The Bronco was designed to be a fun off-roader, so it's nice to see an early one still being used as such today.
Built to Drive
These days, most first-gen Broncos you come across are restored or restomodded to absolute perfection. These rigs certainly don't look like anything that's going to be driven off-road anymore, and that's a shame. But that certainly isn't the case with Paul Perry's wicked '77, recently featured over at Four Wheeler.
Photos: Four Wheeler
Get Outside
Perry's Bronco certainly isn't stock, but it also wasn't built to be a show queen. All of the mods he performed here were completed with functionality in mind. And that's no surprise given the fact that Perry has always been passionate about exploring the great outdoors.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Family Tradition
"I've always been involved in camping since I was a little boy," Perry told Four Wheeler. "My first vehicle I owned was a 4x4 Datsun truck. I would love exploring dirt roads and finding out where they led to or following the power lines as far as I could. We have always been a camping family; what we call Overlanding today, we called 'car camping' years ago. I always kept two stacks of camping gear—one for backpacking and the other for car camping or Overlanding with the family."
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Few Changes
The only thing that's changed over that time period is the vehicle Perry uses for his camping excursions. After owning an '86 Bronco many years ago, Perry decided to fulfill his dream of buying a first-gen this time around. He purchased this very vehicle from a long-time friend, then paired it with a camper he found on Craigslist.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Incremental Progress
But this Bronco wasn't just built for special weekend trips, mind you. "The Bronco has always been my daily driver, so with few exceptions, when I do any modification it's a weekend job, one thing at a time," Perry said. "I believe it makes you appreciate that one modification all the more. When it's done that way, you can notice an immediate change or improvement."
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Looks and Functionality
So far, that mods list has grown considerably to include things like matte Anthracite MHT Fuel Off-Road wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KM2 tires. A KC Lights Gravity Pro6 LED lightbar and Tom's Bronco Parts headlights to help improve the ute's looks and functionality on the trails as well.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Modify Everything
Perry uses the Bronco to pull his nifty little '06 Fleetwood Neon Element camper, but even that's been modified. Perry replaced the camper's factory axle with a larger one sporting trailer brakes. There are leveling jacks at each corner as well. Perry then repaired some small holes in the roof and sprayed the top with Line-X bedliner, which is color-matched to the camper.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Powerful and Reliable
Powering the Bronco is a stroked-out 302 V8 sporting a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE266HR cam, 9.6:1 compression, and Ford GT40P heads. The output is a respectable 383 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque. A FiTech fuel injection setup helps make the rig a little more reliable off-road.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Landry List
The healthy engine sends power back through a 4R70W overdrive transmission for easy cruising. Underneath, you'll also find Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks, an ARB Air Locker, coil-spring front suspension, James Duff radius arms, sway bars with disconnects, a drop pitman arm, Heim-jointed linkage, ram hydraulic assist, and a Rancho stabilizer.
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Scratching the Surface
And that's just scratching the surface of this impressively fun off-road camping Bronco. So be sure and head over here to scope out all the pics, as well as a fully detailed build list. Trust us, it's well worth the read!
Photos: Four Wheeler
>>Join the conversation about this 1977 Overlander Early Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.
