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Early Bronco Builds & Trail Stories
The Deuce: Jim's Custom Early Bronco Build
Jim's first Bronco frame. A whole new reason to hit the rocks.
Two years of work by Gordon at Bailie Bilt. A turbocharged 357-cubic-inch Ford Windsor backed by a 700R4 automatic. Forty-inch tires. And the frame from Jim's very first Bronco underneath it all.
The Deuce looks good sitting still. But Jim didn't have it built to sit around. This one-of-a-kind Ford Bronco rock crawler combines custom fabrication, serious off-road performance, and the kind of craftsmanship you won't find sitting on a dealership lot.
Watch the Walkaround Explore the Build
The quick rundown:
Turbocharged 357 Windsor · 700R4 automatic · Atlas transfer case · 40-inch tires · Six-inch narrower body
Some Builds Come Full Circle
Jim bought back the very first Bronco he ever owned. The Wild Horses crew took it apart. Its frame became the starting point for The Deuce.
Gordon paired that frame with a separate 1966 Bronco tub. Then he spent two years turning it into a rig Jim could put to work on the rocks.
At our swap meet, we finally parked The Deuce and Nightmare side by side. The paint tells part of the story, too. Those side stripes are a tribute to Nightmare.
Let Gordon Show You Around
The big stuff gets your attention. Gordon's walkaround shows how much thought went into the little stuff.
Watch on YouTube · Build by Bailie Bilt
700R4 Behind a Small-Block Ford: The Deuce's Drivetrain
A Ford engine. A GM automatic. Jim has reached the “it's my Bronco” stage of life.
The Deuce pairs a turbocharged 357-cubic-inch Windsor with a 700R4 automatic transmission. An Atlas transfer case with 4.3:1 low range sits behind it. Here's a closer look at the combination.
From a 351 Windsor to a Turbocharged 357
Stanley Morton at STK in Broken Arrow built the engine. It started with a Ford 351 Windsor and a .030-inch overbore. Gordon calls the finished engine a 357. Inside are forged pistons and H-beam rods.
Stanley also called for a turbo-specific cam. Gordon worked with his speed shop to choose one with an RPM range suited to the rig's intended use. A Holley Sniper EFI system handles fueling in a custom blow-through turbo setup. Wild Horses supplied the Sniper kit and cylinder heads.
A 700R4 Automatic on the Rocks
Gordon explains that Jim can leave the automatic in Drive on the trail or select a lower gear for a tougher obstacle. He placed the shifter right where Jim's hand rests beside the armrest.
That took some planning. The narrowed body left just four inches for a console with cup holders, an armrest, and the shifter. That's a pretty busy four inches.
Beyond the transmission, the Atlas transfer case feeds axles with 4.88 gears and 40-inch tires. The 700R4 is one part of a complete custom drivetrain.
Thinking About a 700R4 in Your Bronco?
Jim's setup might have you thinking about your own. Explore our Early Bronco 700R4 transmission swap parts. Have questions about your combination? Tell our crew what engine and transfer case you're running.
Shop 700R4 Swap PartsThe Deuce Build Sheet
Here's the setup Gordon walks through. It was built around Jim's rig and how he plans to use it.
| Frame & Body | Frame from Jim's first Bronco. Separate 1966 tub narrowed six inches. |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged Ford Windsor, described by Gordon as a 357. 351W foundation with a .030-inch overbore, forged pistons, H-beam rods, and a turbo-specific cam. |
| Fuel System | Holley Sniper EFI in a custom blow-through turbo setup. |
| Transmission | GM 700R4 automatic paired with the Ford Windsor. Custom shifter placement in the narrowed center console. |
| Transfer Case | Atlas with 4.3:1 low range. |
| Axles & Gears | Spidertrax housings. High-pinion nine-inch third members front and rear. 4.88 gears. |
| Suspension | Custom front three-link. 12-inch coilovers and bypass shocks. Front air bump stops. |
| Shocks | Radflo shocks supplied and valved through Liberty Mountain Off-Road. |
| Steering | PSC components with Gordon's custom plumbing. Gordon reports 43 degrees of steering angle. |
| Tires & Wheels | 40-inch Mickey Thompson sticky tires on beadlock wheels. |
| Brakes | Wild Horses MOAB hydroboost. Separate rear cutting-brake pedals. |
| Seats | Caballo seats with heaters. |
Every Inch Had a Job
What Changes When You Narrow an Early Bronco?
On The Deuce, Gordon removed three inches from each side of the tub. That changed the space available for cooling, seating, and storage. He reworked the grille and tailgate, too. The FORD lettering moved to keep the finished look centered.
How Gordon Routed Air to the Transmission Tunnel
A long day on the trail can put plenty of heat under your feet. Gordon tackled transmission tunnel heat with a custom airflow system.
He routed ducting from the cowl area to the top of the transmission bellhousing. The setup is designed to bring cooler air into the tunnel while driving. When the Bronco stops, the duct gives rising heat a way to escape.
It's a small detail in an extraordinary build. That's the kind of thought that makes a custom rig better to spend a whole day in.
This is a look at his design. We don't have before-and-after temperature readings to share.
