Ok, I got an 86 Full size bronco, mostly stock sitting in my yard..
302, 4 speed manual, 4x4...

My question is that I have never done a 4 wheel drive build before, so im not too familiar with all the suspension, frame, etc. work.

I can work on engines all day long, but I just dont know what direction to go with this truck.. (mud, rock, badazz mall cruizer).

Any suggestions for an AFFORDABLE build to make it a decent trail truck, that can handle most basic stuff thrown at it? Im not looking to go extreme, as the budget (and the wife) wont allow it..

Just want something that looks good (not a hack job), and performs decently off road..

remember, im kinda new to off roading, but have been building and fixing cars forever off and on.

First thing to realize is this truck has a 16 year wide window of brothers; 1980-1996. This means if you're willing to scrounge and wait for deals, there are awesome deals to be had.

I have an '86 F-150 that I'm about to go up with on a very limited budget. Everything was me waiting for deals to come up. I got a 4" lift for $50, and I'm picking up a set of half tread 35's for $100 tomorrow afternoon.


The 80-86 FSB will fit 33's stock and 35's with a 4" lift. Your main liability is your stock rearend. The pre-87 8.8's have a pretty bad habit of blowing carriers and chucking spider gears.

Being new to offroading, here's how I'd go about it:

First things first, put all new bushings in your front end. If you haven't done it, it needs done. When I replaced mine, i got 1" of ride height back and I can actually drive it down the highway without endless steering corrections.

From there, I'd look at getting a set of 33" mud tires, disconnect the swaybars (if you have them), and then go out and play.

That way you don't have that much money tied up, you can see if you like trails or malls more, and can always go bigger down the line.

Justin

ty justin.... much appreciated

Go to fullsizebronco.com; plenty of good tech and ideas there.