1970 Ford Bronco - Vintage Ride

Once the suspension was in place, the focus turned toward reliable directional control. A Saginaw power-steering pump provides motivation to a Toyota steering box affixed to reinforced frame mounts. Both have been modified to work in harmony with a 1-3/4-inch-diameter hydraulic-assist ram. Track bars and tie rods, which are mounted above the knuckles, were fabricated from 1-1/2-inch-diameter chrome-moly tubing and incorporated 0.875-inch Teflon rod ends. Keeping this bucking Bronco in contact with terra firma is a stocky set of 35x15.5-inch Interco Super Swamper SXs wrapped around 18-bolt bead locks from Marsh Racing Technologies.

Once the drivetrain and suspension were in place, David turned his attention to the body and interior. To accommodate massive amounts of wheel travel and make room for custom wraparound rock rails, the wheelwells and lower sections of the body were trimmed. The entire tub was then treated to a coat of Guard's Red paint, and the interior sections were coated with Line-X bedliner. Placed on a home-brewed 2-inch body lift, a color-matched six-point rollcage and windscreen were installed. David, who is handy with a welder, designed the bumpers for maximum approach/departure angles, both of which have receiver mounts to accommodate a 8274 Warn winch, which is stowed neatly in the bed. While fabricating the rollcage, all chambers were tied together and sealed, and the 'cage now doubles as an air tank. An engine-mounted York compressor makes trail-side air-ups a snap.

Sitting in the driver seat motivated us to go home and tackle one of our many unfinished projects. The bright-red dash is neatly appointed with Pro Comp Ultra-Lite gauges, and a dash-mounted line-lock will secure the rig when needed. Simpson harnesses keep occupants safely in place, while a Tuffy security console protects valuables from the elements and wandering hands. The rear seat was replaced with a Line-X-lined storage box, Hi-Lift jack, fullsize spare tire, and 8274 Warn winch. Overall, this rig not only performed well on the Rubicon, but the attention to detail that went into building it deserved to be noticed.