:whip
I found a 1978 bronco that I am interested in buying, but being new to the addiction, I am not sure what to look for. What are the most important things to look at before purchasing? Any help would be GREAT!
Matt in Montana

look at the milage, the rust on the body, trans case, for starters

well first look at the drive shafts are they staight/inline not a real problem more to see if the previous owners were numb
shafts tight any play

check for damage mostly crooked body joints, frame and body mounts make sure the doors/gate operate freely

the front-end you WILL end-up rebuilding it but when put it up and check to make sure every ting is thight lubed regular and moving freely

the spings are sagging, and the engine is worn, i mean the thing is 24yo

if this is lifted everything changes

finally when looking at it DO NOT SMILE
get under it,
him and haw, thow in a "what the **** is this"
stand up look him in the eye and
say to the effect "alot of work but i can give you [bout half the price] any body who knows anything about these won't give you more its a shame to see one like this"

on the way home in your new old truck pick up a timing chain

finally when looking at it DO NOT SMILE
get under it,
him and haw, throw in a "what the **** is this"
stand up look him in the eye and
say to the effect "alot of work but i can give you [bout half the price] any body who knows anything about these won't give you more its a shame to see one like this"

:lol: I like your idea

:lol: I like your idea



Date check isle number 5.


btw. 78 and 79's are starting to go up in prices now.

I would say that the most important thing is the amount of rust on the truck. Closely inspect the frame, doors, crevaces, tailgate, fender lips, and under the carpet for signs of cancer. Everything else is much less of a headache than repairing body panels. Unless you just want a truck to screw around in, the rust would be at the top of my list. I've had two Broncos. One was a 78 in excellent mechanical shape with 58K original miles and rust like you wouldn't believe. The second is a 79 with 142k miles and barely any rust. I'll take the latter all day long.

Be real careful if it's got body mods (lift, etc.) - you won't know where it's been tormented. That can be a minus.

If it's got the original factory 351M/400 engine (compare against the VIN, 'H' = 351M and 'S' = 400), it's a plus. But there's no way externally to tell the difference. Tranny should be a C6 or NP 435 four-speed.

Expect rust in the tailgate, rear fender arches and at the bottom of the door pillars.

If there's any problem with the tailgate window, it can be rust on the mechanism caused by old, brittle external weather stripping (lower window wipe) on the tailgate.

rust is not a problem in all states. it is not uncommon to find a near rustless 78 bronco out here in cali.

Yeah, my 79 and the 71 I had didn't have a spot of rust on them anywhere.



In my opinion, the most important thing I would look for is a body in good shape. Like battered said, its not brand new and there are things that will need attention. Most things can be fixed or rebuilt or even replaced but since I love working on everything but the body work, I'd look for a straight body.

mmmm why look at the milage ?? cause mine has been rolled 7 or 8 times now.. lmfao jsut not eh same engie. umm i think its on its 5th one not sure.

Date check isle number 5.


btw. 78 and 79's are starting to go up in prices now.

Haha yeah it's rather old...but would you rather people just not use the search button? What's the date matter...the content is still valid. :shrug

I have one word for you: Rust. Be sure and look close underneath the Bronco for rust in the floorboards and directly behind the seats. These rigs can hide rust real well until you start pulling up the carpeting or matting only to discovered concer has eaten them up. Good luck on your purchase! :thumbup

: being new to the addiction, I am not sure what to look for. Matt in Montana


Matt, the first thing is are you mechanically challenged? If so, concentrate on the performance (not hot rod shit, but down to earth performance) drive, without jerking, enough power (like he said up there, it is 24 years old) engage the xfer, engage the hubs (you damn sure wanbt manuals). fluid leaks, etc.

If it has rust, but not rusted in half, remember, a sawzall, a sander, and POR 15 will cure a lot of that.

Look for anything you would in a non ford vehicle.

A pretty vehicle that doesnt run looks pretty while it SITS in your driveway. An ugly vehicle, can be DRIVEN from your driveway to the paint booth.


Lots of luck and post sum pix. :thumbup

mmmm why look at the milage ?? cause mine has been rolled 7 or 8 times now.. lmfao jsut not eh same engie. umm i think its on its 5th one not sure.

haha ya mine rolled once but ya, a handy little tool i made fixed that. Its not 165,000 its 65,000 now. haha I'm in denial