1969 Sport

[FSD]

Hello all, it has been awhile since I have done much to my Bronco. So, currently it has a WH 3.5" lift on it. I'm working on an Explorer/4R70W swap in the not to distant future, I hope, but as I have started to look more carefully, I think that the wiring must be done before much else. With that, until I can get the wiring kit, I'm just going to put on what I have and ask for your guys help.

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

So, here is what I did today and where I have my first question...

I got this bumper, but it does not slide in and sit back like it did on his. I'm assuming that to get this bumper to sit as designed (back another 4" or so), I need to cut the frame back, at least on the bottom of the frame because that is where it is hitting. Second part, do I really want to do that? I do not really like the idea to be honest. I would at some point like to get a bumper with a winch, if I were to cut this, how would that impact mounting a sidiffere bumper in the future? I would assume most use the factory mount locations along with others? Thanks.

[904Bronco]

Re: 1969 Sport

Welcome James.
Looks like a pretty nice Bronco from here

Given the values of Broncos today, I don't think any of us here would tell you to cut the frame horns on a Bronco just to fit a Bumper?

I am wondering if there is anyway to modify the Bumper to fit the frame better? Yes that will mess up paint and Powder coating, but it is better to do it the correct way.
I cannot tell from just the one pictures what needs done, but we do have a few members in the Fresno area, maybe they could give it a once over and give you mounting options?

Doug

[71BRONCO71]

Re: 1969 Sport

Welcome to the site! good looking bronco.

Do you have any more pics of the bumper? Its hard to tell how its mounted.

[earlybronco72]

Re: 1969 Sport

I’m not like Doug. I cut my frame horns off. I’m not concerned about the value of my rust bucket.

[904Bronco]

Re: 1969 Sport

I’m not like Doug. I cut my frame horns off. I’m not concerned about the value of my rust bucket.

But yours is a Classic in it's own right Marc!

[earlybronco72]

Re: 1969 Sport

Thanks Doug

[onpier55]

Re: 1969 Sport

Nice looking rig.

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

So, it looks like I could make it work with the front hole in the Frame, by drilling hole and welding new nuts about 1.5" from the existing location. The problem is that the pushes the bumper way out, but to make it like the one it came off of, I would have to cut the bottom of the frame back. If this was the permanent bumper, I wouldn't mind modifying the frame, but I just don't want to modify it now and have it come back to bit me. I would have to take it somewhere (any recommendations in Fresno) as I don't have a welder yet.
Also, what black paint can I shoot the frame horn with?





More wiring problems...





Thanks again for the help and comments.

[71BRONCO71]

Re: 1969 Sport

Also, what black paint can I shoot the frame horn with?

Anything. I like rustolium semi gloss black.

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

Okay, so I haven't done really anything as I am still trying to figure out how to modify this bumper. So, today I started to work on the Dana 44 front axle and put on the disk brakes that came with it. So, I think I figured out some of this with Jim's help. I have a '72 Dana 44 and '76 disk brake parts. I also got some 9" large bearing disk, but I'm not worried about those right now. So, to finish the D44, I guess I just need a knuckle? I think that is the main thing missing. Can you used the nuts from the drum setup to reattach everything or am I going to have to try and track those down too? Thanks.

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

A big thanks to Jim and all his help yesterday getting me all setup, showing me how to put all of this together, and then building it with me. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

So, I started to remove the existing Dana 30 and I have everything unbolted with only the control arms still attached. It took a lot of convincing to get the castle nuts off, but they came off, but i could not get the control arms to move at all, so how do I get the control arms off? Is it best to undo the C bushings, pull the axle out, and then bang on the control arms?

[crawlin68]

Re: 1969 Sport

Yes, take the radius arm caps off of the front of the C bushing. Then take the D30 out and slide the D44 back in. Then reinstall the radius arm caps. You don't need to remove the radius arms from the frame. (unless you are replacing the bushings)

[FSD]

Re: 1969 Sport

Okay, thanks. That makes more sense to do it that way. I am going to replace the bushings and paint the arms.

I heard there is a trick or tips when reinstalling to avoid the "lean"?

While crawling underneath yesterday, there is a lot of oil, light surface rust on the floor pans, and the passenger rocker is cut open (?) and pulled back like a can with some ugly bondo work done. Got a bunch of the aux. wiring out the other day too and cleaned up some splices that were using wire nuts.

Getting there slowly: