Starting a new project, looking for advice

[Talik]

Hi, I'm about to undertake a large project where we'll be stripping down a bronco to the chassis (with engine, drivetrain, suspension, and wheels intact) and mounting a subaru impreza wagon body on top of the chassis.

I'm not that familiar with Broncos and I wanted to get some thoughts on the best model to use. I was planning on using a 92-96 automatic with the 351 windsor. This truck will be for a combination of rock crawling and rallying, so I was wanting to keep the independent front suspension(1980+) for handlability. Is there any reason why I might prefer an older model over a 92 for my purpose?

My other question is about tire sizes. From what I've heard here in order to use 35" or 36" tires you need a 3" suspension lift. Will I need this lift if body rubbing is not a worry? Will it rub on the chassis itself at all?

Thanks.

 

[Justshootme84]

Welcome to Bronco Zone!!! Sounds like an awesome project. IF you want fuel injection on the 351W, look for 87-96 models. 35"/36" tires and rims will fit on the stock suspension, but may rub on the front radius arms when turning to full lock. This is still a problem even with a lift kit. The big advantage of a 4" or 6" suspension lift is to get increased wheel travel/ flex compared to the stock set-up. For rock-crawling, that's the biggest factor, IMO. An option with most lift kits is extended radius arms, which are slightly bent inward to give you more tire clearance along with more wheel travel. If it was me, I'd just fab my own extensions on the stock radius arms instead of buying a pair for $500. You may need to use a 2"-3" body lift to clear some of the drivetrain, depending on the floorpan of the Subaru. Good luck, JSM84

 

[Talik]

Thanks for the response.

I'm working on the layout now to make sure the subaru will fit the frame, but I don't believe I'll have any real trouble since the subaru is 12" narrower than a bronco. I can body lift the subaru if I need to, but I can also just cut away at the subaru's frame since it's no longer structurally integral. I'll think about the lift for the flex, but the higher I go the higher my cg will be, and I'm not sure I want to sacrifice that too much. I like to drive fast over semi rocky and muddy terrain a little more than I like to rock crawl over crazy terrain.

Anyone know anywhere I can download a map of the chassis and drivetrain?

 

[green streak]

also keep in mind that the fenders on the subaru are probably more narrow than the bronco so you might have to fab out some cut out flares or something to get the clearance you want. good luck on the build. it sounds interesting, so keep us updated.

 

[Justshootme84]

Check some of the online parts suppliers, like LMC Truck or Bronco Graveyard, for pics of the frame.

 

[Talik]

Thanks. I'll keep you guys posted on how it's coming. I've started stripping out the impreza and have the engine ready to pull. Because of front end damage, I had to cut off the frame around the bumper to get the engine out. I'll be eventually cutting the subaru off at the firewall so I won't have to worry about fitting the bronco engine in the subaru engine space. I'm looking for Broncos also and I'm hoping that if I keep my eyes peeled I'll find one with severe body damage but with the parts I need still in good shape for under $500. I guess I either wait, or get impatient and shell out a few extra bucks. I've seen stuff that will work for around $1000.

Green Streak: Yeah, I figure after cutting the subaru fenders out I'll either have to buy fender extenders, or fabricate new fenders to fit my wheels out of fiberglass.