I've always loved the early broncos, and am looking at purchasing one in the next year or so. This will be just one of many questions i'll ask just to learn as much as i can about these. I've looked at JBG pictures of the broncos they have there. heres the question: There are many different models, Roadster, Pickup, Sport and Baja, im sure there are more. They have a few that are Bronco Wagons, and one thats a Bronco Sport Wagon. Are all considered Wagons, or are those different models? And if there is a difference between like a Bronco Sport and Bronco Sport Wagon, what is it?
Thanks.

 

There are three different body styles of EB.

From '66-'72 you could get the pick-up version (half-cab)

From '66-'72 you could get the roadster version(no top or doors)

From '66-'77 the wagon was available (most common version)

Those were the only body "styles". Now as far as the models go:

'66-'77 basic Bronco
'67-72 the Bronco Sport was available
'73-'74 the Bronco Explorer package was available
'75-77 the Bronco Ranger package was available

The Sport, Explorer, and Ranger versions were just upgraded with desireable options such as, power steering, disk brakes, bright trim, carpet, etc.

These are by no means definitive. I've seen '74 Bronco Sports as well. These are just some guidelines.

Now there was a "tuner" (ie. Eddie Bauer-ish) Bronco available called the Stroppe Baja Bronco.
This is a very rare Bronco that pristine models today are going for around 25,000. It was set-up by the Baja 1000 winning race shop of Bill Stroppe to be particularly adept off-road. It addressed some of the Bronco's "shortcomings" with upgraded equipment. If you have one, the value will only go up and it's worth restoring no matter what shape it's in.

There was also a special model roadster version from Ford called the Bronco Sportsman.UUUGGGLLLEEEEE!

A couple more facts:

*1977 was the most common year with 30,700 units built.
1975 is the least common year with 13,200

*The '74 Bronco was the only year where the emissions equipment solely consisted of PCV!

*There was a mower deck available from dealers for the Bronco that was run off a PTO from the T-case! Though I've never seen or heard of a Bronco with that installed.

Chuck

 

Chuck, thanks for the info. I've got some more questions...I would like to find a bronco from atleast 71 or newer, for the front dana 44, but am leaning towards maybe a 76 or 77 for the disc breaks, even though i know they make conversion kits for that. I found a website that shows what broncos came with in each year

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dyna...oncochart.html

Looking at that brought up 3 more questions.
For the transfer case shifter, some had a T-Handle shifter, and then they went to a J-Shifter. Whats the difference in those?

Steering linkage went from a T linkage to a Inv. Y. Whats the difference in those, which ones better?

And the ingnition went from a Points ingnition to a Breakrls(guessing thats shorten) Ignition to a Duraspk Ignition. Whats the differences in those.

If someone could explain those to me, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Well......

I once had a '74. I wanted a newer one to get disk brakes and power steering myself. So I know what you mean. I now have a '77 ranger that has been converted to a roadster.

On the shifters- The J-shifter type replaced the T-handle due to the difficulty of shifting in and out of 4-wheel drive. The dana 20 is tough, but it's not the easiest shifting t-case. Unfortunately, the J-shifter worked great ...new. As it gets older and the "shift mechanism" wears, it gets harder to shift. They make repair kits for the t-handle type (bushings, i believe) but nothing is available for the J-type. I fixed mine myself with some nickel-alloy welding to prevent future wear.

Regarding the steering linkage, Ford switched over to the y-type because....I don't know. The general consensus is that the y-type is more vulnerable to off-roading mishaps(more easily damaged) than the t-type. Something about lifts too. Maybe the y-type is harder to lift. I see that as a problem only if you're a "hard-core" off-roader. Maybe someone else here can shed some additional light. Rcrawler knows these things pretty good....

Breakerless ignition was Ford's first electronic ignition. For power, mileage, and ease of Maint.(none) it's better. However.... when it quits, it quits. Points-type ignition CAN be nursed home. I know.The Dura-spark was an upgraded electronic ignition. Same deal as the first but more reliable.

There really aren't any bad years of EB. Each has it's pluses and minuses. When I started looking for another I took the same route you are. I decided what I wanted and only looked for those years. But no matter what you get, they're all like pizza. Even when they're bad, they're still pretty good!

Hope this helps some! I envy you looking for your first EB. Welcome to the money pit!

Chuck

 

Chuck

I want to say thank you for all your answers. Im pretty new to this site, but i love it so much because of people like you who are willing to help out others in there search of bronco answers. Have to laugh about the money pit line.......Im working on a 79 bronco right now! My father had a 82 that was shot, but the frame was good, so he threw a 79 body onto it. So I have a 79 Bronco with a TTB But we might have found another 78 or 79 to get a front solid axle. The body might be shot, and we know it doesn't have a engine or tranny. we haven't gotten to look at it yet, but im tempted to throw my 79 body on it and have a solid axle like I should. The one we've been working on, we put a 302 HO in it, but the tranny's shot, so we'd have to get a tranny anyways. This is gonna be my mudding truck. I want to get a EB for my daily driver. I've got it all planned out in my head, but thats different than actually doing it!
Thanks again for making this the Best Ford Forum.

