1974 Ford Bronco - Bronc-Itis

Ford's 9-inch rear axle needs no introduction as one of our favorites. It's one of many stout parts that came straight from the factory. This one is filled with a 4.30 ring-and-pinion and a limited-slip differential.

Running a limited-slip out back and a locker up front may sound backwards, but it's actually a great way to have a street-friendly limited-slip for pavement driving and the unbeatable traction of a locker once in the dirt with the hubs locked and the transfer case front output engaged. Wild Horses Warflares open up the wheelwells to fit the big 35s, and Wild Horses 11-leaf spring packs combine with a pair of Cage shocks on custom Broncitis mounts to control the off-road rubber.

If the front bumper's design looks familiar, that's because it's a Hanson Enterprise creation. The Hanson bumper is adorned with a Warn 9.5ti thermometric winch and a pair of well-guarded Warn dual-beam lights.

Ford already had a good thing going aft of the engine, so Bill decided to stay with the C4 three-speed automatic and Dana 20 transfer case. The C4 sports a Transgo shift kit, heavy-duty bands, and a 2,000-stall convertor, all installed by Charles Transmissions of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.

Tom's Bronco Parts provided the steering wheel that does duty atop a stock steering column. Bill steers the Bronc from one of a pair of Beard seats and stows valuables inside a lockable Tuffy console.

Check out the custom-pleated door panels and laser-cut stainless steel shifter base for the twin-stick T-case.

Partially obscured by a 35-inch Interco TrXus radial mounted to a 15x8 Rock Crawler Street Lock wheel is a Cage 3.5-inch-lift coil and a Cage shock. Four-wheel drive is engaged via a pair of Warn premium manual hubs and a twin-stick transfer case. Half a pair of Wild Horses headers lurks beyond the Cage coil and shock.

One of the Bronco's biggest claims to off-road fame is its front suspension. The solid front axle provides durability and constant ground clearance since the axle goes up and down in sync with the wheels. Coil springs can store and release energy smoothly, but they have no ability to locate the axle under the vehicle. A pair of Cage Off-Road extended radius arms works in concert with a custom Broncitis track bar, drag link, and tie-rod bar to keep the axle properly located and the steering in sync with the axle under the boxed frame. Extended radius arms offer dual advantages in added travel and improved handling. Inside the differential housing are a 4.30 ring-and-pinion and a locker.

We like to use the phrase "clean enough to eat off of" to describe a nicely detailed, immaculate surface. This engine bay goes a step further. We think this one is clean enough to perform surgery off of. An '85 High Output 302 rebuilt by Feeser Engines of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, breathes through a K&N air filter, a Rochester four-barrel carb, and an Edelbrock intake manifold.

There's no vacuum brake booster anywhere in sight. Instead, a hydroboost brake system was adapted to the Bronc's brakes. Hydroboost systems are common sights on big diesel trucks because diesel engines don't make sufficient manifold vacuum to power vacuum-assisted brakes. There's plenty of manifold vacuum inside the stock-spec 302; a hydroboost makes for reliable braking and a cleaner-looking engine bay. Also note the PSC power steering and the Baja-worthy silicone radiator and power steering hoses.