Need lots of advice. I want a 4wd something for the farm, commuting, some light towing (firewood, cycles), occasional trips. I prefer fords. I'm big (6'4, 270), need room, want to haul passengers occasionally, and want to keep fuel costs down. I know a little about 78-79s (solid front axle appeals for simplicity, reliability), and I've been researching Bronco IIs (I fit, but the back seat would be useless). In the process, I've been chatting with johnboy_boomersooner about his 85 Bronco, and believe now one of these may work better overall for my needs.
What years was the 300/4.9 (always liked 'em) available? when did efi become available? What is a good web source for axle and tranny codes, something I can study beforehand? What transfer cases were used? part time/full time? Was the e4od (NOT AOD) offered, and when? I prefer a stick, but want overdrive, and I've heard some of the stick od's available on fords weren't very durable - which one(s) were? If none, then were the t18/19s and np435 offered? Any stories/kudos/warnings about the twin traction beam?
This is a tallllll order. Any advice offered will be appreciated

 

Im not sure about the 300 but the EFI became available for the 302 in 85. And from what I have heard, the C-6 tranny is damn near bullet proof. Hopefully someone else will reply in here with more info.

 

hey man, not soo much a tall order, nothing is wrong with teh ttb front suspention. the I6 i believe was available until the early 90's i believe. the 5 speed behind that is the m50d transmission. it is the only overdrive overdrive manual ever offered in teh bronco. the zf's where only in teh f250's an up. but the m50d will be great behinf the I 6 w/ light towing. and they arnt that rare. the 302 motors also came with the m50d(my own setup) and i didnt have any problems w/ teh trans and i drive on the beach. there is minor maintnence required to keep them from leaking, but that is all. as long as your not towing a large travel trailor every weekend 100 miles, it should be fine. the 351 never came w/ the m50d, that i know of, i could be wrong. but i believe it came w/ the e4od. i'm not too firmilliar w/ the autos, all i know is the c6 has no overdrive and the aod was kinda a problem for ford. i'm not sure about the e40d. keep looking on ebay and autotrader and find a deal. go w/ the I6. it will ask for ever, and you will be able to find one reletivly cheap. dont let 100+ miles discourage you. the motor will last 250k w/out a rebuild. good luck...-doug-