Thinking about buying a Bronco
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Skyway, WA
Thinking about buying a Bronco
I'm looking at a 78-79 Bronco minus a 351M motor. Seller took motor for a pickup he's building. It has a 4sp and very straight body. It's not full time 4x4, it has a transfer case shift lever. I think he said it has a 4" lift. I've been playing with dentside 2WD pickups. I don't have much knowledge about transfer cases. I don't go off road, but would appreciate traction when it snows. My questions would be, what should I look for (or look out for) with this era Bronco, and also what kinds of engines can be bolted in. I know many had 351M-400 and 460s and I think I've heard of 300's. Did these ever come with 302's? Are there engine towers or issues putting in a 351W? What about putting in a spare 390 I have? Are there engine perches and motor mounts for this conversion? I know about bellhousing pattern matchups. Can I easily swap in the appropriate bellhousing if I go with a windsor or FE motor? What would be involved in un-lifting the body?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,299
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From: The Vieux Ford, Kansas
I am pretty sure these only came with the 351M/400 but with a bellhousing and engine tower swap you could run just about what ever you wanted. The engine towers out of an F-150 should work if you want to go to an 300 and the ones you have should work with a small block if you cut the front of the slot about 3/8 bigger. If you want to run your 390 you will need engine towers for the 300 and the right bell housing. I just recently put a small block in my 79 F250 and it was pretty much a bolt in deal, the exhaust was the most difficult part. You will need to make sure the radiator inlet and outlet are correct as well.
-Johnboy
-Johnboy
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