What Makes the Interior Work on the Trail?
The door panels provide a spot for jackets and towels. Behind the seats, Gordon made storage for trail tools and a welder. The fuel cell has a remote filler with a drain for spills.
He also built an elbow rest and a grab handle into the door area. Jim can lean out to watch his front tire without resting his arm on that sharp door-jamb edge. Your armpit would approve.
Where Does Nightmare Show Up in the Paint?
The side stripes honor Nightmare. Mitch drew the paint layout. Gordon added subtle ghost stars across the hood, tailgate, dash, and door panels. Pearl paint creates the white-on-white stripes.
The center stripe continues through the interior. Even the digital dash display carries the theme. Take a second look. There's more there than you'll catch walking past.
Parts With a Place in the Story
Gordon identifies these Wild Horses-supplied items in the walkaround. Start with your own Bronco's needs. We'll help you work through the options.
MOAB Hydroboost Brakes
The Deuce uses Wild Horses MOAB hydroboost brakes. Want to explore a brake upgrade for your Early Bronco? Have a look at the current MOAB 2 kit. The linked kit may differ from Jim's installed setup.
Seats With Heat
Gordon fitted Wild Horses seats with heaters inside the narrowed tub. For your own build, explore the current Caballo seat range. Ask the crew about the right model and mounts for your Bronco.
EFI & Engine Parts
Wild Horses supplied the Sniper kit and cylinder heads. The Deuce's turbo setup was built as a complete custom engine package. Tell us about your engine and build plans. We'll help you sort out the next step.
Two Years to Build. One Day to Scratch.
On pickup day, we headed straight to the rocks. Jim had a new Bronco to get to know.
“Let's see if it makes up for my lack of driving skills.”
Jim, before The Deuce's first run.
The first scuff didn't bother him. That's what he had this Bronco built for. Nearly putting it on its top within two hours was a little more excitement than anybody ordered.
After a few close calls, we finished the day stoked with how The Deuce performed. Now Jim needs more seat time. We're looking forward to seeing where he takes it next.
▶ Watch Jim's First Run
Questions About The Deuce Custom 4x4 Build
What Makes The Deuce Different?
The turbo Windsor and 40-inch tires are a pretty good start. Gordon at Bailie Bilt also narrowed the body and built the suspension specifically for this rig. Look closer and you'll find details made for long days on the trail. It's a custom rock crawler built to get used.
Who Built This One-of-a-Kind Ford Bronco?
Our friend Gordon at Bailie Bilt in Oklahoma spent about two years putting it together. There's a whole lot of his handiwork in this custom Bronco. Stanley Morton at STK in Broken Arrow built the engine. Credit where credit's due.
Can I Have a Custom 4x4 or Bronco Built Like This?
Start with a conversation with an experienced custom 4x4 builder. Tell them where you want to drive it. Be honest about your budget. Then work through what matters to you. Bailie Bilt built The Deuce. We supplied some of the parts. Your build starts with your own wish list.
Is This Jim's Very First Bronco?
The frame is. Jim bought back the first Bronco he ever owned. Gordon paired that frame with a separate 1966 body tub. So there's some old history underneath all that new work.
What Engine and Transmission Power The Deuce?
A turbocharged 357-cubic-inch Ford Windsor V8 with Holley Sniper EFI. It is backed by a GM 700R4 automatic and an Atlas transfer case with 4.3:1 low range. Plenty to keep Jim entertained.
How Does a 700R4 Connect to a Small-Block Ford?
A 700R4 to SBF swap takes conversion hardware. SBF means small-block Ford. Gordon describes the installation as involved, so start with the details of your engine and drivetrain.
Browse our Early Bronco 700R4 transmission swap parts. Our crew can help you work through the options for your setup.
Why Is the Radiator Offset in The Deuce?
That placement is intentional. Gordon moved the radiator toward the driver's side to leave an airflow path for the cold-air intake. With the body narrowed six inches, fitting everything behind the grille took some planning. Every inch had a job.
What Tires and Gears Does This Rock Crawler Run?
Forty-inch Mickey Thompson stickies and 4.88 axle gears. That's the combination in The Deuce. Your Bronco may need something different. Tell us about your engine, transmission, and driving plans. We'll help you work through it.
Can I Put 40-Inch Tires on My Stock Early Bronco?
That's going to take some work. The Deuce has custom axles, suspension, steering, and bodywork. There's a lot going on behind those big tires. Give the crew a call before you start filling the shopping cart.
Can I Buy This Custom Bronco Setup as a Kit?
Nope. Gordon made the suspension links and fitted a lot of pieces specifically for this rig. We can help with parts for your own build. The custom fabrication takes a builder and a plan.
Where Can I See More of The Deuce?
The full custom 4x4 build specs, Gordon's walkaround, and first trail run are all right here on this page. Gordon shows you what went into it. Jim shows you how quickly fresh paint can meet a rock.
Your Bronco. Your Plans.
You don't need Jim's whole build to get your next idea. Working on brakes, seats, a transmission swap, or the next step under the hood? Tell us about your Bronco. Send a few photos. We'll help you sort through the choices.