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.