How does a bronco stack up compared to a regular pickup, (both 4 wheel drive, both have same motor, 300 I6, 302, 351. Same tires, suspension lift etc.) Which is a better choice for off road driving. I know there is a variety of off road styles, but how about as just a all around off road machine. This means doing a little of everything.

Hopefully this question makes sense to all

thanks

 

bronco might sink faster in the deep mud 'cause of the added weight of the top, 'course if you want to do true off roading/camping you would add a top to the pick-up to keep goods dry and the extra passengers............


Nothing better than trail riding with a bronco
nbt tailgateing w/bronco
nbt mudding w/bronco
nbt 4x4ing w/bronco
nbt driving w/bronco
nbt having the ability to go topless w/bronco
nbt owning a bronco

get my drift

 

Wheelbase is shorter in a Bronco 109"
As for the extra weight. No top,doors or tailgate make a Bronco nearly float.

 

I dont want to start a argument here cuz it has nothing to do with the original question, but my build sheet says my 87' is a 105" wheel base? DW

 

The bronco will give you smaller turning radius, but you can haul more items in a pickup for camping. But, you can keep your load dry in a bronco unless you get a cover for the pick up. Pickup has a longer wheelbase so that means more chance of getting high centered. Bronco has a better approach and departure angle, you can take more people wheeling with you, will gain in value as time goes on since not in production anymore. yadda yadda yadda...shall I go on?

 

The Bronco with its short 105" wheelbase, and also the small additional weight of top and glass in back makes it close to 50/50 weight distribution front/back. I don't think a pickup is going to match that perfect weight distribution for 4WD without a traction weight in the bed.

If you take the top off and look at the side view, the Bronco is really stubby. Can see why the weight distribution is so good then.

 

If we are just sticking to the orginal question:
Sorry, i'm not the one to ask - i've never owned but one regular ford 4x4 pick-up and gave it up, won't do that with a bronco(give it up)

 

One further comment that was touched on earlier. Breakover angle! Approach angle is the same as the F-series but the breakover angle and departure angle are both worse. In tight spaces that wheel base will get you through where the longer pickup won't (or will at least have to be backed up and repositioned). Oh, and I'd much rather pull my spare from inside the cabin or off the tailgate carrier if I got a flat in the middle of a muddy trail. And the only way you will go wheeling with four adults in comfort and safety is in a Bronco. (Adding the extended or crew cab to the pickup only serves to worsen the earlier points of concern).