Project Bronco79

 

I think Chuck covered all the bases. I'll just add some of my thoughts.

The Explorer package was available from 72-77. The Sport package was available all the way through 77. The Ranger was available from 73-77. But there was some crossover. For example, you could have a '74 Ranger with a Sport package.
So like Chuck said, there's nothing set in stone.

The J shift transfer case came about in late 72 because of some patent issues between Ford and Dana. The shifter was the most noticeable change, but there are some internal differences between the 2 including low range ratio (T shift- 2.46, J shift- 2.34). The T shifter has a push button handle on it that looks like an automatic shift and looks like a "T". The J shifter gets its name because the shift pattern resembles a backwards "J".

The steering linkage was changed in '76 with the introduction of disc brakes. Both 76-77 pickups and Broncos used this linkage. They went back to the T linkage in 78. The biggest problem with the inverted Y steering is that as the suspension cycles it changes the toe in slightly. This can cause bumpsteer and vague handling. This problem is compounded when it is lifted. The standard 66-75 T linkage can't be swapped because the tie rod mounting is spaced wider on the disc brake knuckles. Some of the Bronco specialty shops sell a conversion T linkage for a 76-77.

A couple of tips that I have when looking to buy one:
RUST!!! There are some common places to look for rust; floorboards, inner fenders, kick panels, doors, tailgates, door posts, hardtop channels. Double check modifications and changes. With the interchangeability through the years, what is there might not be what's supposed to be. Like a '77 with a early Dana 30 front end with drums and a small bearing, small housing rearend and manual steering because someone wanted the more desireable parts. So do some research and know what your looking at before you buy. But don't rule out the earlier stuff that doesn't have the options you want. You can sometimes build one and add what you want and come out cheaper than if you started with one that is already equipped.
I have a '69 with disc brakes, power steering, power brakes that I have much less into than if I were to try to buy a '77 that already had those parts



Jason

 

Project Bronco 79,

See what I mean, Jason (Rcrawler) knows more of the nuts and bolts issues than I do.

Excellent post Jason!

I didn't know about the T-case shifter and steering linkage myself. Very interesting.

Like he said, I think rust is the biggest problem you have to look for.

For example, my truck has the 302, c-4, dana 44, Ranger model, disc brakes, power steering, power brakes, dual tanks, and the like.

The trans was recently rebuilt, the engine is brand new and mechanically it's done 'cept for details.

But the body is shot. There is not one single panel other than the bed floor and the trans tunnel that is not EAT UP with rust. I will probably have about 500-700 in replacement panels and my own labor not included. Still, I can't afford a body kit 2800? That's way more than the panels.

I don't complain though. I only paid 1500 for the truck. Just a lot of work to get her right.

Jason's right, if you find one at your price and a good body, the rest is just details. Build it like you want it. Conversion kits are a plenty!

you are quite welcome for the help.
If ya have more questions post 'em here!

Good luck bud

Chuck

'77 Bronco Sport/Ranger

 

These guys have really hit it on the head with the wierd things Ford did to the EB. For instance, all 73 and up were supposed to be J shift right? Well I parted out an original 73 with T shift, however if was actually built in Sept. 72 for the 73 model year. Talking about the Dana 20 being contrary to shift, in 66 they had a tall shift lever with just an inline pattern that stuck up almost all the way to the dash board. I don't know what the deal with Fords dana 20 is for difficulty of shift, because Jeeps' dana 20 had a really short lever, and it worked ok.

and yes, Rust, rust, and more rust........I bought a 66 that had one door pilar replaced years ago and it is rock solid, but they didn't put it in just exactly right and the doors when closed look like they are cracked open yet. oh well.

rc crawler was right too, keep your eyes set to find a good one, but don't be afraid to find a donor Bronco as well. The 73 I mentioned parting out was mine for a whopping $85. I found it while on going on a service call for my job and saw it sitting in the woods by my customers house. He was happy to rid of it. Got a lot of good parts out of it. Talk about swapped, my 66 has a Dana 44 and big bearing 9" out of 74, 3 speed and dana 20 from 73 with a 66 inline shifter. good luck.
Mike
66 Bronco
00 F150 Supercab

 

Ah yes... the 66 shifter with the adjustable linkage. It was on my mind when I was typing, but didn't mention it.


Usually when these are hard to shift, its the detent plate adjustment. It mounts between the shift handle and the transfer case adaptor. If they are not adjusted right, it causes the plunger to be bound on one extreme of that detent.
A lot of guys will replace the T shifter with a shifter that works like the 66. I have done this to a few and it makes shifting them a breeze.

Jason

 

The only problem with rust I have is on the tailgate. Maybe that's b/c all the rest are fiberglass.