What do you all think about this?

[B-150 Mudder]

I have a 1986 Full-Size Bronco, I was going to turn it into a trail rig but had an issue with the wonderful rust cancer. I have since taken the frame and drivetrain: EFI 302, 8.8 rear with 3.55 gears and TTB front D44 with 3.50 gears and put the front clip from the Bronco on it since it wasn't to bad, and a 1985 F-150 cab on it. I did hate to get rid of the bronco body cuz I loved the top off muddin' but it only took three cut with the torch two of which were only about six inches long and the whole back half on the truck fell off and that left on one body mount holding the rest of the truck to the frame. I now have a solid D44 from a 79 Bronco that I am going to SAS. I also have a 351M or W not sure haven't ran the numbers yet, out of a 1980 F-150, that I have thought about putting in it. I then am going for a 4-link setup and would like 8-10 inches of lift and probably run 38's or 40's. I am also working on fabbing up a steel flatbed for the rear of the truck, and have a Hummer military brush gaurd and a square tube bumper that I am going to combine for the front and put lights and winch on it. You guys think I should do the 4-link or should I go with leafs on all four corners? Anything input or ideas will definately be considered. I am shooting for it to be the "B-150" hence the screename. and I am going to paint it slimmer green and have the bed black as well as all the acessories. Tkae what I gave you and give me you feedback on what you like, don't like, and would like to see me try. Thanks

 

[Broncobill78]

Wow is that a whole lot of work. I had a little trouble deciphering your post but if I have it correct, what you now have is an F150 w/an injected 302 right ? So since you asked here are some thoughts. Swapping in the solid axle is a good choice for a trail rig but if you're planning to run 38's or 40's then what you really need to be using is a D60, you'll chew up a D44 right quick hammering it off-road w/anything larger than a 36". Same goes for the rear, neither the 8.8" nor a 9" will last very long w/tires that size. Maybe as a street truck but NOT off-road. As for the suspension I'd just keep the coils. They offer a better ride & more articulation than leafs will and it's a whole lot less work than fabbing a 4-link. Unless you have some good experience engineering your own suspensions, as well as some *very* good fabrication skills I'd leave it well enuf alone. Truth be told I've seen more screwed up 4-links than properly engineered & functional ones.

For the engine, hmm. Well as much as I hate to reignite the recent carb/EFI debates I find myself standing here w/a can of gas in one hand and matches in the other and I'm figuring, hey, why the **** not ? I think it would be a poor choice to swap out an installed & running EFI 302 for a carb'd 351W/M. It's just not worth the hassle, especially if it's an M (with the 351M you'll have more work & adapting that will need to be done) and even though you'll gain a few cubes that will effectively be offset by the HP, torque & drivability (especially in a trail rig that sees a lot of off-camber situations) that you'll give up by going to a carb (you'll also lose milage but if it's a trail rig I don't know how important that is to you). On top of all that if you're planning to run tires in the 40" range and you're looking at engine swaps then I'd pop a 460 in there and be done with it. You mentioned 3.55 gears, you'll most definately want to be swapping those out for some 4.56's but until you do you're really going to need the HP & torque of a bigblock

 

[Justshootme84]

I'll second everything BB78 stated in his post. JSM84

 

[B-150 Mudder]

I like the input, And yes I have a 302 EFI f-150 on a short bronco frame. I am only using the 8.8 and D44 to begin with cuz they are laying around the house. I do plan on going bigger in the axles and gears definately. I will have to take it step-by-step, and probably will start by doing the SAS and will get the bed on and finish the body work that need to be done so it doesn't rust completely out on me. then I will focus on the lift and what not but when it comes summer time I have to have it in running and drivable condition cuz I won't be able to go a summer without taking out and tearing up the holes in the river bottoms were we run and I am trying to get it to the badlands so I can show my brohter that the bronco can do everything and more that his lifted Jeep Wrangler with 35's. I agree it will be alot of work, but in the end it will be worth it cuz it will be the first vehicle that looks like it will that I have ever seen. After all be set apart from the rest is was we are all after right!? Keep the suggestions coming. Hey anyone know were I can find a EFI 460 that needs rebuilt? I would love to drop one in my beast of a rig. Thanks.