This 1972 Ford Bronco really...
This 1972 Ford Bronco really shines on the trail with the new Tom’s Bronco Parts suspension in place. The Yukon locking differentials also expand its trail prowess, along with the aggressive 35-inch Pit Bull Rocker tires. The installations were completed at Brothers 4x4 in Montclair, California.
Just like the fictional Hannibal Smith of TV’s A-Team fame, we love it when a plan comes together. With the volume of different projects and vehicle builds we tackle in our line of work, not all of them turn out exactly how we’ve planned. You see the winners and even some of the polished losers here in the mag, but the utter and complete failures? Uh…we usually try to keep those hidden in the shop. So when this 1972 Bronco emerged from Brothers 4x4 in Montclair, California, after months of planning, building, and dialing in, all without a single misstep, we lit a big cigar, said the famous line, and got busy ’wheeling.
We started the build at Brothers 4x4 with a near-stock 1972 Ford Bronco rolling on tired springs and shocks and leaking axles with open differentials. The well-worn suspension components were replaced with a Stage 9 3.5-inch lift system from Tom’s Bronco Parts. We topped the system off with a set of Tom’s Extended Curve Radius Arms and front and rear dual shock mounts. The system cleared way for a set of 35x12.50R15 Pit Bull Rocker LT Radials, which we mounted on a set of 15x8 Black Rock Wheels with 3.5 inches back spacing.
Much has changed with this...
Much has changed with this ’72 Bronco since it landed at Brothers 4x4 in Montclair, California. While capable in its near-stock form early Broncos can benefit greatly from a variety of aftermarket parts.
Addressing the axles we looked to Yukon Gear & Axle, which provided everything we needed to rebuild and upgrade the front Dana 44 and rear 9-inch. Yukon provided a set of axle shafts for the rear 9-inch, along with some of Yukon’s quality lockers and gears for the front and rear assemblies. The Dana 44 received the air-operated Yukon Zip locker while the 9-inch got the mechanical Yukon Grizzly Locker for full-time traction.
Once the parts were in place Jim Reel of Reel Drivelines stopped by the shop to take measurements for new front and rear driveshafts. The company built a set of stout ’shafts with 1310 U-joints that allow increased travel to match the new suspension.
Along with the Tom’s Bronco...
Along with the Tom’s Bronco Parts Stage 9 3.5-inch lift system we also used Tom’s front dual shock kit and a set of Tom’s Extended Curve Radius Arms. The radius arms were installed along with a new 14-piece C-bushing kit, also from Tom’s.
As a final step the Brothers 4x4 crew installed a VIAIR Heavy Duty Onboard Air System, which included a 33-percent duty cycle 400C Viair compressor, 2.5-gallon air tank, and all components needed to install basic vehicle-based pneumatics. The Brothers 4x4 crew plumbed the compressor to power the front Yukon Zip Locker and mounted the air tank in the rear cab area where it is easily accessible for airing up tires or operating air tools for on-trail repairs.
We’re very pleased with the transformation of this formerly down-and-out early Bronco. Its street manners are excellent and its trail ability is awesome. Check out the photos and captions for further details on this restoration. We think you’ll find that without a doubt it is refined and ready for just about any adventure we can throw at it.
At the rear of the ’72 are...
At the rear of the ’72 are a set of Tom’s Bronco Parts 11-leaf, 3.5-inch lift leaf spring packs. Tom’s Bronco Parts also provided the extended brake hoses, new spring and shackle bushings, spring U-bolts, rear dual shock mounts, and new Pro Comp shocks. The new slip-spline driveshaft uses 1310 U-joints and was built by Reel Drivelines.
A set of 35x12.50R15 Pit Bull...
A set of 35x12.50R15 Pit Bull Rocker LT Radial tires were mounted to the 15x8 Black Rock Wheels with 3.5 inches back spacing. The Pit Bull Rocker LT Radial tires were ready to tackle trails even with street air pressure and once dropped to 12 psi they went nuts. The soft compound of the Rockers shaped around every rock and rut we encountered, pulling the Bronco through difficult spots with ease. The matte black Black Rock Lobo wheels are a simple slot design that offers an updated appearance over typical steel wheel designs. The new Warn Premium Hubs came from Yukon Gear & Axle.
Another look at the Pit Bull...
Another look at the Pit Bull Rocker LT Radial tires displays how the soft compound allows ample sidewall flex when aired down. These Rocker LTs really work.
The tires fill the fender...
The tires fill the fender openings well yet still offer ample space for more flex. We experienced some rubbing up front where the tire meets the rear portion of the fender flare in tight turns. Careful maneuvering kept the tire from ripping the flare off completely – we’ll trim the fenders a bit and re-secure the flare to the fender before the next trip out.
The Tom’s Bronco Part’s extended...
The Tom’s Bronco Part’s extended curve radius arms are very beefy and are a great addition to the Stage 9 3.5-inch system. The dual shock hoop is another Tom’s offering and permits use of longer than stock shocks to increased suspension extension and compression. The hoop is welded and bolted for a secure mounting. ProComp Explorer shocks are paired with the Tom’s 3.5-inch coil springs and work well together.
The 11-leaf rear spring packs...
The 11-leaf rear spring packs are beefy and offer a taller stance and ample flexibility. The Stage 9 kit includes a dual rear shock kit that includes upper and lower mounts.
For the additional rear upper...
For the additional rear upper shock mount Tom’s supplies a factory-style mount that is welded to the frame.
Under the front Dana 44 diff...
Under the front Dana 44 diff cover is a Yukon Zip Locker, which is an air-operated unit that can provide traction on demand. The Brothers 4x4 crew completely rebuilt both front and rear axles in addition to installing the suspension components. The Tom’s Bronco Parts track bar drop bracket and dropped pitman arm are also in view.
The stock Dana 44 axle shafts...
The stock Dana 44 axle shafts were replaced with new Yukon axle shafts with new U-joints. Also in view are the new C-bushings installed with the extended curve radius arm.
The Yukon Zip Locker up front...
The Yukon Zip Locker up front requires drilling and tapping a hole in top of the housing for an air line. The Brothers 4x4 crew also replaced the stock hard brake lines, which were worn out and leaking.
A Viair 400C compressor was...
A Viair 400C compressor was mounted under hood to the passenger-side fender-well. The 12-volt compressor features a permanent magnetic motor and offers a 33-percent duty cycle at 100 psi. The 400C is part of Viair’s Heavy-Duty Onboard Air System and also includes a 2.5-gallon air tank and all required pneumatic and electrical components for an easy installation.
The solenoid valve for the...
The solenoid valve for the Yukon Zip Locker was mounted to the firewall near the Viair compressor location.
The Viair 2.5-gallon air tank...
The Viair 2.5-gallon air tank was mounted to the wheel well in the rear cab area. We initially sought a location under the body but found no suitable spots that would keep it safe from damage. The cab interior is coated with DuraBak and looks clean.
The Brothers 4x4 crew mounted...
The Brothers 4x4 crew mounted the Zip Locker on/off switch in the steering column shroud.