I would like to know what to do. I have two choices to chose from and would like some help on this matter. What is the best year of Bronco to chose from (EB or Later version)? Im looking at a 74 Sport with some good mods already done for about 3.5k. I also am looking at a 79 Full Size Bronco for about the same price and same mods. What is the direction I need to go in?

Thanks in advance,

Hoot

 

Hootie,

it really depends on what you want in a truck. I am a fan of both vehicles myself. I have owned 2 EB's and my grandfather owned a '79. What I can relate is:
EB strengths-
Small, can get in more places than the bigger one.
Excellent 4x4, a jeep is no match IMHO.
Parts are READILY available. Engines are common. HP stuff no prob.
3 choices as to configure-wagon, truck, roadster.
Very tough and very simple. and unbeatable combination.

EB Weaknesses-
being light, they're not good to tow with.
s/m is pricey, body tub=what you'd pay for another EB
early EB's had some questionable drivetrain parts
limited options, creature comforts, interior is spartan.Hope your friends aren't large people, or many of them.
Very rust-prone


'78-'79 strengths-
Not very common, nice ones are truly unique.
Bigger=safer
More comfortable interiors. Quieter, A/C available, etc.
engines, with just a little tweaking, are VERY powerful.
Tough as nails drivetrain. You WILL break something else first.
Can tow ANYthing.

'78-'79 weaknesses
A serious THIRST for fuel due to higher weight
Very rust prone
Parts, especially s/m, ALOT harder to find, due to limited year availability.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Maybe that can give a little direction. Hope it helps!

Chuck

 

I agree with Chuck, except for the parts being harder to find for the 79. In terms of mechanical parts, you should have no problems at all finding at your local part store. The back half of the body is another story; the front end is interchangeable with the pickups.

 

I don't necessarily agree with Chuck on driveline of EB's. The 70 1/2 through 77 EB's had Dana 44's and all had 9" rear ends. Guess what? so does the 78 and 79. If anything, the EB's would be stronger because axles aren't as wide. While the Dana 20 does not really compare to the NP205, you gotta admit the NP205 is really overkill. The c4 is no more unreliable in the EB than the c6 is in the full size. And why would parts be harder to find? There were almost as many 78-79's produced in 2 years as the entire 12 year production run of EB's. The 78-79's share so much with pickups that parts should never be a problem. Well, anyway, it just depends on what your ultimate goal is with the machine, ultimate trail, go with EB. If your goal is comfort, towing ability, or having a big block with 38's or 40's, then go full size. Thanks, Mike

1966 Bronco, 2000 F150 supercab

 

Actually there are differences between a full size Bronco Dana 44 and the EB 44. The EB uses a 260 ujoint which is the same as the Dana 30, where the full size uses a larger 297 joint.

While they both use 9" rear ends, the full size has larger 31 spline axles. And with the exception of the '77 have stronger, reinforced housings.

All of this can be upgraded, of course.

The C6 is much stronger than the C4. This is why they don't make a C4 with a 429-460 bellhousing.

Aftermarket support is very good for both of them. Drivetrain parts are readily available. And there are many sources for new and used body and interior pieces.

Jason

 

If you are looking at the 74 compared to a 78-79, keep in mind some things. For one, the 74 is still a drum brake front end. Watch for rust in the door pillar area of the 74. this can be expensive to fix. and difficult. On the good side, the 74 will probably be worth more than a comparable 78-79. I hope the 74 is not a 200 6 cyl. If it is, run away. I favor the EB's. They don't look like every other truck running down the road.
Mike
1966 Bronco
2000 F150 Supercab

 

Okay, then....
Let me be more specific. I was refering to the EB 66-701/2 having a Dana 30 Front-end. Not very strong.

I have seen lots of problems with the joints on the '44 as well, as was mentioned.

And as Christop43 caught on, It's the sheet metal, back glass, tailgate, etc. that is hard to find due to limited avaiability on the '78-'79.

Man, you guys are sharp here!!!

And I thought the EB guys were sleepin' out there....

Chuck

 

Actually, the Dana 44 came out in mid 71, but who's counting:P

Jason

 

What would an ultimate 66-77 have to have to be the ultimate? What would an ultimate 78-79 have to be the best? Just wondering, because I have a ton of parts for the 76 F-250...extra np435's, np205's, 429, 390, and c6 trannies. You can never have too many parts.

I'm wanting a all around daily driver that is awesome in all areas that if I want to throw the kids and the lab in the back and go to the lake...I can go....towing the boat and still look cool doing it. Make me a an awesome bronco.

1965 F100 Custom Cab
1976 F250 4x4 highboy
1986 Chev***** S-10 Blazer 4x4
2002 Mercury Mountaineer AWD
Wanting "66-79 Project Bronco"

 

For what you are wanting, the full size would probably fit your needs better. The EB is a little tight for much more than a kid and the dog. And the full size Bronco will handle towing a boat easier because of the wheelbase.

As for the buildup, mild to wild, its your choice.

XLT model, AC, tilt, factory cruise.
429 or 460, (go with the 460, they're plentiful and you might as well have the extra inches),
C6 or 435, its a matter of preference. I like manuals myself, but the C6 is about as strong as they come. More comfortable to drive everyday.
Already has the right drivetrain (205, 44, 9") unless you are into the hardcore stuff.
A softride lift, no more than 4". 35's
Gotta have a Detroit Locker in the back if you're going to wheel it.
plus it makes the steep, slippery boat ramps a snap.

Jason

 

I have both a 79 and a 74. For your needs I would go with the 79. If you go 78-79 the differences are 78 did not need smog equipment. As 79 did. 78 drivelines had 3.5in 1310 series u joint. The 79 uses 3 7/8in 1330 series u joint. The 78 was classified and a heavyduty truck thats why it not needed smog. The 79 was a light duty so came the smog. They both use the same basic suspension execpt its bigger for the 78-79. The 74 is a great trail rig. Not that bad on the street except for the shortwheel base with a rear detroit.