“Blue” 69

[M_luther]

Patrick and Doug thanks for the input. The fan shroud is a new metal one from TBP. I will look at extending the shroud and may still look at a different fan clutch to push the fan a little closer to the radiator. I will double check the distance but I have several inches currently (the with of the shroud plus an inch). I agree I need to get the fan into the shroud for it to work properly.

[pippinmader]

I have always heard that the fan should be half in and half out of the fan shroud but maybe the specific fan blade design changes that?
https://www.flex-a-lite.com/blog/the...roud-position/
http://www.lockhartmachine.ca/fan_blade_clearance.html

Looks like the 2008 trailblazer fan clutch is electronic controlled? Are you considering a electronic controlled fan clutch because that would be pretty cool!

[M_luther]

Thanks for the links. The trailblazer has two variations of the fan clutch from what I have seen. I would be using the mechanical if I go that route. I am just looking at options to get my fan into the shroud the proper distance. If the trailblazer fan clutch would move my fan forward an 1-1/2” I think that would put me at the correct spot 1” from the radiator and the fan about 1/2 in the shroud. I may pick one up and try it. I could return it if it won’t work. Otherwise I will look at extending the shroud.

[M_luther]

Decided to go ahead and extend the shroud 2” to make it a full circle. Seams to help quite a bit, but need some really hot weather to put it to the test.

[crawlin68]

That came out great! Let us know how it performs on a hot day.

[M_luther]

Thanks Patrick. I will let you know.

[M_luther]

Hasn’t been very hot to test how well the shroud extension is working until today. Drove over to Santa Ynez and the temp was in the low 90’s. Hottest it got was 204 with the ac running in traffic through town. I’m going to call it a success. Drove out to Pismo for a few hours last Saturday with my 15 year daughter and let her drive around a little bit. Her first time driving and pretty sure she loved it by her smile.

[904Bronco]

Great memories right there Mike. Glad you got it worked out!

[crawlin68]

That is great news about the shroud. And like Doug said, creating great memories with your daughter too!

[Lars]

Hasn’t been very hot to test how well the shroud extension is working until today. Drove over to Santa Ynez and the temp was in the low 90’s. Hottest it got was 204 with the ac running in traffic through town. I’m going to call it a success. Drove out to Pismo for a few hours last Saturday with my 15 year daughter and let her drive around a little bit. Her first time driving and pretty sure she loved it by her smile.

That is so very cool. My daughter got to drive mine when she was 15. With an NP435 transmission, no less. But not at Pismo.

Speaking of which... first time I turned a wheel on those dunes was in (gasp) 1977, in my late, lamented small block Chevy equipped '48 Willys pickup. I'm a Santa Barbara native; your post reminded me that I need to make it down there with my Bronco.

[M_luther]

Thanks Lars. It was a good day. Don’t wait too long to make the trip or the dunes might be closed for good. They already started limiting the number of day use pass sold and they have been selling out on most weekends.

[M_luther]

Added a BC Broncos adjustable track bar and WH drop bracket back in November. Nice to finally get the axle centered. It was an 1-1/2” to the passenger side. Also got the track bar and drag link pretty parallel. I think my next project will be replacing the suspension to smooth out the ride some. Looking at WH 2.5” lift. Measured my existing axle to frame distances and have 8.5” on the front and 7” in the back which I believe would put me currently at 1.5” lift in the front and 0” in the rear. Just don’t want the back to end up higher than the front.

Went through the stack of receipts that came with the bronco and found some interesting history on where the bronco has lived it’s life and when some modification were made. Receipts start in 1982 with who I am assuming is the second owner. I am assuming the first owner is the engineering firm that sold it in December of 1982.
12/1982 sold by Kennedy Engineering in San Francisco to Richard Liechti in Palo Alto
01/83 White spokes and 31” added
02/83 Cut rear fenders, added flares, and Rancho Shocks
04/83 Roll Bar
01/84 Rebuilt engine, added NP435, and replaced front springs
05/84 add a leaf rear, dual shock kit front with KYBs. Note the Rancho’s and KYB’s appear to be the same shocks that are currently on it.
07/86 louvered hood. Two rows of 4”. No louvers when I purchased so I am assuming I no longer have the original hood.
06/88 went to 33’s
Mid to late 80’s Richard moved to San Miguel
Early 90’s Richard sold to Russell Kirkland in Paso Robles
01/95. James Duff Power Steering kit installed.
03/97 sold to Mike Fort in Morro Bay
09/97. Dana 30 Truetrac installed
05/10. 9” Truetrac installed to replace factory limited slip.
17 or 18 Dave Gonzales in Santa Ynez acquired it.
12/18. I purchased.

[904Bronco]

Mike, Bronco looks really good!

Nice that you have some History of your Rig, never been that lucky with any of mine...

And a belated Happy New Year to you!

[M_luther]

Went ahead and updated the springs, shocks, and bushings. Went with WH 2.5” and Bilstein shocks. Removed the duel shocks from the front and went with the 5165 reservoir shock and the longer F250 shock mounts in the front. They are about 4” longer than the stock mount. Went with the standard non reservoir 5100 in the rear. Haven’t gotten it aligned yet, but it tracks straight with no wander at 75-80 down the freeway and the ride is amazingly smooth now. Neglected to take any pictures during the install, but I did take a flex picture at lunch today on the side of the road. The rear stuffed up pretty good.

[crawlin68]

I bet that made a big improvement in the handling and ride. I'd love to see some pics when you get a chance.