Early Bronco shopping?? Need Help Please
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bel Air, MD
Early Bronco shopping?? Need Help Please
I have been looking for an early Bronco for awhile now. What was the largest engine that came in them? Is there any years better than others to start with? All I keep finding is total rust buckets in my area. "Maryland" So I'm come to the conclusion that I will have to buy one from a southern state. To narrow this down some this is what I'm looking for. Full convertable,V-8, auto, and factory A/C.. What years was this offered? Spring is here, ready to buy one. I'm coming here for advice, because I know you guys will put me in the right direction. Sorry so long, Dan
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Alabama
The 76 and 77 come with disc brakes.302 was the largest stock engine.A/T and P/S started in 73 and none came with factory air since it was a dealer added option and all have the removeable top.Hope this helps and good luck with your search.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bel Air, MD
70bluebronco, Thanks for your help, it sounds like I want to look for 73-77? Didn't know air wasn't a factory option. I just saw some in ads w/ac. Is the air ducted with the heat or is it a separate unit? Still learning all opinions are welcome....
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Alabama
Some of the aftermarket air units do have short ducts but most I have seen are a console unit all in one piece.Try to find the newest evaporator section you can because after 20 years copper tubing tends to leak.Also after all these years you can find a 66 model with air and auto trans someone has installed later years parts but yes 73-77 is a good start point,just check for rust inside on floors and bottom of truck.Hope you find a good one.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bel Air, MD
Thanks guys, Is there any years to stay away from? "Problems" I have been looking at pics and I really don't see any years that I don't like. Did the body styles change much. I mean yr to yr. Interchangeable parts?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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They added some chrome and side reflectors over the years and 77s got fuel doors instead of caps. I like the look of the newer ones. Try to buy as late as you can. 76/77s had the y steering linkage that you will want to get rid of especially if you lift it but it should not discourage you from buying one.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bel Air, MD
broncobran68, that is one bad Bronco.. Alot of my buddy's have Jeeps, I just can't lower myself to that level..lol Thats what I tell them atleast. My F-250 won't fit where they go and I'm NOT taking the Expy in the woods. Can't wait till I can find one worth buying. Its warming up, I need a covertable at the beach.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Alabama
dk5122 I have a 73 that is for sale in Alabama.Needs some body work and a few odds and ends but it is lifted and has 35s already and it takes a picture to see the work done on the chassis.Interested let me know.
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From: Alabama
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Joined: Mar 2004
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In a y-linkage the drag link runs to the passenger side knuckle and then a tie rod runs between the drivers side steering knuckle. When the distance between the pitman arm and the axle increases the tires toe in. It is used on TTB suspensions too. It doesn't like big lifts or big tires.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Colville
the only year s I would stay away from is the 66-67 for door parts reasons.
68 still had vacume wipers.
69-70-71 still had Dana 30 front axels
72 to 73 still had manual steering
through 75 some still had small bearing rear axels
so the best years without a doubt are the 76-77.
the only undesireable options on the 76,77 are the inveted Y steering linkage, ane the J shift transfercase.
AND THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE TO THE NEWER BRONCOS IS EMMISIONS.
I can do any thing to My 68 and never have to have it tested.
Washington state now has a one time life time lisensing fee for 30 year old vehicles.
No more buying stickers.
68 still had vacume wipers.
69-70-71 still had Dana 30 front axels
72 to 73 still had manual steering
through 75 some still had small bearing rear axels
so the best years without a doubt are the 76-77.
the only undesireable options on the 76,77 are the inveted Y steering linkage, ane the J shift transfercase.
AND THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE TO THE NEWER BRONCOS IS EMMISIONS.
I can do any thing to My 68 and never have to have it tested.
Washington state now has a one time life time lisensing fee for 30 year old vehicles.
No more buying stickers.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,162
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From: House Springs, MO
I'd have to agree with everything so far. Fear not the front drum brake setup; incredibly simple to switch over to disc. You can also take out the 289/302 and throw in a 351W. Fits like a champ. I also modified min to have a C-6 and 205 with a little modification. Gonna be a little difficult to find a rust free one, but there are plenty of aftermarket part available in either fiberglass or steel.