Godzilla-Powered Ford Bronco Restomod

Caecey Killian July 2, 2025 2 min read 0

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The 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT has always been a standout in the vintage off-road world, but this example takes things to another level entirely. Rebuilt and heavily modified in 2023, it’s be swapped with a modern 7.3-liter Godzilla. Backed by a 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission and a rebuilt NP205 transfer case. This Ford isn’t just about muscle, it’s been engineered for strength, balance, and reliability. Thanks to updated Super Duty axles, modern suspension, and a dialed-in fuel system and cooling system.

Modern Power and Classic Presence

Sourced from a late-model F-250, the Dana Super 60 front and Sterling 10.5-inch rear axles were rebuilt. New heavy-duty driveshafts with 1550 U-joints connect the axles to this Ford Bronco. Suspension upgrades include a four-link front setup. With Fox shocks, Synergy track bar, Red Top steering box, RPM HD steering linkage, and Apex tie rod ends. The rear rides on leaf springs with matching Fox dampers. A Power Stop brake kit with carbon-ceramic pads and Wilwood master cylinder bring this heavy and powerful beast to a confident stop.

Classic Looks with a Purposeful Attitude

The body for this ’79 Ford Bronco was refinished in factory Candy Apple Red, now complemented by custom Montana Broncos Freewheeling-style graphics. It’s also fitted with a “Cactus Smasher” push bar, power rear window, black hardtop, Curt 10,000-lb hitch, and retractable side steps. Rolling stock consists of 17-inch Pro Comp Vintage wheels wrapped in 35×12.5-inch Toyo R/T tires.

Upgraded Cabin with Vintage Style and Modern Comfort

Inside, the Bronco features black vinyl and cloth upholstery, a Tuffy locking console, Vintage Air A/C, cruise control, RedArc trailer brake controller, and a Retrosound Bluetooth stereo. The dashboard houses a full Dakota Digital RTX gauge suite, with a tilt steering column topped by a leather-wrapped wheel and late-model Super Duty column shifter.

The 7.3-liter Godzilla under the hood of this Ford Bronco is fed through an aluminum intake. Cooling is handled by a Ron Davis radiator and dual electric fans. A 32-gallon stainless fuel tank with a PWM-controlled pump ensures consistent fueling. It recently sold for $110,000 on Bring-A-Trailer. With 20,000 miles since the build and 80,000 on the clock, this Bronco has been driven and enjoyed. Exactly as it should be.

AboutCaecey Killian

Caecey Killian covers builds, installs, and product features for Car Junkie Magazine. He has spent years on the floor of the garage chasing horsepower across SBC, LS, and modern muscle platforms, and that shop time runs through every article he writes. His current CJM project is Project Street Reaper, a 1976 Camaro built around a fresh SBC 350. He is also known for Project Mighty Mouse, a 1977 Chevy Nova running a 1962 small-journal 327 SBC, with build coverage published across multiple online automotive magazines. His media background spans long-form build documentation, install coverage, and product features across the magazine and the Car Junkie Magazine YouTube channel. He writes the way he wrenches: specific, honest about the mistakes, and grounded in real garage work.