I have a 79 Bronco with a 6" skyjacker suspension and 2" body lift and 36" Super Swampers. It has the 400M C-6 NP205 dana 44 Ford 9" drivetrain. It also has been balanced and blueprinted, has a B&M Shiftkit, and a 2500 rpm stall converter. My uncle has been telling me for the past month to sell this one and get one of the first ones, the 66-77 bodystyle. He doesn't think the 79 is as capable offroad as the early broncos. I guess what I'm looking for is some feedback on the capabilities of the 79 broncos and whether or not I should swap to an earlier model. It is to be used for hunting and offroading in mountainous terrain, but nothing too extreme. Thanks for any ideas.

either rig could be capable.. but i'd go with the EB.. smaller, lighter, fits on trails, and it's just way cooler.

I would probably go with a 66-77. If you are wanting to sell your current bronco I know a guy that might be interested. Drop me an email if you want to sell it.

Wes

During hunting season, I couldn't fit all my gear in an eb.
Besides, some people during hunting season do not drive rational at times, at least in this part of the country. So my 78' will keep me alive at least. Plus you need to feel how the ride is in the eb,
Not bad but not as comfortable either.
Imo, Keep your full size and buy a b2 for CHEAP... and see how you like the size for your needs first before selling the 79'. Especially if you already like the 79'.
If you don't like the 79' then "don't" get the b2, buy the eb.

good luck either way.

if you look hard enough you can get an eb for CHEAP.. but yea.. there's always the millions of racks you can buy to carry your gear.. but of course a bigger vehicle would be more practical

been wheeling mine for over a year now, and the body shows it.

The bigger bronco's are just as capable as the small ones. But if you fear body damage, then dont go big bronco. Its harder to see over the hood, and thoes tight trails can be a pain.
On the plus side, the big broncos are far more comfortable, and crash worthy. Downside, the big bronco's chewup and spit out the dana 44. Alot of truck and engine to pull.
The small broncos are better on gas milage, more nimble on the trails, and thier axles last longer. But, they tend to cost more. People know that they are popular, and are jacking up the price. If you can find one thats more than a parts vehicle for less than 4k, snatch it up.

I have had both.........like them both....depends I guess on terrain. My 78 Bronco has been on the Con, all over Moab and Colorado along with the Dakotas...Wisconsin Mud, Tellico's hills, and it has done just fine and is every bit as capable if it physically fits. But the body is looking rough and I have dents on top of old dents...but overall I have enjoyed the ability to drive it cross country comfy like loaded with family and gear when I choose not to trailer it. It can pull a trailer rather well also. (has drug the tow rig home on two ocassions) So....guess depends which ya would like the best......I vote one of each :)

NoRM

The Full size Bronco will wheel anyplace it will fit. Which is many more places than most EB or jeepers think it will. More room inside to store family, friends, tools and equipment.The body will take some hits if you wheel it hard, but what the heck..it's an off road rig. (though mine is a DD also)

Look through the trail reports on LF4W club site (http://www.lf4w.org)

Or surf through one of my sites and look at some trail pics (http://www.superford.org/registry/?vID=144)

Then you decide

What do you guys think?

Wes, I dropped you an email

I forgot to mention that i have a 97 regular cab V-6 toyota tacoma that I could use for hunting, and keep the 79 bronco for just fun wheeling, but i don't want to thrash the body on tight trails.

Originally posted by greaser
What do you guys think?

Why does it matter to us? I am not the one who has to live with the truck, The question is "Do you like it?"

Good point Mark.........

Originally posted by welndmn


Why does it matter to us? I am not the one who has to live with the truck, The question is "Do you like it?"

It doesn't really matter to you, I'm just trying to get feedback from people that own or have owned both to help me decide which will be better for me. I really do like it and am thinking I might just throw some 39" swampers on when these wear down, build some bumpers and install my winch, and enjoy a bronco that's already been well built. I'm gonna take it out and see how I like it offroad before I make any decisions. Thanks all for your input and suggestions.

EBs are worth more when you dump cash into em... From what Ive seen the 2 year fat bronco jobbers dont bring as much cash when youve dumped alot into it ( Keep the 78 if you like it and already have too much into it.

Originally posted by HNRYS69
EBs are worth more when you dump cash into em... From what Ive seen the 2 year fat bronco jobbers dont bring as much cash when youve dumped alot into it ( Keep the 78 if you like it and already have too much into it.

the thing is that I have $4,500 in it now as is. All I will do to it for now is put 39" TSL's, body and paint myself, and build some bumpers. If I get an EB, I will have to start from scratch at about $4000. I will then have to lift, tires, gears, bumpers, and whatever else. See what I'm saying? I really do like the 79 and have a tacoma that goes pretty much anywere I need. I have a XD9000i to put on the tacoma and then will be set for hunting.