“Pinball”1995 Ford Bronco

The story

Purchased the truck in need of a motor. Originally equipped with a 5.0L. Swapped in a 1995 Lightning 5.8L motor salvaged from a co-worker's totaled Lightning. Swap was for the most part, plug and play.

Upon the first road test, it accelerated like a box truck. Something was awry. Upon further diagnosis, I determined that the E4OD was starting off in 2nd gear and only shifting to 3rd. I scanned the processor (swapped in from the Lightning donor) and discovered shift solenoid failures. I researched my trusty EVTMS and determined that much of the wire orientation was different from the 5.0L harness at the 60 pin ECM connector. For example, circuit 19 for the original 5.0L harness should now be circuit 75. After an afternoon of correcting approximately 26 circuit locations, and also wiring in a MAP sensor (1995 5.0L had MAF sensors), I was good to go. Dynoed 207hp at the rear wheels. Very good driveability. I would like to upgrade to 4.10 gears at some point (standard on the F-150 Lightnings) and maybe a supercharger??!! I love the truck!

Pinball originated from this previous weekend's (12/10/05) excursion to Paragon Adventure Park in Hazleton, PA. Conditions were snowy, with lots of ice. This was my first trip to Paragon and I had a blast! I traveled with a great group of guys from Fullsize Bronco.com

We ventured up a 'green' trail (stock vehicles) in respect of a couple of fairly stock trucks in our group (pinball included!). Under these conditions, it was definitely a notch above green! Among the challenges, was a steep snow covered hill, maybe a 35-40 degree incline with a couple of steps along the way up, and a 100 yard distance. Beneath the 9 inches of snow that was easily pushed away was a sheet of solid ice. Chains would make the hill exceptionally easy but none of us had any chains mounted. Establishing, and keeping momentum was key. I had covered about 3/4 of the climb before I fell victim to the ice. I slowly backed my rig to my right onto a switchback trail.This allowed a level assault to regain some momentum to conquer to remainder of the climb. 1st attempt, I don't think so. 2nd attempt, while backing down, I locked my wheels and slid down almost hitting a rock to my left. Upon my launch, still denied. 3rd time - repeat of 1st and 2nd attempts. It is not looking good, thoughts of a winch now dancing in my head. Beads of sweet pouring from my forehead in freezing weather. I rip my knit hat off and toss it to the floor, off comes the sun glasses. Last attempt, I hammer down, again aiming straight before I cut to the right to run the left line of the trail that exposes a bare spot of dirt just feet away! I have a good run.... before any forward mometum would be lost, I start sawing the wheel ferociously back and forth. We got it, we got it.... There was no turning back, I had to stay in the pedal as I definitely did not want to experience an out of control substantial length in reverse, on a sheet of ice, down hill. Unknown to me, was some of the hidden rocks beneath the snow, bam!! I just hit something on the left. Now, I'm trying to recover, vilolently turning my steering wheel to the right to straighten the steed. I cross the trail (about 2 vehicles wide) and hit a rock on the left side. Just like a Pinball!!! I was out of control and providing exciting entertainment for the others. We MADE it!! My adrenaline was pumping, the true spirit of off-roading felt. I'm hooked. The Bronco held up very well. The l/f factory alcoa rim was nicked and tweaked just a bit. A superficial cut on the sidewall of the tire was the only damage incurred. The drive home verified the alignment remained and no vibrations developed. I now look forward to more future outings. I have been bitten. — Ron Wiggins