Free-Wheelin' Ford Bronco Is a Cool '70s Classic

Rare and Awesome

As you already know, we're suckers for 2nd gen Broncos around these parts. But when you add in the awesome Free Wheeling package Ford offered back in those days, they just get even better. So when we spotted this relatively rare '79 over at 4-Wheel Classics, you can imagine our excitement.

Slightly Lacking

Truthfully, the Free Wheeling package, also offered on F-Series trucks at the time, was little more than an appearance package. And this one's lacking the lower section of Technicolor graphics that originally came with them. But we still love it just the same.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Dry Air Living

At least it does have the blacked-out grille that most Free Wheeling Broncos came with. And heck, it's in pretty amazing condition given its age. Credit that to a life in the dry climate of Arizona.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Summer Toy

Ten years ago, the previous owner apparently bought this Bronco and brought it to the salty confines of Michigan. But they fortunately only drove it in the summers, thus it escaped the rusted-out realities of most northern trucks.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Breathing Easy

The original 351 V8 remains under the hood, but it has received a full rebuild. It has a couple of upgrades in the form of a Holley 4-barrel carb and Edelbrock intake manifold, and it breathes easily through a dual exhaust.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Freshly Stitched

The interior has likewise been redone at some point. But it looks fantastic, so who are we to throw stones here?

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Downfalls

Everywhere else you look, this Bronco appears to be in super solid condition. All of the gauges, lights, and other goodies are said to work properly. However, the air conditioning and radio need some attention.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Worn but Cool

The exterior isn't perfect, of course. But we're digging the patina that Mother Nature has bestowed upon this Bronco. It adds an extra touch of cool even to the graphics, which are cracked from years in the desert sun.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Nicely Optioned

It's packed with some great options, too. Other than factory air, this Bronco has power steering and front disc brakes, as well as 3.50 gears in both differentials.

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Big-Bodied Beauty

Outside of some minor niggles, this Free Wheeling Bronco is a great ride and an awesome throwback. It's also yet another reminder of just how cool Ford's big-bodied SUV used to be!

>>Join the conversation about this cool Free-Wheelin' Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.