

In reply to novaderrik:

I don't need the 4WD. All I do is tow with it. I don't give a hoot about off roading

love the idea!!!! I have seen one on the interwebs.

Love the idea, but I'd stick to 4WD, drop the idea of the EN/FN front clip and stay with a pushrod engine. 300lb/ft is easy with a 351 NA for pennies, especialy as you already have a roller cam being a 93. I'd much rather have the torque of the 351 and save the $1000 for the blower to build a rock solid NA engine.

Yeah, I'm rarely one to discourage crazy build ideas, but.... That seems like a LOT of work that really wouldn't make a better TV than the work Adrian mentions.

Plus, Broncs are kind of short wheel base for heavy towing. If I was going through that much effort, I might sell the bronc and buy a LWB F100 of the same vintage. Both vehicles are high on my want list.

If the top is still removable on it than I fully support your plan and would even consider getting over my aversion to Fords to buy it from you when it's done.

Definitely a cool idea...then again, I won't be doing any of the work, so of course it's a good idea!

I've seen Bronco II's in 2wd as well as Ramchargers and Blazers, but never a big Bronco.

Did some searching as you got my curiosity going.

Ford built some in S. America for the local market, some were even 4 door like a Suburban but still had the removable top. Dodge built a 2wd Ramcharger down there of the 1994+ Ram truck chassis for awhile too.

Wasn't there an F150 Supersnake? Might be some parts potential there.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: Love the idea, but I'd stick to 4WD, drop the idea of the EN/FN front clip and stay with a pushrod engine. 300lb/ft is easy with a 351 NA for pennies, especialy as you already have a roller cam being a 93. I'd much rather have the torque of the 351 and save the $1000 for the blower to build a rock solid NA engine.

^ I'm with this guy. ^

Long live pushrods!!!

Monster Garage did something kind of along the same lines with a Blazer, only without the towing, and with more hill climbing. I believe they even used a Crown Vic front suspension.

I definitely understand the urge for the mod motor, but remember that they make all their power up high--they're not very torquey at low RPM. I agree with the guys suggesting a pushrod engine for a tow vehicle.

Sounds like your mind is already made up, do it already!

In reply to BoostedBrandon:

Not entirely, hence the post. I think I've been convinced to skip the mod motor idea, but I thi k the rest is happening

2.5 tons of American awesome!

Did you already do it? Proof?