1989 full size bronco challenge car

My girlfriend and her friends are looking to build a full size bronco for a challenge car. Any thoughts other then weight reduction and lowering? (Open to suggestions on both)

The car was her friend's daily driver in high school and has been sitting for 10 years so its a really cheap starting platform. I was thinking if the front diff allows limited slip and not just full locking it could have done well with the aqua-cross we had this year and should launch well (assuming the diff can handle drag speeds when engaged).

It has a 351 Windsor which I have already been given a suggestion or 2 on build ideas for.

Thanks Tripp

Leaf springs or coils?

I think it has a twin traction bar from with coils but I have yet to see in person. Just a little online research which has surprising little info on autocross set ups for this 4x4 :)

You'll need to lower it about a foot, which will be hard to do with a 4x4 unless you move the axle forward or the engine backward. How deep down the rabbit hole is this build planned to go? Any objections to ditching the driven front axle and transfer case to go 2wd? Makes weight reduction and lowering a hell of a lot easier.

Bryce

Open to all the above. I asked if they want it street able and they want to win so if that means engine relocation and 2wd so be it. I saw some advantages in power to all 4 wheels ie good launches but there is weight and drive train issues involved if we go that route

Still in the concept phase. I am going to be helping but want them to really be able to run with the build.

Take what Butch King did to his Penn Hillclimb Blazer / Jimmy and apply to yours with a challenge budget.

Thats my idea...

Isn't the blazer/jimmy on the same chassis as an s10 and the bronco the f150/250? I will check that build out for some ideas on this and I can probably improve my Morris a bit with that build :)

Thanks!

maybe cut a section out of a 2WD frame and graft onto the Bronco frame?

I think the pick ups came in 2wd so I could look at swapping parts. I like the awd option but the 4x4 is probably locking diffs and not set up for the high speed and turning.

It would be nice if the front subframes are swappable instead of weld and graft but we shall see as I get under it and junkyard hunt.

1993-1996 Ford F150 Lightning front suspension...custom coilover rear.

Awesome idea! Thank you. Especially if the venue change goes through and the challenge track is more open then an autocross that would be a sweet set up.

Biggest thing will be weight reduction.

Yeah we talked about some fiberglass body parts obviously pulling non essentials or ac carpet seats etc.

There is a lot of car to remove but hopefully a variety of saws and maybe a torch will address that.

Don't go crazy now.

Haha excellent. My girlfriend and her friends will be the final call on style etc so I think they will keep the bodywork in check. But I was thinking a slant nosed bronco....

Not doing 22s like the pics that's for sure

I brought a 79 GMC shortbox to the Challenge. Unfortunately, due to bad wiring by the previous owner causing an electrical fire - I had the truck somewhat running the night before and didn't get all the fine tuning worked out timely. The truck was lowered 6/4 inches. The downside to lowering this much is not enough weight transfer at the drag strip with a light back end causes severe traction issues. It's more of a burn out machine and rat rod cruiser than anything else. I would say with the Bronco you have more weight on the back end than with a full size pickup. The newer 2wd Police Tahoes have a very good weight distribution, for example. I say dare to be different and build the bronco.

And I would also add extra props if you have any OJ Bronco references

Where was that $1,000 Nascar truck rolling chassis? Swap over body parts and install engine and win?

HERE!!!

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/f150-race-truck-1500/74351/page1/

In reply to TIGMOTORSPORTS:

Is your truck totaled by the fire or just delayed for the challenge?

In reply to Conquest351:

The NASCAR truck is listed in the $201x sales forum for $1500

Liking the OJ references!