Wow didnt expect to get so many responses overnight, I'll try to get to everything I see.
I'll be following this closely, been in the market for a FSB (87-91) "bricknose" for a while. I've managed to accumulate a bunch of good parts, just need something to throw them at!
I have I alot of decent deals on that body style and have though about getting one since all of the front ends swap out anyways and I'm planning on running glass fenders. So the fender opening will match either way.
Out of curiosity, what drove the switch? I followed along with the YJ build and really liked it then you switched gears on me lol.
Alot of things, but the short way is, with the fuel cell in the back it just wasnt going to ever be enough room, would never have a back seat in it again and if that was going to be an issue in the future (for our dogs or if we decide to have kids) I'd rather start over now than later on after I've invested another sum of $$ and was simply out of it. I've always loved the broncos and figured I can swap some of my more high dollar parts like my axles and tires over and start out in a decent place with it vs say a k5.(because all my friends are asking why I didnt just try to find a k5)
1) There's a metric ass ton out there for SD axle swaps in to an 80-96/7 Ford, some pricier than others, but no need to recreate the wheel if you don't want to.
2) 302's should never be in a full size suv/truck. If you're looking for a stock set up 351weezy gets my vote...will be the easiest to drop in. More power than the 302 and most of the benefits. Budget would dictate carb/efi and power yielded. But if you're going to buy a soft top, I'll assume you're a baller from the start, and go ahead with an FI 393.
3) For the glass, I'm a huge fan of the Autofab panels
I love desolate motor sports swap but since I have an 04 axle, the current cheap route will be to go with the skyoffroad kit, which after buying from them before in certain will be well made. I tried recreating the wheel with my yj and things just didnt work as well as i intended.
The main reason I'm going to look at this bronco this weekend is the guy swears it has a built 302 in it that he paid like 4000 to have built and that it is pushing over 300 hp (almost 2x stock) so I figure for the low low price he's asking. It wont hurt to go take a look. He's asking 1k and I figure if the tub and frame arent rusty at that price it will probably be worth it being the year I want.
I've heard great things about auto fab, I'll definitely be going through them for besides. I've only found a few companies that do the 80-86 front end though and that's what I'd prefer to keep so trying to find some reviews there.