Our second-leading vote-getter this year, Justin Langford, traveled 2,979 miles from his home in Florida to Hollister Hills to play with us at TTC '07. He's certainly got the altitude to stay high and dry in the Mud Pit and Frame Twister, decent power underhood, thanks to a built 460, and Mickey Baja Claws that have already proven their mettle in the Mini Rubicon. An early-model Bronco won Top Truck five years ago, but a fullsize version has never taken the prize. Will Justin break the drought? Next month, you'll find out.
With such abundant clearance...
With such abundant clearance between the tires and sheetmetal, it's hard to believe Justin's actually "only" running 46s, but seeing is believing. The Bronco's bodywork has been left alone, though a ultrastout Fab Fours front bumper lends extra protection for the front end, as well as serving as a cradle for the 12,000-pound Warn winch.
The pinion-braked rear Rockwell...
The pinion-braked rear Rockwell is set up much like the front, with 6.72:1s and welded spider gears. The dropped four-link rear suspension, like the front, also runs Fabtech 8-inch coils and a Pro Comp boinger at each corner.
The Bronco's cockpit is mostly...
The Bronco's cockpit is mostly stock. Auto Meter gauges, racing seats, Simpson harnesses, and a Sweets steering wheel are about the only plug-in mods to be found, though the very stout (and very wise, given his vehicle height) 12-point incab rollcage lends a solid measure of protection should Justin or his occupants get a little too sideways on the trail.
Justin's engine compartment...
Justin's engine compartment is a no-frills arrangement, with a basically stock 460ci Ford V-8 resting between the rails. The internals are all factory, but a Holley 770 four-barrel and Edelbrock intake manifold help feed the block, and 3-inch Flowmasters handle the exhaust. An MSD ignition, distributor, and coil feed Ford Racing wires, an Optima Red Top provides the juice, and a Painless harness keeps the electricals organized. According to Justin, the engine is good for 400 max hp and 400 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, which get sent down the (drive)line to a JW-prepped C6 automatic, with reverse manual valve body, and an NP200 'case.
More military goodness. The...
More military goodness. The front Rockwell 2 1/2-ton is spun by a custom driveshaft and houses 6.72:1s and locker by Lincoln; full hydro steering helps make turning the 46-inch Mickey T Baja Claws on 18x15 Real Wheels a lot easier. Above the deuce-and-a-half rests a dropped (via a custom subframe) four-link suspension incorporating 8-inch Fabtech Super Duty coils, extended hydraulic 'stops and a Pro Comp shock at each corner. A 3-inch body lift lends a bit more clearance for the Claws.
Owner name/city: Justin Langford/Fruitland Park, Florida
Occupation: Janitorial services owner
Vehicle model: '94 Ford Bronco
Estimated value: $30,000
Engine/aspiration: 460ci Ford V-8/Holley 770-cfm carb, Edelbrock intake manifold, Flowmaster 3-inch exhaust
Transmission: JW Transmissions C6 with reverse manual valve body
Transfer case: NP200
Suspension (f/r): Four-link, 8-inch Fabtech Super Duty coil springs, Pro Comp shocks/Four-link, 8-inch Fabtech Super Duty coils, Pro Comp shocks
Axles (f/r): Welded Rockwell 2 1/2-ton/Welded Rockwell 2 1/2-ton
Axle ratio: 6.72:1
Wheels: 18x15 aluminum Real Wheels
Tires: 46-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws