Here is the "short version" of my immediate plans for the BII
A. INSERT COILOVERS HERE. IN order to maximize the flex and ride from the TTB I am planning some more modifications. The currenbt shock and coil setup works well but it is noisy, limits flex, and TTB coils aren't known for their compression. The plan is to fabricate a set of coilover mounts/engine cage and mount some 10-12" coilovers. The radius arms and crossmember will be modifed as well with some rod ends to eliminate the bushings. Steering, brake lines, and bump stops will be addressed along the way.
B. To match the new found flex in the front I plan to go through the floor of the BII and build another shock mount cage. In the back some custom leafs, shackle, and long travel resevoir shocks will be setup for a better ride and more articulation. Much of the cargo floor of the BII will have to be modified for clearance, the spare tire will be re-located inside and down as low as possible (C. O. G.)
C. Roll over protection. Can't escape it forever! The danger of rolling over is real no matter how prepared or cautious you are, when you follow the big dawgs, you get off camber. I dont need a full race cage, but something as light weight as possible while still providing full protection for the driver will be incorporated in to the truck. Keeping it tight to the body and roof is the plan.
D. Finally! Is the top coming off of 410's BII? nope! Many people dont know that the reason why the BII has those large side windows and no remove-able top is because Ford intended for the side windows to come out! Thats right, the side glass was to be hinged and you could take it out to get that open top feel. I am planning a full custom 2 piece tailgate, with the upper section being mounted with a quick release. This will leave me a truck style tailgate on the back of the BII. The side windows will come out and be swapped with some soft windows that can be bolted in place. All glass will be removeable and I will retain a hard top setup for those "Colorado winters".
These are the BIG steps in the next stages of my buildup, my truck is always changing and I am sure as it gets built many of the details I think I have worked out, will be modified. I have been thinking about these next major steps for a few years, and I consider them the "finishing touches" to reward my truck for its long hard duty as my daily driver and off road beater for the last 7 years...
OTHER smaller projects include:
-sliders/rocker panels
-Pulled bedsides (possibly a first on a BII, extensicve cargo floor modifications and window channel mods required)
-more under carriage protection
-sunroof
-custom center console
-tool/spare part storage
-35-37" tires
-gear reduction/doubler
-rear ARB
