New Member

[BronxWithWolves81]

I purchased a 1981 Bronco V8 351M with a C6 transmission 4x4.
I have had this beast for little over a year now. Learning mechanics as I go, much help acquired through the tube of you. I have learned so much in such a short time.
My belief, is that the last owner bought this thing at a junkyard and was not taking his time researching the correct parts for the M engine. I have the master parts catalog, the Haynes manual, and two shop manuals for the emissions system. This bronco needs to be overhauled from bottom to top. Even so, she is my daily driver and every chance I get I tinker with it. Doing adjustments, finding part numbers, understanding each system. What I have done so far...
Valve cover gaskets
Rear differential cover gasket
Rear axle shaft replaced
Rear axle shaft oil seal and bearing
Transfer case output seal
Sparks
Cables
Ignition coil
K&N air filter (which I regret after learning how important the housing assembly with the snorkel is, currently trying to find one)
Smog pump
Air bypass diverted valve
Distributor assembly
EGR valve
Steering gear box
PSP (currently looking for the pulley that Ford no longer makes)
Manual locking hubs
Front and rear brakes
Replaced doors, fenders, and tailgate
Tailgate window motor, limiter switch
PCV valve
Timing
Oil pressure sensor
Catalytic converter (twice...tinkered with the vacuum lines, clogged the cat and learned a rather expensive lesson.)

There is still so much more that needs attention. It is an extremely fun experience. Right now I am learning about the calibration code. Still working on emissions. The plan for this thing is to put it back to stock 100% then go from there. Bump it up to the 400 or go crazy and rip out the 351 and C6 and drop in a 440 with a standard 727. I see that everybody raises these things, turn them into incredible rock crawling, mud slinging monsters. I am different. I found an bullnose bronco slammed to the ground. Radical man!! I don't want to put it to the ground like he did but definitely want to lower it about 4 inches. Moving on from daydreaming...

I am searching for the
 air cleaner assembily
Psp pulley
Color coded vacuum hoses. (I have learned the colored stripes are of great importance)
Also any manual for the 1981 bronco. Wiring, suspension, body work, I don't know just any kind of literature I can get my hands on.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to the knowledge gained.

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  Glad you joined.

That sounds like a worthwhile endeavor. I think you’ll find that building up a 351M is difficult but a 400 is easy.

I look forward to following your build.

[grumpin]

Welcome!

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome!

'81 wiring is a bit unique in the cluster. Also '81 is a bit of a transition year, style wise moving on from clear indicators and hood letters to rounder side mirrors and a grille with the blue oval.

That's an impressive list of accomplishments so far!