After adding a James Duff 4" Ultimate suspension system, a custom built roll cage complete with racing buckets and harnesses, and getting the truck street legal, we were ready for the 1999 race season just in time for the Springfield, MO Jamboree.
After finishing about half way down the pack in the mud drags, it was time to try out the Bronco's new suspension in the tough truck competetion. I tried to take it easy on Saturday to learn the track, and after watching other competitors, it was clear that the trucks with the fastest times were clearing the double jump.
The James Duff suspension and more aggressive driving on Sunday allowed the Bronco to easily clear the double jump and cross the finish line with a time of 31.10, which was good for first place for the day and fastest time of the weekend in the street class.
It was the first time I had competeted in tough trucks and I was very happy with the first place finish. In addition to the two trophies, I received a certificate for a Flowmaster cat-back exhaust system.
By the time the Marthasville, MO mud bog rolled around, the brushed on Allis-Chalmers orange paint was mostly blown away by the pressure washer. This was fine by me- less paint that I would have to remove later.
County Line Mud Bog just outside of Pacific, MO
At the Osage County Fair Mud Bowl in Linn, MO,
By the time we were done racing at Linn, this was one muddy truck.
At Hank's Jamboree in Mendota, IL, I competeted in the tough trucks and mud racing. I didn't place in tough trucks, but took home 4th place in my class in the mud race. Our racing season ended with the Indianapolis, IN Jamboree, I didn't place in the mud drags and had carb problems during the tough trucks. I decided I needed more cubic inches to be competitive in mud racing, and although it may make the Bronco too front-heavy for tough trucks, I decided that over the coming winter, I would swap in a 460 ci engine with a C6 automatic, and a 205 T-case, and redo the body.
