New guy here (Hickory, NC)

[jdcascio]

*EDIT* Can the admins please move this to the 'sign in' section? My fault...

Howdy all! My name is Jordan and I'll be located in the Hickory area starting on June4th/5th. Currently I live in Vicenza, Italy. Stationed here with the US Army (173rd Airborne) but I ETS and move back to Hickory at the beginning of June.

A little about me- I'm new to Bronco's and Ford in general. Previously I have a lot of experience with older/classic BMW's and I've always had an itch for a classic Bronco. I've abandoned BMW's because well, they just piss me off now (too many dang electronics!!) and I figured I'd give early Bronco's a shot! Definitely the best looking old school 4x4 out there (IH Scout 800's/Scout II's in second place).

I recently bought a 1973 Bronco from a gentleman down near Fayetteville. A friend of mine picked it up and moved it back to Hickory for me. Previous owner claimed it had a 5.0 302 from an early 90's mustang, however the owner before him did all the work and it doesn't appear to be fuel injected. So unless he converted it to carb (who does that?), it's most likely an 85 and earlier 302. I'll post a picture and see if you guys can identify a year span, since I'm new to this stuff. James Duff suspension lift, some random other tid bits. I mainly bought it because it is almost completely rust free. A small spot of surface rust on the hood (planning on a fiberglass hood anyways) and a small spot on the tailgate. It is a 3spd on the column (I'd like to do an NV3350 swap, but that's a lot of cash!).

Anyways here are some pictures!












Any idea what year(s) this engine is? It's obviously not a 5.0 SEFI... (maybe? carb conversion?)






Any advice is welcome!

[broncosbybart]

Welcome. Great first post and thank you for your service!

Saw that thing posted for a little while on craigslist. Hopefully it doesn't have a lot of hidden rust issues.

As for the engine, it is hard to say from the pics. It has a fuel pump on it, which you couldn't do on an EFI engine without changing the timing cover. It would have also had a serpentine belt, vs the earlier V belts. A 5.0 engine would require an adapter bracket for the clutch linkage, as the block doesn't have a boss with a tapped hole for one of the bolts. It would require a bracket like this:

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/EFI...on_Bracket

I thought they used to have a picture of it installed.

The best way to tell would be the casting numbers on the block. Here is a link with some helpful info in it:

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/5-...ation.html

Should help you get started in the right direction. As well, the firing order on an HO engine is different from a standard 302. There are lots of other things different as well, but this should get you started. It is very possible to go from the EFI to a carb. Most do it because it is a lot easier than wiring up the EFI and accessories correctly.

It does appear that the engine has alum heads on it. If it didn't come with one, you will want to do PS on it right away.

Keep us posted on your progress once you get back here!

[Bronco Biff]

Sweet looking truck! Yes, power steering!! Late model heads on early block?

[jdcascio]

Thanks for the info! I will definitely be checking it out more when I get home. Power steering and power brakes + front discs is one of my first planned maintenance/upgrades. As far as rust goes, I have had a friend check it out and there is no floorboard rust and no frame rust. Only rust that we can find is on the hood and tailgate. Both easy fixes. I'll see if he can somehow identify the block (he is fairly unversed when it comes to automobiles and it's a PITA to walk him through it over FB or skype).

My plan for this Bronco is not to have a show truck. I want something I can (hopefully) daily drive and take on some trails. I really enjoy finding hidden camping spots off the beaten path, so 4x4 is a must and I couldn't pass up an early Bronco.

I'll see if I can get some better pictures of the belt, fuel pump, maybe casting numbers.

[snipes243]

Welcome to the group let us know if need any help

[Jbass]

This bronco was my first EB! The guy who bought it from me in December 2012 took the original 200 inline 6 out and replaced it with that engine. I actually have the guy's phone number.

[jdcascio]

This bronco was my first EB! The guy who bought it from me in December 2012 took the original 200 inline 6 out and replaced it with that engine. I actually have the guy's phone number.

THAT'S AWESOME!!! I'm gonna have to give him a call when I get home to find out what engine it actually is. This Bronco is in good hands. Anything in particular I should know about it?

[broncosbybart]

Anything in particular I should know about it?

You sure you want to ask that question?

Too funny. Small world.

[jdcascio]

You sure you want to ask that question?

Too funny. Small world.

Hahaha! Touche...

I do, however, need to figure out why the tail lights aren't working and the headlights shut off after a bit. I think it may just be the switch causing both problems though... and about 30ft of old wiring...