basic Bronco questions
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basic Bronco questions
I just found this website and am very impressed with the knowledge and willingness to help displayed here. I am pretty new to Ford, I have always been a Jeep guy and just sold my last CJ7 to get a bigger truck and I have always been partial to Broncos. I will be doing most of my driving on pavement but will be doing some four wheeling in the Colorado Rockies. What I am looking for is some basic advice, without getting too technical.
I really like the body style of the 78-79 Bronco and am trying to find out more about them:
1. Engine choices: From what I understand, 351M or 400 is it. Given how the truck is going to be used, which would be better? Somebody told me that they had a 79 with a 351C. Is he full of it, or could this have been a rebuild?
2. Transmission: Were both the 351 and 400 available with manual or auto? I drove an 86 with the four speed and really like the granny first. Was this transmission available from 78-86? Are there any inherent problems with either tranny I should be aware of?
Unfortunatly there are not many decent 78-79's around, most seem to be too expensive, too rusted out, or just too tired. I don't want to spend a lot of money right off the bat on repairs. So, I'm also looking at up to 1986. Which brings up more engine questions:
What is the difference between the 351M and the 351W? Preferences? Was the 351M not available after 79? Is the 351HO (starting in 83) just a Windsor with a 4bbl carb? How much of a performance boost could I expect from putting a 4bbl on an otherwise stock 351W or M?
I guess I'm just looking for some personal perspectives on what people have had good luck with, what they like the best and why. Thanks!!!
I really like the body style of the 78-79 Bronco and am trying to find out more about them:
1. Engine choices: From what I understand, 351M or 400 is it. Given how the truck is going to be used, which would be better? Somebody told me that they had a 79 with a 351C. Is he full of it, or could this have been a rebuild?
2. Transmission: Were both the 351 and 400 available with manual or auto? I drove an 86 with the four speed and really like the granny first. Was this transmission available from 78-86? Are there any inherent problems with either tranny I should be aware of?
Unfortunatly there are not many decent 78-79's around, most seem to be too expensive, too rusted out, or just too tired. I don't want to spend a lot of money right off the bat on repairs. So, I'm also looking at up to 1986. Which brings up more engine questions:
What is the difference between the 351M and the 351W? Preferences? Was the 351M not available after 79? Is the 351HO (starting in 83) just a Windsor with a 4bbl carb? How much of a performance boost could I expect from putting a 4bbl on an otherwise stock 351W or M?
I guess I'm just looking for some personal perspectives on what people have had good luck with, what they like the best and why. Thanks!!!
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Indiana
basic Bronco questions
In the 78-79 the 400 is the best choice. It makes a lot more torque than the 351M. And you can feel the difference too. No worse on gas either. The C-6 automatic trans is a very strong transmission. The 4 speed is good too. Myself I prefer the C-6 but thats just a matter of opinion. I had plenty of 4 speeds in the past, so its not like I've never driven one. Shifting at 40 something isn't as fun as when you were 20 something 
. You will like the big Bronco's, they are good vehicles. Strong drivetrains. 83 or 84 and back have the stronger 9" rear end. I have owned several. They will turn on a dime for a big vehicle. If you go with a newer Bronco you want to look for the 351W. I know I'll probably hear about it, but the 302 just isn't quite enough for that heavy of a vehicle. There again speaking from "my" experience only. I've had them both. The older ones 78-79 handle better with the straight axle under the front. Good luck! Like I said though you will like these Bronco's!!
. You will like the big Bronco's, they are good vehicles. Strong drivetrains. 83 or 84 and back have the stronger 9" rear end. I have owned several. They will turn on a dime for a big vehicle. If you go with a newer Bronco you want to look for the 351W. I know I'll probably hear about it, but the 302 just isn't quite enough for that heavy of a vehicle. There again speaking from "my" experience only. I've had them both. The older ones 78-79 handle better with the straight axle under the front. Good luck! Like I said though you will like these Bronco's!!
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Indiana
basic Bronco questions
Oh yes Seth, there were no 351C's that came stock in these vehicles. The one you mentioned could have been transplanted though. There were no factory Clevelands in any trucks as far as I know. Hope I helped you some.
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basic Bronco questions
Thanks for the info Superdave!! I'm actually going out tomorrow to look at several and have an appointment at my favorite mechanic on Monday to have him check one over. I will keep your statements in mind while shopping!
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basic Bronco questions
Good Luck Seth!
FYI, I have a 78 Bronco with the 351M, and rsuted rear whell arches and lower gate, of course!
My best advice is to do what you are doing with a mechanic to check out the drivetrain, engine, tranny, etc.
I have one that is all re-bulit in the dricetrain area, but the surface rust scares most away from buying it. Most guys seem to want a perfect body for $1200. lol~ One wanted it ofr $10..lol he bought an 85 with a perfect body for $3000. He told me there are "better buys" out there. He called me last week and said he was sorry because the engine is smoking and it needs a complete dana44 repair as well as nearly everything else.
FYI,, here is what I am selling so you have an idea of what is available and can judge prices better.1978 Bronco; 351 M; 4 speed; Ranger. 153K miles; Very good engine, tranny, case and diff! New custom driveshaft for 4" Superlift suspension lift. No leaks!
New or rebuilt: starter, alternator, brake cylinders, fuel pump, ignition controller, distributor rebuilt, etc. Rusted and dented tailgate lower edge and rear wheel arches.
South`Jersey.
miesk5@rcn.com
FYI, I have a 78 Bronco with the 351M, and rsuted rear whell arches and lower gate, of course!
My best advice is to do what you are doing with a mechanic to check out the drivetrain, engine, tranny, etc.
I have one that is all re-bulit in the dricetrain area, but the surface rust scares most away from buying it. Most guys seem to want a perfect body for $1200. lol~ One wanted it ofr $10..lol he bought an 85 with a perfect body for $3000. He told me there are "better buys" out there. He called me last week and said he was sorry because the engine is smoking and it needs a complete dana44 repair as well as nearly everything else.
FYI,, here is what I am selling so you have an idea of what is available and can judge prices better.1978 Bronco; 351 M; 4 speed; Ranger. 153K miles; Very good engine, tranny, case and diff! New custom driveshaft for 4" Superlift suspension lift. No leaks!
New or rebuilt: starter, alternator, brake cylinders, fuel pump, ignition controller, distributor rebuilt, etc. Rusted and dented tailgate lower edge and rear wheel arches.
South`Jersey.
miesk5@rcn.com
