1991 Bronco Transformed into a Raptor-Inspired Off-Roader!

Bronco/Raptor Style Meets Pure LS Power!

The great thing about building a custom truck is that just about any idea, big or small, can become a reality by staying true to the dream and grinding through problematic patches that can pop up unexpectedly. It also helps to have the right names in your contact list to help get ahead of possible setbacks.

Johnny Dominguez of Alpine, California, has experienced this situation firsthand while he was building his ’91 Bronco. His objective was simple, and he planned on putting his patience to the test as he was dead set on building his off-road project slowly and methodically to ensure a successful execution the first time around.

“All I really wanted was a 4WD, 4-seat pre-runner that was capable of keeping up with almost anything in the desert,” Johnny says about his recently completed project. “Making sure it was capable yet comfortable was high on the priority list, but keeping the process enjoyable was equally important. This type of thing should revolve around having a good time or else what’s the point?”

With a positive approach, Johnny began rolling out plans to turn his Bronco into a unique looking, purpose-built off-road machine that could conquer any terrain placed underneath it. To get started, Johnny reached out to FiberwerX in El Cajon, California, to create custom fiberglass components to pull off a full Bronco-Raptor conversion complete with a one-piece hood/front fender section with custom bedsides to comfortably fit 40-inch tires. A set of 2020 Ford Raptor headlights, taillights and grille have rightfully been included in the Bronco’s transformation. Custom DOK-TECH bumpers have also been included in mix, and six Baja Designs LP4 lights have been wired up and positioned behind the grille to streamline the truck’s appearance. To finish off the Bronco’s cool appeal in the desert, it has been properly wrapped in blue 3M vinyl from FiberwerX, with additional graphics added to the surface by San Diego ProGraphix.

The next phase of the project involved a major overhaul of the 91’s Bronco’s factory chassis. To assist, Johnny reached out to Victor Doktor or DOK-TECH Motorsports in his hometown in Alpine. While in Victor’s care, the Bronco received a 4130 chromoly tube back half and engine cage, which would both be necessary features given Johnny’s plans to drive the snot out of his rig once it was ready to go. A full network of King coilovers, bypasses and shocks have been assembled to give the Bronco the lift and the ride quality Johnny was after. Raceline wheels and BFG Baja T/A 40×12.5 tires complete the look and ability to take on even the most treacherous terrain imaginable. While a 50-gallon Fuel Safe Enduro fuel cell has been included into the build, Johnny says, “It would be worth it in the future to reconfigure the rear to work in a much larger, custom 80-gallon tank.”

To further keep the project rolling, Johnny narrowed down the selection of performance upgrades for his Bronco and ultimately selected a 2022 LS3 427 stroker with the help of Turn Key Racing Engines in Oceanside, California.

“While I tried to forget most of the problems we encountered during this part of the project, there will always be challenges to overcome in any build,” Johnny admits. “The LS swap wasn’t easy, and I underestimated all the little items that had to be worked out to perfect the A/C systems under the dash and behind the rear seats. I often forget and take for granted how perfect this Bronco is now as far as reliability and performance after changing over to the Chevy platform.”

Backing the LS power plant is another GM component—a 2022 Chevy TH-400 that was put together by Maximum Offroad Transmissions in Hesperia, California. The 3-speed auto trans was treated to a Reid case, a Coan Racing torque converter with a 3400 stall speed, and custom paddle shifters to add an exciting driving experience.

To exponentially increase the excitement and level of comfort while partaking in extreme driving, front and rear HS-1 carbon fiber race seats from Impact Racing have been thrown into the interior space. To make the seats more durable and better equipped for the long haul before being bolted in, Friendly Upholstery in El Cajon, California, wrapped them in leather and vinyl material. ECUMaster and MoTeC instrumentation, custom-mounted switch panels and radio controls are front and center for Johnny to better keep tabs on the health and function of his trusty Bronco.

“Having good people around with ideas and action plans makes such a big difference with problem solving and overall enjoyment of a project,” Johnny states. “Jason McNeil and the FiberwerX crew designed something that looked amazing and met all our needs. Steve Lewis from Vildosola Racing is a good friend who helped throughout this build. His experience got us through so many rough spots. In the end, the process must be enjoyable to be successful for me. I think the fact we ended up with a working 4WD, sealed cab application with a suspension system that is on par with a pure race vehicle reassures me that we had a good thing going. Nothing beats seeing the major phases of a project like this come together.”

UPGRADES

Owner: Johnny Dominguez               

Location: Alpine, CA

Vehicle: 1991 Ford Bronco

Engine & Drivetrain: 2022 LS3 427 stroker by Turn Key Racing Engines, Oceanside, CA, Custom motor mounts, DOK-TECH 1.750-inch headers, Black Widow 3-inch exhaust, Complete overhaul of accessory drive and coolers, Entire front end redone to accommodate Chevy platform, GMPP/Holley fuel injection, 2022 Chevy TH-400 transmission by Maximum Offroad Transmissions, Hesperia, CA, Coan Racing torque converter, NP205 transfer case, Ohhchofab front beams 4-inch extended, Currie 4-inch rear drive housing

Chassis & Suspension: 1991 Ford Bronco frame, 4130 chromoly tube back-half and engine cage, 124-inch wheelbase, Front King 3.0-inch coilovers 12-inch and 4.5-inch bypass, Rear King 3.0 coilovers 16-inch and 4.5-inch bypass, Frame modifications by Victor Doktor @ DOK-TECH Motorsports, Alpine, CA, Howe steering box and stabilizer, 50-gallon Fuel Safe Enduro cell

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: Raceline wheels, BFG 40-inch tires, Wilwood 6-piston brake kits, Jamar master cylinder

Body & Paint : Custom fiberglass designed by FiberwerX for Bronco-Raptor conversion, Custom one-piece hood/front fenders w/custom bedsides, 3M gloss blue fire wrap by San Diego ProGraphix, El Cajon, CA, 2020 Ford Raptor grille and headlights, DOK-TECH bumpers, Six Baja Designs LP4 lights behind grille

Interior & Stereo: Impact Racing HS-1 carbon fiber race seats, Leather and vinyl upholstery by Friendly Upholstery, DOK-TECH Motorsports roll cage, ECUMaster and MoTeC instrumentation, Sparco R330B steering wheel, Bose A30 aviation headset, Dual vintage A/C units under dash and behind rear seats, Interior closed off behind rear passengers to separate fuel/storage area at rear of vehicle