Tear down of a 1:1

[Railfreak78]

I'm posting this here to see if people would like a new thread in the 1:1 reference section. I bought my Bronco for a grand with 33's, a 351M, auto, 4x4, etc. I found it has a big crack in the front end and a bent stabilizer bar. I've started tearing this apart and I'm going to yank out the motor and fix all. This is a wire mess too. I wonder if anyone would like detail pics of any aspect of the truck for Bronco or F150 builds? If so I'll start a thread. Thanks for looking.

[Railfreak78]

I have to get a book for it. I'm not to sure what it is actually. This bar goes partially around the front axle in parts. mainly the driver side. From underneath I can see a pin on each side but looking down from the top of the engine I can only see the frame rails. I hope I can actually replace it instead of just welding it. Good thing it did it when I tested 4x4 on my side yard not actually out at the lake or the river I go to lol.

[Railfreak78]

Yea its just the front. Its cracked from the bottom and stops at the very top of the side facing the front bumper. Unfortunately, It has some front end damage as the fenders and hood do not line up but wow I didn't know it was this bad lol.

[Casey]

Your Bronco must've taken quite a hit or drop at one time- that crack is huge.

I'm more in shock at the fire hydrant right at the edge of the driveway. Better not cut that corner too close.

[LVZ2881]

If you are already going to pull the motor, i'd replace it, otherwise repair it.

[Jordan White]

I'd say rebuild the engine. If the internals are sound and the cylinders aren't severely scored, then rebuild it with more power! *Tim Taylor grunt*

[Railfreak78]

Thanks for all the advice and yeah after tearing into it more its bad. It's the main cross member for sure. It never did ride well and I'll assure you this was no joy on the freeway. And to top it off the steering column needs to be replaced so yeah.. lol. I am pulling the motor and I am now mixed with re-build while out or get a Crate. Its a 351 Modified but also has a smog pump I can't take off. I hate that. Here is how it sits now. Next is exhaust and Trans getting unbolted.

[Longbox55]

Judging on how wide that crack is, there's a good chance the front frame horns are spread as well. That would also explain te fender/hood misalignment. I would definetly yank the engine, then hunt for a replacement crossmember at the salvage yard. I beleive there's only 8 rivets holding that crossmember in (been a while since I've been under a Bronco) those can be cut out, then replaced with grade 8 bolts. Replacing it would be best, if possible, as that crossmember is also the mounting point for the center pivots for the TTB. While you have it apart, change the center bushings in the axle as well, as they are a known wear/handling issue with that suspension.

[Corvette.Jeff]

Im right in that boat with ya pal, im almost done rebuilding the rear in my 'vette after i destroyed my pinion gear

Its amazing what can happen if you get a really awesome launch at the drag strip

[James Flowers]

Nothing like the joys of owning a four wheel drive. I am so glad that my son has went through that stage. I don't think that there is apart on his Ranger that we have not fixed or replaced including body parts. When he had his 86 Bronco it was front axle u joints ,drive shafts. He always managed to break something. Be lucky you do not have to deal with rusted on parts. Heat wrench and WD-40 or such are the order of the day. I would take it to a good frame shop and let them fix that cross member. Where you live there should some good ones that do four wheel drives all the time. Those rivets are not that easy to get out. Plus you will have to make sure everything stays in line when you take it out. Good luck.

[Jared Roach]

Wow that sucks. Yea i am going to build a bronco here pretty soon so yea, hope everything works out for you. I hate fords but I got respect for broncos, they look awesome!

[Railfreak78]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Sorry to see that rear end on the Vette wow. I did that to a Dodge Truck once That is a great idea I plan on doing is getting all new bushings, rods, ball joints, etc. Most of the chassis parts are cheap for these. I want to look for a poly urethane front kit for this as it's tougher. After all this is fixed and safe again I plan on doing a 4 inch lift. I don't want to go big but enough to get clearance on the 33's. I don't do a lot of trails but I go camping and fishing a lot in the summer. Oh and that one comment about Fords, I was like that lol I only liked Chevy and Mopar but I've came to terms that each makes some great models lol. I love the function of the Bronco and my old K5. Truck/SUV or in the case of my K5 I drove it like a jeep with no doors or top. Good luck with your build too.

[Blake Rogers]

i think u should replace the cross member to man but engine wise go with a diesel??? like a 4BT Cummins or ford? i would but then again that would eat at ur model fund lol

[Jared Roach]

....Good luck with your build too.

well mines only 1/25!! I guess I forgot to mention that!

[Tony T]

Well, details that are not usually seen are always cool to see! Keep up the pics, and you could entice me to build a Bronco or F150 with some under structure as a garage piece...