My son found a 79 Bronco that he's interested in buying (read: obsessed ), but I'd like some of your opinions before we would buy it.

I would appreciate some serious comments from RKI's on the below information:

Supposidly the owner has installed a "part time kit" and had the "203 transfer kit re-built". Please try to explaine why this would have been done, and if it's in the best interest of the vehicle. Can a 205 be installed w/ no problems at a later date?

The Bronco was originally purachased by the present owner's father (looks like a base model)and it has about 270,000 miles on it. However, it had a long-block engine rebuild (400 cid) & C-6 tranny rebuild about 70,000 miles ago. The 203 transfer case was rebuilt about 35,000 miles ago.

From what I understand, everything "works" including the back window.

The body is in OK condition - there's some rust (unknown where & how much at this time), but supposidly not too bad.

The asking price is $1,500

I feel that the owner has been up-front with my son, in explaining the condition of the vehicle, etc. My son has just got the "bug" very, very bad to own a Bronco to work on and improve with some mods and have to play around with - not so much as a daily driver, but it could end up that way.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this "book" and utilize your knowledge in making helpful comments.

 

i feel thats a good price for a stout rig. a 205 can be swapped in later no problem.
i think the tcase was redone due to the engine/tranny being done which later took its toll on the tcase. great rig to learn on and lots of fun to drive. what mods if any were done to the motor and is the c6 a stock rebuild or does it have a shiftkit. also has this been driven by you and your son?

 

We haven't driven it yet - it's about a 4 hour drive away from us. I'm trying to justify making the drive; if it's worth it or not.

So, to answer your ? about "mods" - I think it has a 2" or 4" taller front spring & an "add-a-leaf" kit to the back, it has front & rear pipe bumpers similar to what was popular back in the late 70's, a light bar w/ 5 KC (looking) lights.

Don't know about the "shift kit" for the C6 tranny - just assumed it was stock rebuild. Good question though.

 

That tranny/engine combo is great. They should both go a very long time without any work. expect 10-14 miles per gallon fuel economy (prob around 11-12.) Thats not a bad price for that truck. They are very tough trucks. also if you wanted to go to a 205 t-case there souldent be any problem there. Good Luck!

 

is a 79 series what your looking for or maybe something newer. 1500 for a running 4wd is a ok price if you see dropping money into that year or maybe something newer for a little more its the big ? if you feel comfortable with it go for it but 4 hour drive don't drive it haul it 8 hours on the road without a breakdown and buying is enough thrill in one day of a bronco. good luck and do what "you" want

 

Yes, the 78-79 series is the one we're after.

If we do decide "this is the one" - after we get some pic's and a bit more info, I'm gonna try to get the guy to meet me half way. So if the vehicle makes the 2-hr. journey OK - no problems, then that will be some "reliability" proof there, also.

thanks, so far.

 

Is your soon good at fixing things? I ask because since I bought my 78 I have turned into quite the mechanic lol. Definetaly a great style the 78-79. I paid just a little more for mine, but it had quite alot done to it and hadnt only a couple thousand miles on it since a total rebuild. However, the last 3 years have uncovered alot of things, like the aparent lack of primer underneath most the paint job this guy had done, along with alot of brake problems and chronic u-joint issues. But I'll tell you... I plan on owning my Broc for a long time!

 

SON talkin:
I've been using my dad's name on here a while now(here and there)and thinking of getting my own, but until I get a new truck I might Keep using his.
I was wondering what transfer case did all Bronco's come with from the factory? Was it a 203, 205, or either one? The guy said the Bronco has a part time kit. I read in some old Bronco brochures that the truck would come with full or part time 4wd,(now does that mean if you get FULL time you get a 205 and if you get PART time you get a 203??), so I'm guessing thats converting a full time 4wd to part, but not sure, could use some help here.
I've always heard a 205 was a lot better than the chain driven 203, but why does it have a 203??, and is it tough enough to do fairly hard off road use? I WILL be mudding alot when I get a chance after I get it and lift it, gear and lock it, put some 15x10 Mickey Thomsons and some 36'' Super Swamper Irocs, and put headers and pipes. Later I would plan on puting a bedliner from the front floor pan the the tailgate, a nice paint job, and water profing the whole rig(electrical, intake, etc).
Thanks for any comments
Matt

 

the 203 was more common on 1/2ton rigs, while the 205 was 3/4 -1ton. also the 205 is gear driven which is why its stronger. the part time kit might just be different front hubs or something done internal to the tcase. its a good rig to start on thats for sure.

late

 

I was thinking that full time used 203's and part time used 205's (atleast all the ones I have seen). I know the 205 is pretty much bullet proof, not sure about the 203 though. From what I have heard the swap is pretty easy if you ever need to switch. The only thing I am not sure of is if the two units have different lengths... which would in turn mean you need a longer or shorter driveshaft. Would have to look into that to be sure if they are different or not in that respect.

If you do get the rig we'll have to keep in touch... I got big plans for my bronc and I am sure we could swap ideas and information...

 

78bigbronco, and everyone else, thanks for your input so far.

Talked to the owner last night and he says that there a "pin hole" rust spot at one of the wind shield (top) corners, the other couple rust areas are small & along the bottom of the body - in the normal areas.

One of the small triangular swing-out "vents" is missing from the door window. Anyone ever replaced one of these? How much trouble?

Stopped by the local 4x4 shop yesterday and talked this purchase (vehicle condition) over with the head guy - he's got 9 broncos, and he was positive about it. Which makes me more positive also since this would be our first 4x4.

Unless we see something that says DONT BUY, I think we're gonna try to make the deal this weekend.

 

Got the pictures - having a 1977 F100 in very, very good shape, I'd say this 1979 Bronco is in good condition. Very light rust spots along very bottom of doors, one small area above rt. rear wheel well. The front bench seats are replaced w/ some bucket seats that match the rear seats & interior. So, my hopes are high.

 

The 203 IS a fulltime case and the 205 is part time. If you intend to do a lot of mudding, then I would suggest swapping in a 205. You'll break the 203 some time, but probably not until after you cam up that 400 or you drop in a 460.

 

sounds like you are speaking from experience, would you mind expanding on your comment.

This would be my first experience with a 400, and from what I've heard they don't like the high-end of the RPM range.

 

The owner converted the front axle hubs to part-time (the 203 is full-time 4x4) to increase fuel economy and decrease wear and tear. The 203 is chain driven, while the 205 is gear driven.

Is just the vent glass missing or is the entire assembly missing? I don't know if the glass can be replaced, but exchanging another assembly involves removing the door panel and the vent assembly bolts/screws (you can also remove the lower window trim to make removal/insertion easier). It'll take a bit of manuevering to remove the lower assembly tab (where the bolt was removed), but it should come out without hassle.

Buy the Haynes/Chiltons/Ford Shop manuals to make working on the truck mush easier.

Try posting the truck pics to your gallery so others can give their opinions/feedback.

Good luck,

Chris