Thinking about Bronco Conversion

[MicroOutlawRacer]

I am thinking about building a Bronco with a 4bt. I am looking for 81 or newer Bronco with a popup camper. I am planning on using it for light wheeling/camping out and to hall my little race trailer (weighs about 5-6k).



My questions are:



1. Do you think that hauling the camper and the trailer would be to much for a bombed 4bt? It would not have the camper and the trailer together much but when I go to some bigger races it would be nice not to have to get a hotel.



2. I want a hand shaker in it so I will probably go with a NV4500 but do I need a 4500HD transmission or will the standard (gas version) 4500 be ok for it? What trans case are people using?



3. I know there is a site/message board for Bronco conversions but does anyone know what the address is? I can't seem to find it.



Thanks

David

 

[DKarvwnaris]

I am thinking about building a Bronco with a 4bt. I am looking for 81 or newer Bronco with a popup camper. I am planning on using it for light wheeling/camping out and to hall my little race trailer (weighs about 5-6k).



My questions are:



1. Do you think that hauling the camper and the trailer would be to much for a bombed 4bt? It would not have the camper and the trailer together much but when I go to some bigger races it would be nice not to have to get a hotel. If you can stop it would be my concern. Pulling is not a big deal with the 4bt, it is capable of the same power ratings as the 6bt if you innercool it and turn it up a little. I replaced a 400 smallblock with a 4bt in a Blazer a while back, it was incredibly more powerful afterwards.



2. I want a hand shaker in it so I will probably go with a NV4500 but do I need a 4500HD transmission or will the standard (gas version) 4500 be ok for it? What trans case are people using?

The NV-4500 gasser is not a problem, so long as you remain within the limits of its original vehicles weight rating. I'd upgrade the input shaft and run a dodge bellhousing assembly. For the Transfer case, I would opt for a 205 or if possible. Better choice I think would be to just find a complete 5. 9 wrecked dodge, then sell the engine and keep the transmission/ transfer case assembly. You can easily locate them at salvage auctions. The 4bt would then be a simple motor/transmission mount and driveshaft fabrication to get it in the bronco. This should put your driveshaft output on the correct side without trying to fit up a different transfer case to it. That's the nice thing about the 1980's and newer fords with 2nd gen donor dodges, they are both drivers side front pumpkins.





3. I know there is a site/message board for Bronco conversions but does anyone know what the address is? I can't seem to find it.



Thanks

David

Can't help you on the last one, I don't have much need for ford sites. I only have GM and Dodge in my driveway lately. I have nothing against ford's, I may be picking up a 1994 f-150 soon as a parts runner. haven't had a blue oval since High school that I enjoyed driving, all the diesels I bought by them were headaches. Good choice to repower with a 4bt, nice rig once you gut them like a deer.