This nicely built 1988 Eddie Bauer Ford Bronco II is owned by forum member ‘BroncoIIer’. When he bought his Bronco II, it already had a 4-inch Skyjacker suspension lift and 33″ x 12.50″ Interco TRXUS MT tires. After about 6 months, the passenger side head gasket let go, so BroncoIIer purchased a 1992 Ford Explorer with a rebuilt engine and blown trans for $600.
The 4.0L OHV (Still in Explorer)
He swapped the 4.0L into the Bronco II along with the dash, sun visors, center console, complete wiring harness, fuel pump, radiator, and fluid reservoirs.
BroncoIIer also swapped in a manual transfer case and installed a 3-inch body lift. He drove the Bronco II for another year and decided that he wanted to get rid of the stock front TTB suspension and attempt a solid axle swap (SAS). He purchased a full width HP (high pinion) Dana 44 and Ford 9 inch axle from a 1979 Ford F-150 4×4.
He then ordered:
- James Duff Extended Radius Arms
- James Duff EB 5.5″ Lift coils
- Skyjacker 6″ Lift Leaf Springs
- James Duff Lower Coil Buckets
- Master Rebuild Kits for F&R
- USA Standard 5.13 gears for F&R
- Lockright for Rear
- F-250 Front Upper shock mounts
- James Duff 35.5″ Shocks
- New Front Calipers
- Drum Rebuild Kits
- U bolts
- Ball Joints
- 1330 to 1310 U joints
- DOM Tubing
- Tubing inserts
- 3/4″ Heims & Jam nuts
- Upper Track Bar Bracket
- Adjustable Coil buckets
……. on and on
The Bronco’s front suspension was removed, and the rebuilt Dana 44 was installed using Ballistic Fab’s adjustable coil buckets and track bar brackets, James Duff Extended Radius Arms and EB (early Ford Bronco) 5.5″ Lift coils, F-250 shock mount, and James Duff 35.5″ Shocks.
The Ford 9-inch rear was rebuilt and installed using Skyjacker 6-inch lift springs. Both axles received USA Standard 5.13 gears, and the rear axle was upgraded with a Lock-Right locker.
With the suspension completed, BroncoIIer added Bushwacker cut out fender flares to help cover the tires on the wider axles, and to allow room to eventually upgrade to a 37-inch tire.
BroncoIIer made a mount behind the rear seat to carry a shovel and highlift jack and still have room for his too box and other supplies.
Links:
You can see more photos and read more details about this build at:
Photos:
Click the photos to enlarge.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is a longtime Ford truck and SUV enthusiast and the founder of The Ranger Station and Bronco II Corral. With decades of hands-on experience, he writes both technical and non-technical articles covering the Ford Bronco II, including mechanical systems, factory engineering, common upgrades, and detailed feature vehicle write-ups.
In addition to technical content, Jim documents Bronco II history, rare factory and aftermarket models, production details, and original Ford marketing materials. His work is based on firsthand experience, original documentation, and long-term involvement in the Ford enthusiast community.
Through his sites, Jim has built comprehensive reference libraries that serve owners, builders, restorers, collectors, and historians, helping preserve the Bronco II’s technical knowledge and historical significance.
