Frank Whiston: 1971 Ford Bronco (Gentle Ben)

Drive Train

• Factory Fuel Injected 1994 Mustang 5.0
• Ford C-4 Automatic with a low stall torque converter and reverse pattern manual shift valve body/Art Carr gated shifter
• 3.8:1 Atlas 2 speed Transfer Case Twin Stick
• 1977 D44, chromoly shafts, power disc brakes, Gleason Torsen locking differential
• Ford 9 inch, 35 spline Detroit locker, Warn Full Float kit with Cadillac Disc Brakes

Body and Suspension

• Fender flares high-lined to the body crease
• Fiberglass front fenders and hood
• Cut Rocker Panels
• Custom built bumpers and rocksliders
• Full Roll Cage
• Sun Roof
• Progressive coils front/rear leaf (~1" over stock)
• James Duff long travel front shock towers 
• Bilstien 5100 Shocks 
• Custom rear traction bars
• 76/77 inverted Y steering

Extra Equipment

• Cobra CB and Wilson 1000 roof mount antenna
• GMRS, Midland MXT275 MicroMobile
• 34x10.50R17 Toyo Open Country III on 17x8 American Racing Baja

Interior Modifications

• Mustang fox body front bucket seats
• Custom Tilt Steering Column
• Shoulder Belts added 12/23/2024

History

This Bronco has been part of our family since the day it rolled off the lot. My uncle was the original owner, purchasing it new from Casey Luna Ford in Belen, New Mexico. After spending a couple of years in Carson City, Nevada, my father bought it from his brother in the summer of 1974 — and I grew up in this Bronco.

Over the years, it’s tackled just about everything the West has to offer — from the trails of Moab (long before they were famous) to the rugged passes of Colorado and New Mexico. In 1994, it even conquered the legendary Rubicon Trail in California.

I call it Gentle Ben, after my father’s old CB handle — a fitting name for a rig that’s been both a family heirloom and a lifelong adventure companion.