Jeep XJ vs 1st Gen Ford Bronco

[AlabamaDan]

Ok, so I'm thinking about selling the XJ and buying a first generation ford bronco. I know this is a XJ place and I run the chance of getting flammed, but I'm actually looking for people's honest input. Anyone trade off a bronco for the XJ? Anyone in an XJ wish they had a bronco.

One thing I see as a plus is the simplicity of the drivetrain. Before 1976, no computers, fuel injectors, throttle body position sensors, emission stuff, etc... Should simplify things.

On the cool factor, I think a 1st Gen Bronco is on the same level, if not a little cooler.

Another good thing is that the roof comes off. It's sort of a Jeep CJ and XJ combined.

Bad stuff is that there is no ac and Ill bet they are just incredibly loud at 55 mpg.

Your experiences?

BTW, I'm not talking about the Bronco II or the Full Size Bronco. Don't like those. Just the little ones from 65-77 or whatever the years are.

[FlexdXJ]

Those are Cool but I would personally rather have an XJ!

[JNickel101]

One thing to think about is price/supply/availability of parts....both OEM and aftermarket....

Not sure what it's like for those early Broncos....

[CherBear]

They do have a coolness factor...
What are you planning on doing with it?

Parts can be hard to find for older models, much less aftermarket parts as Jnickle said.

If you want a reliable rig to drive on the weekend and wheel. Id stick with the XJ. Solid drive train, lots of parts. Both OEM and aftermarket.

If you want the Bronco. I am guessing it wont be as reliable due to age. Like I said before, parts could be an issue. But it is a neat truck, good classic looks.

[nstyfox]

arent they manual brakes and maybe even drum in the front?

[Brad M.]

Ok, so I'm thinking about selling the XJ and buying a first generation ford bronco. I know this is a XJ place and I run the chance of getting flammed, but I'm actually looking for people's honest input. Anyone trade off a bronco for the XJ? Anyone in an XJ wish they had a bronco.

One thing I see as a plus is the simplicity of the drivetrain. Before 1976, no computers, fuel injectors, throttle body position sensors, emission stuff, etc... Should simplify things.

On the cool factor, I think a 1st Gen Bronco is on the same level, if not a little cooler.

Another good thing is that the roof comes off. It's sort of a Jeep CJ and XJ combined.

Bad stuff is that there is no ac and Ill bet they are just incredibly loud at 55 mpg.

Your experiences?

BTW, I'm not talking about the Bronco II or the Full Size Bronco. Don't like those. Just the little ones from 65-77 or whatever the years are.

One thing you forgot to mention... will it be a daily driver, or just a wheeler? Is your XJ one, the other, or both? That would be a big factor in the decision I would think.

[xjtrailrider]

Around here they are all rusted out. The inner fenders/firewall area is really bad.

My dad owned all kinds of "old iron", Scouts (both 1's and 2's) 1st gen Broncs, Jeep Commando's (his favorite 4x4 ever was his 69 Commando) FS Fords/Chevys, Waggys, you name it, I rode it in it at one time or another and learned to work on the old stuff. I prefer the new stuff, its just a personal preference I guess.

[WEJOXJ]

By no means an expert but have thought about these before along with Scramblers. Wasn't so worried about parts, conversions etc. as I was about the cost of the parts and the time to refurb these things. There are articles online about AC, harnesses, axles, brakes, etc.

I like the XJ's, the rear doors for my kids and the cargo space, price and availability of parts also. Ours' can look pretty good too. Good luck. http://broncograveyard.com/

[AIbandit]

My dad has owned a 69 Break-o He put alot of money & work into it.

We ran the rubicon together quite a few times.
3 very important things
1. XJ's are cheaper to build
2. Xj's don't matte.r It was really sad seeing him slide off a rock and his door getting caved in by a protruding rock.
3. He now owns an XJ.
(still owns/loves the break-o but it sits)
He's a member on here but he doesn't log on often so let me know if you have any specific questions

[Johnnie Walker]

I guess if you were to rebuild/restore modify and upgrade the bronco it would be nice. LS or GM truck motor, your choice of manual or auto. Maybe some rockwells and 44's lol.

[ehall]

I guess if I were to buy one to rebuild I wouldn't wheel it other than exploration and expedition type stuff. No runnin through the woods with it. If I wanted a vehicle for that the XJ is pretty much best choice

[xcm]

first gen bronco's have that douche stigma to them, i'd much rather steal the axles.


full size bronco? with a long travel kit, over my xj? ANYDAY.

[billyjp2]

Jeff's Bronco Graveyard and James Duff offer tons of aftermarket support. also make sure you get the one with the 302 and disk brakes in the front.

Cool trucks, i'd take one in a heartbeat

[tbburg]

Thoughts on the Bronco(Disclaimer - I hate Fords)
Plus- The Bronco is built on true 1/2 ton drivetrain (F-100 running gear) The XJ is built on 1/4ton utility gear(basically CJ gear)

Minus- The 1st gen Bronco is, size wise, about Wrangler/CJ size. If you wheel alone, no problem, but 2 people with gear, and you're crowded.

Plus/Minus- How's the weather in the heart of Dixie? The sun is fun, but that removable top means that the doors/windows and windshield don't seal in hard rain.(think Early CJ with a hard top conversion kit)

Minus- The XJ will always ride better then the Bronco on the street, no matter what you do. It's a wheel base thing.

Plus- WAY easier to fit big tires on a Bronco.

Neutral- engine/trans. parts availability. It's all F-100 stuff. Just like the XJ gear isn't XJ specific, replacement Bronco drivetrain parts are all over the place.

Minus- early 70s rust protection sucked. Finding a clean rig to start with will be a pain.

[AL BUNDY]

Early Broncos are tanks. 9 inch rear, dana 44 front, 302 v8, convertible, gear t/c, manual hubs, all stock. I had a 69 and the rear interior seemed a little bigger than a CJ.
But XJ's are much more comfy. Better ride, AC, PDB, PS, OD, Fuel Injection, etc.

[AlabamaDan]

Lots of good thoughts here. I'd probably be driving it semi-daily, camping, hunting - just like my XJ. No hard core stuff. Maybe it's more of a toy than a regular driver.

[Deadwood]

I bought my first vehicle back in 1985 - it was a recently restored to stock '73 Bronco, 302, Auto. I loved that thing. Had lots of fun wheeling in strip mines and mountain "jeep" trails in northcentral PA, although I never did any real modifications to it. I dream of having another early Bronco again and I always wanted to put a small block Ford 400ci motor in one. My dad had a 400 in his '79 F-150 and that thing had balls.

Sold the Bronco when I was in college for a car that got 35 mpg. Dumb, dumb, dumb.....I should have just stored the Bronco in the garage. I agree that the Bronco is like a beefy CJ/Wrangler and I would prefer it over those. Compared to my XJ though, I'd say they are different vehicles and I wish I had both.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn141/Deadwooddogs/vehicles/73Bronco.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn141/Deadwooddogs/vehicles/Toplessinthe80s.jpg

Gotta love the 80's hair??? LOL!

[AlabamaDan]

That's a nice little bronco.