The first-generation Ford Bronco has always enjoyed immense popularity. So much so that Ford revived the Bronco nameplate for a new SUV that’s a modern image of the classic. The 1966-1977 Broncos have become prime candidates for restorations and restomodding, like the gorgeous 1968 model you see here.
It was built by Disruptive Restomods in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. This all-new classic features a Ford Racing Coyote V8 crate engine backed by a TREMEC TR-4050 5-speed transmission. The TR-4050 gives builders the ability to replace an outdated 3- or 4-speed manual transmission with a modern overdrive-equipped 5-speed that is compatible with transfer cases and off-road oriented gearing.
Where did you buy your TREMEC transmission?
We purchased the TR-4050 kit from Silver Sport Transmissions. They were extremely helpful in making sure we had everything necessary for mating the new transmission to the 460-horsepower Gen III Coyote V8 with 420 lb-ft of torque and Bronco’s transfer case.
Why did you choose a TREMEC transmission?
We have installed numerous TREMEC transmissions in previous cars and love the shifting capabilities and tactile feel during the shifts. Also, with the number of cars and trucks we build that have 500 horsepower or more, we have found that TREMEC transmissions are the most capable and durable at supporting those high-horsepower and torque outputs.
What do you like most about the TREMEC transmission you chose?
The lower First gear helps in low-speed, off-road driving conditions when it’s time to use the Bronco’s 4×4 capability. On the highway, the TR-4050’s Fifth gear overdrive makes driving at highway speeds easy, even with the Bronco’s low front and axle gears. Just like with a modern 4×4, you can drive this Bronco at 70 mph without having to turn the engine real hard.
The TR-4050’s low First gear makes crawling a lot easier when off-road, and the overdrive gear lets the Bronco sustain highway speeds easily without having to run the engine at high rpm. Also, it was very difficult to find a manual transmission that would bolt up behind a Coyote engine and be capable of supporting a 4WD-capable vehicle.
What other mods have been made?
This Bronco has Vintage Air, HydroBoost with 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes (six-piston calipers in front and four pistons in rear) and custom 2½-inch polished T304 stainless steel exhaust utilizing Borla mufflers. The interior is fully restored, with a blend of modern air conditioning and heat and a retro radio with a subwoofer, Dakota Digital gauges and ididit tilt steering column and woodgrain wheel. Front and rear sway bars make the Bronco more stable when driving on the street.
Tell us the story of this car or truck…single-owner, basket case, what have you done to the 4×4, etc.?
The Bronco’s original engine was a 289 with a 3-speed manual on the column, and it had manual brakes and steering. When we got it, the engine and transmission were out and, like many projects, it was in a million pieces because the previous owner had started the restoration and then got frustrated and sold it to the current owner. The front floor section was replaced, and luckily the tub, grille, tailgate, liftgate, windshield frame and fenders were in pretty good condition with no rust. There was 55,000 miles on the odometer and that may even have been the original mileage. It appears the Bronco was taken out of use in 2001 when the previous restoration started.
Is this the only TREMEC equipped vehicle you’ve built?
We have owned and built numerous pro-touring Camaros with TREMEC T-56 6-speeds. Our latest builds have utilized the current Magnum 6-speed to support the higher-horsepower and torque output of engines and high-rpm shifting capability.
What kinds of driving do you enjoy with the vehicle, such as autocrossing, cross-country drives, drag racing, track days, etc.?
I have enjoyed many forms of motorsports, including drag racing, road racing, track days and hill climbs, plus everyday driving through the country roads here in Pennsylvania. The main focus of Disruptive Restomods is to build custom cars and trucks that can perform well in all these facets of driving. TREMEC 5- and 6-speed transmissions are the most capable in these areas, and that’s the reason we use them exclusively for all our manual transmission-equipped builds.