Tony's Raine's BII Re-build

[Tony Raine]

After years of doing just enough to get it to run, taking the easy way out, and lots of sitting in my backyard, it’s time to get my BII back on the road/trails.  This truck has been in my life since I was 2 years old, when my mom bought it (1 year used) to replace her rusted out Early Bronco.  It has traveled with me from upstate New York, to south Texas, to NW and NE Arkansas.  I dug it out of a field when I was 12, drove it through high school, and it sat while I went to college.  It was then resurrected as a cheap play toy for a couple years, but cheap fixes only last so long.  

Here is a little time line:

That’s me on my first day of kindergarten


High school


Short but sweet “play toy” stage








Now I have a strong desire to visit some dedicated Off Road Parks.  Since there are none very close, breaking down 100+ miles from home would be very bad.  Yeah, I have access to a truck and trailer, but I would still need to be able to get the BII back to it.  Plus the embarrassment of having a “hack” rig when around more than just a couple close friends.

According to the state of Arkansas, my BII is now an “antique.”  Classics are fun to drive on the road as well, so the BII needs to be street friendly.

Ok, enough rambling.  I’m taking everything apart and starting over, so I’m making a new build thread.  Plus I am writing this out ahead of time in MS Word, so I’ll always have a backup.  Here’s what I’ve collected:

One sad, slightly running, 1984 Bronco II


4” RC full suspension system, replaced drop plates with Skyjacker 4-6” brackets

Yeah, I know, still need to drill some holes and put in the rest of the bolts

99-00 disk brake Explorer rear axle, 3.73 LS, Ruff Stuff Specialties “Simple Swap” kit


302/np 435/dana 20


Also have some VDO gauges and other little stuff.

First step is the biggest, swapping motors…

August 8, 2009

Removed front clip and a whole bunch of wires.


Notice my custom carb cover, haha.




Some of the rust on the underside of the core support.  Not as bad as I thought


Stock radiator in great condition.  Going to the for sale forum


A lot of spot welds to drill out


Little rust spot to patch

[Tony Raine]

hmm, the pics are supposed to be bigger........

[rookieshooter]

Going to be fun to watch this turn into something really cool 

The only way I'm able to get larger pics on my build thread was to put a direct link to Photo bucket.

[Tony Raine]

Ok, i think i got the picture code figured out.  should be big now.

and thanks rookie!  I just hope I can get all these piles of parts turned into one vehicle

[terribleII89]

how does the front clip come off?i thought it was spot welded?

[Tony Raine]

yup, lots of drilling!

After cleaning the metal with a wire brush (helped to see all of them, and I initially missed about 3 on the pass. side) I did a small pilot hole in the middle of each one.  then i went back with another bit the size of the "spot" and drilled them out.  took maybe an hour to remove the radiator, drill the spots, and take off the clip.  I had already removed the outer sheet metal and wiring.

be careful drilling, if you are running an ecm, its behind the passenger "kick panel," which is right where about 12 spot welds are. same on the other side, but e-brake stuff.  luckily i have neither, so i didn't have to worry

[84EB]

Very cool. That would be awesome to be able to build something that had been with you for so long.

[terribleII89]

ok thanks i mighgt do this it looks like it would be way easier to work with

[Tony Raine]

ok thanks i mighgt do this it looks like it would be way easier to work with

there is a LOT more room to work.  right now i am debating if i should fix the front clip and bolt it back on, or just make a new one.  either way its getting bolted back on, so it will be easier to remove later.

[terribleII89]

yeah i was thinkin bolts also just for that "just in case" moment

[Tony Raine]

August 11, 2009

Borrowed an engine hoist from a friend.  He also gave me a big chunk of steel to use for swap plates.  And a door handle for my explorer.  Nice guy, has some cool 60’s stangs.  No pics because by the time I got home and got it unloaded, mosquitoes had taken over (only bad thing about this area)


August 16, 2009

Today I removed the alternator and power steering pump.  Also removed the carb and bolted on the lift plate.  Still need to get a few washers before I tighten it down.  Removed the rest of the wiring and hoses from the motor as well.








Still need to figure out how to disconnect the clutch line, I think it separates here


Motor mounts unbolted easily

[84EB]

Yes there is a roll pin there that holds the clutch line in. or you can take it off at the transmission

[Tony Raine]

August 17, 2009

Today I moved the BII into the carport to make it easier to work underneath.  Backed it in with the towbar, hooked to my explorer.  Once inside, I moved it back and forth (by hand) to get it closer to the edge, to make room for my wife’s car.  I’ve always been amazed at how easy this thing is to roll around. 

Still plenty of room for my wife to park her car (we’re getting some storms), and there is a lot more room on the driver’s side. 

[terribleII89]

at least yours will fit mine is too tall to fit in the garage 

[Tony Raine]

at least yours will fit mine is too tall to fit in the garage 

that stinks.  mine always fit, even with 7" of lift and 33's