Author Topic: I might have a line on a 4x4 (Read 2907 times)

mgdavis · « **on:** January 09, 2008, 07:05:13 PM »

I was talking to a coworker today and somehow the conversation turned toward trucks. I'm not quite sure how that happened, I know I'm not a gearhead or anything, so he must have steered the conversation that way. grin

He mentioned that he has too many toys, and might be interested in selling his Bronco. It's an '84 with the 351W and 3 speed auto. It seems that the guy before the last guy who owned it had it set up to wheel. The truck has a 2" suspension lift, and is running 33" rubber. Apparently it runs rough, I'm told it could use a carb rebuild. Other than that it sounds like it's in decent shape mechanically.

Anybody have anything to say about Broncos? I'm excited, I've been wanting a 4x4 for a long time.

Leatherneck · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2008, 02:58:32 AM »

I've had several Broncos, and multiple 351 Windsors (in 15-pax vans). Both the Bronco and that engine are good ones. Caution though, 1984 was the height of jury-rigged emission controls, with lots of leakable vacuum lines, EGR valves that get dirty, etc. It will be a challenge to keep it running clean.

On the suspension lift thing, that doesn't really gain you anything in terms of obstacle clearance; the oversized wheels and tires do though. Expect 1--15 MPG at the best.

TC

mfree · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2008, 04:36:13 AM »

1984 is the height of rigged emissions, true.

But, the nice thing about the 351W engine is all you need is an edelbrock intake "kit" with carb, a duraspark II ignition setup from an old Ford car, and a set of exhaust manifolds and you're ready to go, provided you don't live in a state that frowns on such things.

mgdavis · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2008, 08:36:29 AM »

No emissions control in this county, so I'm good to go in that respect.

The truck already has an aftermarket exhaust, so it just might need a big 4bbl carb to match. grin

Hopefully the lift lets the truck run oversized tires without rubbing.

charby · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2008, 09:32:03 AM »

Quote from: mgdavis on January 10, 2008, 07:36:29 AM

No emissions control in this county, so I'm good to go in that respect.

The truck already has an aftermarket exhaust, so it just might need a big 4bbl carb to match. grin

Hopefully the lift lets the truck run oversized tires without rubbing.

Its probably a lower compression 351 so be careful how big of a CFM carb you put on it. You might just be better off with a modest 2 bbl carb.

Ford flat tops are junk carbs. So are Quadrajets.. I'm a big a fan of Carter AFB with mechanical secondaries.

Damn now I need to go find me a project vehicle..

Brad Johnson · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2008, 10:44:55 AM »

Quote

duraspark II ignition setup from an old Ford car,

If memory serves, 1984 should still be DuraSpark ignition.

+1 on tossing the craptastic variable venturi carb. Ditch it in favor of a more straightforward intake/carb setup. If your state laws allow, strip all the (probably nonfucntional by now) emission hardware and pare it back to the basics. Some minor tuning, intake, carb, and headers will have you a plenty peppy setup.

Brad

Lennyjoe · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2008, 04:09:18 PM »

I've been driving a 95 full size Bronco for about the last 4 years. Purchased it for $4500 back then and it's been a great vehicle ever since. I put a 4" suspension lift and 33" tires on it. I've driven that thing all over southern Arizona and never got stuck in anything or ever bottomed out. It has the 302 instead of the 351W. It had 56000 miles on it when I bought it and now its up to 120000 miles and still going.

Sorry I cant give you any info on the 84 line but mine has been awesome since I've owned it.

Snowdog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2008, 09:23:52 PM »

Must be the time of year to sell 4x4s.

I was thinking about selling my '88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4x4 (4bbl Edelbrock carb, towing package, 360ci V8, etc). Anyone interested? grin

mgdavis · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2008, 09:55:36 PM »

Depends what state you're in. I love 360s. grin

Rock_Steady · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2008, 06:18:35 AM »

While I was in the army I had an '89 fullsize Bronco. God I miss that truck. Had an 8" lift and 44" Super Swampers on it. The Off Road Rec area at Fort Leonard Wood was where I mired it all the time. Only had the 300 straight six in it, what a torque monster. God the "Good" old days, when all I had to worry about was if my buddy's winch could pull us both out after a good rain...........

Well, that and where the @#$% I was going to come up with $200 apiece for tires, and gas money - at $.89 a gallon!

Paddy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2008, 03:05:47 PM »

4x4's are a hoot. Enjoy! grin

Sergeant Bob · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2008, 05:15:57 PM »

I love those old full sized trucks. I used to have a beat up 79 GMC Jimmy with 33 inch tires and a 350 Targetmaster 4 bolt main. I loved 4 wheeling in that thing. Of course it had a 31 gallon gas tank and needed every bit of it too. Thats about the only vehicle I've ever owned that I really miss.

Bigjake · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2008, 07:33:13 PM »

another vote for the Carter AFB series. Getcha an edelbrock, They are essentially a direct clone of the carter, cheap and readily available.

Also, that 351 has soo much potential. If you have the option, meet up with a local speed shop. Mine has been building fine performance engines since he got back from Nam' in 68. Those kinda dudes could make your bronco roar for well under 2 grand..

mgdavis · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2008, 08:06:47 AM »

Thanks for all the input/tips guys. I haven't seen the truck yet, but I'm really hoping that it's worth picking up. I've been fantasizing about wheeling non-stop for several days now.

Tallpine · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2008, 06:40:07 AM »

Well, if you want to go off-road, then I would skip the auto tranny and go for an old wide range 4-speed. Or else just plan to have it converted.

I've had both, and let me tell you that a slush-o-matic is not fun when you're going down a 60% grade Sad

roo_ster · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2008, 08:04:04 AM »

Tallpine speaks truth.

Also, a manual in such a vehicle is so much more flexible, less likely to break, and just plan fun.

charby · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2008, 08:13:03 AM »

Yep on the manual tranny.

Autos are fine for once in a while mild 4x4, snow, hunting access, boat trailer up a slippery ramp, etc.

But if you want to get serious 4x4'ing with a consumer class vehicle you need a manual.

mgdavis · « **Reply #17 on:** January 15, 2008, 08:30:40 AM »

I'm with you guys on the stick shift, unfortunately I don't really have an option with this rig. Beggars, choosers, etc.

I'm probably going to look at the truck today, I'll bring back pictures and more information.

Tallpine · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2008, 02:11:24 PM »

Quote

I'm with you guys on the stick shift, unfortunately I don't really have an option with this rig. Beggars, choosers, etc.

Well, just make sure your life insurance is paid up before you go down a slope that is both steep and slick (loose rocks, etc) shocked

I have to admit that I used to love to take people up on jeep trails in CO and then drive off a "cliff" - after a few seconds of no heartbeat they would discover that there was actually a road down that hill grin

"What, you scared Huh?

"

mgdavis · « **Reply #19 on:** January 15, 2008, 05:11:26 PM »

Dang-it, I think you guys have just about talked me out of buying the truck.
Oh well, the summer will be here soon, and I'll be able to play with my V Strom then.

News:

Author Topic: I might have a line on a 4x4 (Read 2907 times)

Paddy