Howdy Bronco folks. I'm a with a '91 F150 & a '01 cop car. Just bought the truck recently & am considering selling / trading the car. Have been considering a 4WD & like the looks of the " new " Broncos. I'm sure some of the folks who have the older original ones will disagree with me, but I think these look better. Just wondering what years did they make this body style & are there any particular things to watch out for if I do get one? Want a V-8, preferably a 351. Have always been a FORD fan at heart even if I have owned other stuff. Refuse to even consider any type of shstartrolet or japan product. Any suggestions / advice will be appreciated. I've said this before & I'll say it again because it's worth repeating, !!

 

I'm assuming by new and old, you're comparing the EB (early bronco) made from '66 - '77, and the FSB (full size bronco) made from '78 - '96?

If so, fortunately, the "new" and the "old" Broncos fall in to two completely different categories of off-roader 4x4s, so it's not like you're turning your back on one to get the other.

As with most Broncos, rust is the biggest problem (although nothing like the Chevy Blazers). It's usually in the fender wells, or the tailgate. ALL FSBs had a 351 available, but there were two different ones available. 78 to around 82 (I think) had the 351M, which was a big block, and 80ish on to 96 had the 351 that's a small block. They're completely unrelated. The small block one had 3 versions. A 2bbl carb (about 130 - 150hp), a 4bbl H.O. (around 200hp), and fuel injected (around 210hp).

Lastly, the FSB falls into 4 different body styles. 78 - 79 is in a class of it's own, since it had a solid front axle and looks like the old (but awesome) 70s Ford trucks. Then 80 - 86 had the full chrome front, 87 - 91 had the flat fronted euro look, and 92 - 96 had the rounded "modern" look. To each his own.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes I was comparing the " original " Bronco with the later / larger version. Have not paid a lot of attention to them over the years, I do remember when they changed to the larger & that is what I think looks better. The ones that looked like a pickup ( F150 - 350 ) from the front end. Would prefer a fuel injected Windsor ( Old Rusty is fuel injected 302 ). While a Cleveland would be nice, they didn't make them with fuel injection. Prefer to stay with a small block. What are some of the things to watch out for? Have no experience with 4WD. Basically all I know is that you have to use the same size tires front & rear along with the same gears, otherwise you'll tear it up. Difference between manual / auto. locking hubs, etc. I'm totally lost. Which is better, easier to work on, more likely to have problems, etc. Please be gentle, I'm still a here on . Found it by accident looking for some parts / info. for Old Rusty. Very glad I did, have joined & become a supporter since finding it. Is there someplace that shows the different body styles & breaks them down by year(s)?

 

Later Broncos have many good things to them, including the EFI, wich is pretty much bulletproof, and will save you a lot of time at tune-ups. You'll only miss the front rear axle if even (i don't, and i have off-roaded a lot, just not anything too HC).

If you get the electric locking hubs, those will have to go (about 90$ for the pair, and maybe some special tool for around 15$, easily doable).

 

Big Bronco Frequently Asked Questions

Check that site out.

Wikipedia also has some good information on the Bronco, along with the different front ends.

Ford Bronco - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Yeah, the older broncos are in a completely different class. They're like little nimble jeeps where as the full sized is a passenger vehicle for the off-road. I know I'd be comfortable in mine cruising cross country, but I don't think I would in an EB. (Of course, I'd still love to have one.)

Manual hubs are preferred over auto hubs for off-roading since the autos can be fail prone. The only difference being is you have to get out of the vehicle to change the hubs. Personally, I find that part of the experience, so I love it.

 

Thanks, started to read the FAQs ( of course I found it after posting my questions. Part of being a . ). Checked out your garage / story. Was shocked to see a 6 banger in there. Everybody that has one swears by them, just always been a V-8 fan myself. Like the price you paid, get it running & you can have it.

 

Yup, I love the big six. It's perfect for an off-road engine. Lots of low end torque, low RPM, lugging, dependability, simplicity, etc... Also, fuel mileage in the high teens / low twenties is great when you don't want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

 

Just checked the Wikapedia section. Like the looks of the 2nd generation ( 1st big Bronco ) & the 4th. 5th generation isn't a bad looking vehicle either ( am I supposed to call them trucks or what? ). Leaning toward a '91 or so since Old Rusty is a '91. I'm figuring a lot of parts would be the same.

 

Most parts throughout each of the main body style changes (66-77 / 78-79 / 80-96) are interchangeable. Meaning, many parts from an '80 will swap onto a '96 and visa versa. There are SOME differences, but they're mostly cosmetic interior and exterior, and then based on what engine, transmission, etc.

 

That's good info to know. Thanks again. You are helping prove what I always say, !! Appreciate the patience with a computer illiterate .