Pulled the valve covers and then the intake hunting that pesky tic which sounded like a lifter. Alas the valve train appears great so now I am thinking its likely a wrist pin or possibly a broke ring. I purchased a great running 302 out of a 70 F 100 that a buddy recently pulled out so I guess the bronc will get a transplant in the next couple of days. I'll pull the current engine down after I get the nused one in and start planning a build for it for a spare or use in another project.
Installed an actual bronco ignition switch. Been running a crap universal thing for a while and it stopped springing back from start. So now it's got a real switch and real keys. Modified the key handles with a little spray Bedliner to give em a more modern look.
I'm with ya chuzie. Guess the Detroit and shafts are just minor details. Next it'll be an ARB and RCV's in the front axle or something insignificant like that.