I am looking to purchase a Bronco in the coming months. (Time to get rid of the truck.) I have some ideas I would like to do with the Bronco I buy, but would like to know a few things before i do so. My first question is about attaching a snow plow. What would be the best years/packages? Also, what recommendations would anyone have for a plow? My next inquiry pertains to the suspension. Is it possible to put F250 or F350 springs and suspension on a Bronco? I had heard that this may be possible.

 

Welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum. We will do our best to get you the most accurate info we can dig up.

As for the plow setup, model year won't make a difference. The full-size Bronco didn't change significantly enough after 1980 to make any difference when it comes to the frame's capacity to accept a mounted plow. Any plow that fits a 1/2-ton F-series will fit a Bronco of the same vintage. Some will argue that the short wheelbase of the Bronco makes it less stable as a plow truck. Others claim to have plowed regularly and with great success with their own. Given that both schools of thought have some credence to them, I would consider a plow that is physically light. Less front end sag and better rear axle grip with less weight forward of the front axle will make for a more stable plow vehicle. As for plow models... I can't help you.

As for swapping 3/4 or 1-ton suspension under a Bronco. It can be done. It requires considerable fabrication in the front end. The Bronco was NEVER equipped with leaf springs under the front end (not even the early 66-77 Bronco had leaves up front). So, there are absolutely zero provisions for mounting any leaf-sprung front axle under any Bronco. Any such provision will need to be fabricated.

Editorial: The idea of putting leaf springs under a truck that was intended to leave the beaten path is counter-intuitive. Coils, radius arms, and either the TTB front axle or track-barred solid axle are the way to go for purposes of articulation especially at the steering axle. Coils allow the axle to move more fluidly in off-camber situations without causing suspension bind and twisting of spring eyes (and the crushing/wallowing of eye bushings) so commonly found with leaf sprung axles.

 

Thank you, greystreak92. I did visit your site and found it very informative.

 

Leaf springs up front have been done to FSBs along with an SAS.

3/4 and one ton axles have also been done.

If an enclosed cab 3/4 ton and up truck is needed, consider

An Excursion, all the benefits of a Bronco but none of the conversion work

Needed.

Every Excursion will be newer than any FSB out there, and the wider

Range of drivetrains options is a plus.

All of us in the FSB forum enjoy our Broncos and modifying Broncos can be

Addictive.

Have fun on your search.

 

Just my opinion in here. A good friend of mine has a 1979 bronco that he uses for plowing and he says it is great because of the larger motor the front supsension is stronger compared to my 1996 Bronco with the TTB. He says that it will grip up great and has plowed some places that larger trucks struggle to plow (mostly just pushing more snow.) But then again his 79 has 35" mudders so it will grip up if need be.

The 96 I have seen make some decent plow trucks too although the front end seems to dip a little more with the weight on it but I mean... that's a lot of weight up front especially with that plow.

Just food for thought.

 

The stock coils can barely support the weight of a stock TTB Bronco.

As the OP stated in the first post, he knows the pitfalls of this era of FSB.

Yet, heavy duty front suspensions were offered on F150s of the same era.

My memory is not quite as good as it used to be, so donʻt quote me or

flame me on this bit of info.

 

Well bronco's make great plow trucks because they are small and maneuver easy, if you didn't plan on doing serious off road you could swap a f250 or 350 axle on the bronco so you have leafs with up to 3 shocks a side (on a f350 I saw at the monster jam.) but it all comes down to dealers choice aka you.

 

Again, thank you everyone that has posted. At this moment, I am considering mid to late 80's models. The drop in the front end with the weight of the plow is a concern of mine. Is there anything that can be done to correct this if it occurs. I do not wish to go with a leaf spring suspension on the front end. Primarily due to the amount of fabrication and modication involved. If I decide to use a coil spring system, will this be an advantage or disadvantage? Along with plowing, I'm going to want to leave to asphalt at some point. But nothing too drastic though.

 

Heavier springs would be the best option to pursue if sag becomes an issue. If adding the plow creates sag immediately, consider slightly longer springs as well (a set designed to add an inch or two of lift under normal conditions would be an option).

 

Like graystreak said. You could get heavier springs/shocks. Get one of those dual shock mounts (so you have 4 shocks and a spring on each side.) or get a front end leveling kit instead of doing extreme stuff with the front end to support the plow weight.

 

I belive you could get air bag helper springs that go inside the coils. That way you only have stiff springs when you need them.