1995 Ford Bronco Multipurpose Build

MikeBoyle

Observer
This will be a ongoing record of the build up of my 95 Bronco and the adventures I take it on.

Background: Three years ago I set out to find a new daily driver that was destined to become a multipurpose vehicle. First it had to be a decent daily driver. Second it had to be a full size capable of towing my Toyota rock crawler and last but certainly not least, it had to be a 4wd that I could convert into an expedition/camping rig. I have always been a fan of the '92-'96 Ford F series trucks so I set out in search of one that would fulfill my wish list. After a two year search I finally found a clean rust free '95 Bronco locally that was equipped how I wanted and fit my price range. I already had the money set aside to purchase the truck, but unfortunately during the search I made some major changes in my life and took a major hit in income in exchange for more freedom to travel. While this hasn't stopped the build up of the Bronco, it has slowed it considerably. Enough of this, on to what you're here for.

My starting point. 1995 Ford Bronco XLT. 5.8L, auto, manual t-case. At 218000 miles it isn't a spring chicken, but it is a solid, rust free Arizona truck.
The day I brought it home.
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It originally belonged to a rural fire department and was still equipped with all the hidden lights (poorly wired). I wasn't a fan of the brush guard or nerf bars, so the first step was to remove them and disable the shoddy wiring.
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Next I dropped in an Optmia Red top and installed a set of military battery terminals.
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Being bored one day (and not having any money to buy parts) I decided to mount a 7" LED bar I had into the front bumper.
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Its not the cleanest cut in the bumper as it was just to see how well it would work. The bar is a cheapo Chinese LED and while it puts out decent light it isn't that great (will make a decent work light). The bumper is eventually going to get replaced with a custom winch bumper and a better light.
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MikeBoyle

Observer
After saving for a few months, then waiting for a few more months while the shocks were on back order it was time to do something about the shot stock coils and shocks. I replaced the coils with a set of Skyjacker leveling coils, replaced the radius arm bushings with a urethane set from Energy Suspension and Bilstien got the nod for a set of their 4600 series shocks all the way around.

Before:
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After:
It looks a lot nose high in this pic as I had only driven it 10 feet after installing the new coils, so they hadn't settled any at this point.
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Next up was replacing the worn and mismatched 31's with a new set of 33x10.5 BFG KO2's.
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MikeBoyle

Observer
So far I've taken it on a few trips and am really impressed with how much better it drives with the new suspension and tire combo. Next step is going to be building a storage/sleeping platform in the rear.

Few pics from searching for fall colors in the local area.

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greengreer

Adventurer
Nice bronco! 33x10.50s just look right on these trucks. How are you liking the bilstein 4600s? I had a set on a chevy that I really liked but am leaning toward 5100s on my f150. Looking forward to updates...
 

AFBronco235

Crew Chief
Nice to see another Bronco on here. I'll have to look into billsteins when I pick out new shocks myself. I'm in the middle of a mild 2" lift. Just need to do the front springs and replace all shocks and I'll be done.
 

MikeBoyle

Observer
Nice bronco! 33x10.50s just look right on these trucks. How are you liking the bilstein 4600s? I had a set on a chevy that I really liked but am leaning toward 5100s on my f150. Looking forward to updates...

Thanks. I have been really impressed with the 4600's. I originally wanted to go with the 5100's but they only offer them for 4" and 6" lifts so I opted to go with the 4600's.

Nice to see another Bronco on here. I'll have to look into billsteins when I pick out new shocks myself. I'm in the middle of a mild 2" lift. Just need to do the front springs and replace all shocks and I'll be done.

I ordered mine from 4WheelParts and had to wait almost three months due to them being on back order. I was given the option to swap to a different brand that they had in stock, but I decided to go ahead and wait. I'm honestly glad I did as they have improved the ride considerably.
 

rfthigpeniii

New member
Great to see a big Bronco! So, you were able to put 33's on the rear without adding any lift. And only a leveling kit (1.5 - 2") on the front?
 

Tremek

New member
Hi Mike, just found this thread but am also in CO and am also considering building up a Bronco as a expo/multipurpose family adventure rig. I may end up with a truck as soon as this coming week!

Have you made any additional progress since your last post? I have had 2 Broncos prior to this potential 3rd truck, and really love their ruggedness and space. Hope yours is still treating you well.
 

texranger

New member
Looks fantastic. I've been lurking for a while and am just finding ideas for my Bronco, 91, 5.8L with 47K original miles (bought from a little old man when he passed). I like that you put a slight lift on the front and none on the rear and were able to get 33's installed - those look GREAT. Cheers!!
 

MikeBoyle

Observer
Sorry for the lack of updates. I haven't done a whole lot to the Bronco since I last posted. Winter was pretty rough up here this year and I never got around to getting the sleeping platform built before the racing season started. I've been spending most of my free time photographing the Ultra4, Dirt Riot and WERock competitions. Between that and adopting a heeler puppy I've been too busy to do much other than drive the thing.

I did finally get the chance to go camping the other day on my way back from the Vernal, UT Dirt Riot race.
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Here's the trouble maker that takes up a lot of my time!
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If you are bored and want to waste some time, here's a link to my photo site for my racing pictures: https://mrb-photography.smugmug.com/
 

Flazer

Observer
Glad to see the Bronco going on strong. I've been side tracked lately and haven't been able to do as much as I'd like to mine either.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
 

adrstout

Adventurer
My dad had an 89 and I really have a thing for these Broncos. I might have to get one...Beautiful truck!
 

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