The Bronco II's Comeback - Why Builders Are Obsessed With This Compact SUV

When you’re looking for the perfect trail companion, the Bronco II keeps proving why it deserves serious respect in the rock crawling world. These compact Ford rigs might look unassuming next to their full-size cousins, but don’t let that fool you - they’re absolute beasts when built right.

The beauty of a Bronco II build lies in the endless possibilities. Take this incredible LS-swapped machine that just rolled out of the shop. We’re talking about a 5.3 V8 heart transplant paired with a 4L60E transmission and NP241C manual transfer case - that’s serious business right there. The owner wanted to keep those clean factory wheel wells intact, and with a two-inch body lift helping out, the builders made it happen while stuffing 40-inch rubber underneath.

What really sets this build apart is the attention to detail in the suspension setup. The long arm four-link front end uses components from James Duff Inc, with Barnes 4WD providing most of the brackets and DOM tubing. The rear sports a Ford nine-inch housing with an ARB air locker and 4.56 gears, while up front sits a matching Dana 44 with an Eaton TrueTrac differential. Both axles came from a ‘78-‘79 full-size Bronco donor - those high-pinion setups are gold for clearance.

The shock setup deserves special mention too. Running ORI struts with 14 inches of travel in the rear and 12 inches up front gives this rig incredible articulation. Add in a TK1 rear anti-sway bar for stability, and you’ve got a recipe for serious trail performance. The whole package rides on Dirty Life 17x9 beadlocks wrapped in 40-inch meats.

Seeing this Bronco II hit the dirt for the first time was something special. The owner, Jeff, hadn’t been off-road since he was 16 years old, but his new rig made him look like a seasoned veteran. Even without the rear ARB plumbed up yet, the truck climbed everything thrown at it. That long wheelbase from moving the front axle forward 2.5 inches and the rear back 5.5 inches really pays dividends in stability.

The truck’s performance impressed everyone at Holly Oaks ORV Park. With just the front TrueTrac working, it still managed technical sections that would challenge rigs with full lockers. The combination of proper suspension geometry, quality components, and those sticky 40-inch tires kept all four corners planted when it mattered most.

Protection is crucial when you’re serious about rock crawling, and proper rock sliders make all the difference. This Bronco II got the full treatment with 1.75-inch .120 wall steel tubing sliders that angle up 18 degrees. That upward angle isn’t just for looks - it helps deflect impacts and keeps the truck sliding over obstacles instead of hanging up on them.

The fabrication work here shows what separates weekend warriors from serious builders. Those sliders tie into the frame with proper mounting plates and gussets, creating a structure strong enough to jack the truck up from. The addition of a 9500-pound Smittybilt winch tucked up inside the bumper frame rails gives this rig the recovery capability to match its climbing ability.

The Bronco II platform’s versatility really shines when you see different approaches to the same goal. Some builders go the LS route for modern reliability and power, while others stick with Ford power plants. Both paths can lead to incredible trail machines when executed properly.

This 347 stroker-powered Bronco II shows what’s possible with traditional Ford power. The stroked 302 makes serious torque down low where you need it for crawling, and the builder’s attention to detail really shows. From the Explorer intake manifold setup to the custom reverse manual valve body C4 transmission, every component serves a purpose.

The crawl ratio tells the whole story - 60:1 versus the stock 28:1 means this truck can literally creep over obstacles at walking pace. Combined with air lockers front and rear, hydraulic steering assist, and 37-inch BFG KM3s, this rig has everything needed for serious rock work.

What really impresses about these builds is how the community shares knowledge and techniques. Whether it’s mounting positions for steering components, shock tower placement, or axle selection, the Bronco II crowd has figured out what works through trial and error. That collective wisdom makes each new build better than the last.

The compact size that once made people overlook the Bronco II now works in its favor. These rigs can squeeze through tight spots that leave full-size trucks looking for alternate routes. Combined with modern suspension technology and powertrain swaps, they’re becoming the thinking person’s trail truck.

From weekend trail runs to serious rock crawling competitions, the Bronco II continues proving that size doesn’t always matter. When you’ve got the right combination of power, suspension, and determination, these little Fords can hang with anything on the trail. The builds we’re seeing today would make the original engineers proud - and maybe a little surprised at what their compact SUV has become.