Hurricaning through the desert, Mark's '82 Bronco leaps graciously over the dunes. The '82 Bronco has been facelifted with a '96 front clip retro-ed onto its body. Dr. Mark also fanny tucked the rear by using an F-150 tailgate. He notched it and welded it directly to the quarter-panels, then attached Bushwacker cutout flares to the fenders. Mark runs a 351 Windsor with modifications including a Summit camshaft. The screamer has been port-matched, and an Edelbrock intake and Hedman Hedders were added. It still uses carb technology in the form of a Quadrajet. The C6 transmission was pulled from a sibling '82 and includes the Borg Warner transfer case.
Remember the Hulk's ripping shirt, red-veined eyes, and bulging muscles? Think of this month's cover truck as the Bronco that's afflicted with the tendency to change into a powerful green monster. What makes the '80-'96 Bronco so unique is the Ford-designed Twin Traction Beam front Dana 44. In 1980, the third generation of Broncos went from Gen II's solid axle to the quasi-independent front suspension. Ford argued for better suspension travel and off-roadability.
The coolness of this '82 Bronco is that owner Mark Lind built it on a strict budget, and of course, that Mark loves to launch it. Built for desert play, the truck took four years to complete and less than $3,500. That's correct, $3,500. He claims that it took a bit of ingenuity and lots of work rather than green stuff. He started off dirt cheap when he paid a measly $200 for the stock truck. He then carefully selected off-road products and used parts that fit into his plan, aka budget restrictions. It just goes to show one and all that an off-road truck is not characterized by mega-buck sponsors or high-dollar parts, but simply by understanding mechanical relationships and a willingness to apply your ideas to your truck.
The interior was gutted of all the unnecessary extras like radio, speakers, door panels, and carpet. A quick spray to the cab and floor with bedliner and the Ford is easy to maintain and the yuck stuff washes away quickly. The only components that Mark bought brand new were the six-point rollcage, the seatbelt harnesses, and the stainless brake lines. | 
The rear suspension and drive axle is little more than a strong, simple rearend. The suspension consists of longer springs that heighten the horse 4 inches. The rear axle is the stock Ford 9-inch with 3.55 gears and a Detroit Locker. The suspension and gears push Centerline 10x15s and 36-inch TSLs. | 
The suspension system is Mark's compilation of 6-inch Skyjacker springs, re-arched traction beams, lengthened radius arms, and a dropped pitman arm. The frontend is Ford's distinctive TTB Dana 44 with wide-open 3.55 gears. Purpose building allows the owner/driver to fine-tune specific handling characteristics like a soft suspension or bombproof landing gear. |
A Tiny Bit of Twinstory
Twin Traction Beam Suspension History
In 1980, the Bronco went from a straight Dana 44 front axle to what Ford calls the Twin Traction Beam front suspension. The TTB system is Ford's '80-'96 version of an independent 4WD front suspension. Mechanically, the TTB axle is similar to a straight axle, however, it uses a hinge in the middle. Think of a totally open pair of scissors and you have the idea. The inboard ends of the housings are attached to a frame crossmember, while the outboard ends support the steering knuckle and are attached to the frame through the springs and radius arms. The TTB Dana 44 is similar to its straight sibling and some parts are interchangeable--like the axle stub shafts and locking hubs (except for '87-'88 vehicles with manual hubs). However, the knuckles and spindles are not. Ring-and-pinions will also interchange with other reverse-rotation Dana 44s.