Sweet bronco, but maybe not stock paint. That explorer paint scheme didn't come out until the 70's. I see a dana 44 front, but thats pretty common now. If I had to guess I would say 73 or 74. Not trying to be a dork, but just sayin. It is beautiful, and I don't realy care what year it is.
Half cabs are my pic for most things. They are eas to heat, not much rattle, and easy to remove. If you have kids it is not so cool since you can't drive your rig with the whole family. The full tops are also cool for camping, kids, and daily driving. If your heater works correctly it will heat...
I got alot of work done on the 69. In this pic I have removed the engine, hood, door, and all the misc stuff I wanted to keep. As it sits right now I have removed the tranny, transfer, drivelines, front axle, and power steering assy. The only thing left is the rear axle, then the rest gets sent...
I have decided to consolidate my 2 ford 4x4s due to rust, $, space, and common sense. The old 69 has been a great rig to me, but the entire body is junk...really. So I plan on putting the 3/4 ton axles under my short bed 79. It will get lifted 4" and benefit from the heavy duty axles, cool rims...
Just take them out, clean them, and put them back in....the same way they came out if you can keep them organized. I wouldn't buy new ones if they are straight. Did you find a bent one? Did you find another problem?
I don't really dislike the 400m engine, I just had bad luck in mine, and given the choice I'd prefer the 300 and 4 spd combo due to simplicity and fuel mileage.
Did they ever come with a 300 six and a np435 with the black and orange free wheeling paint? I had a 79 free wheeling edition bronco, but it had a (yuck) 400m and a c-6. I am a 4 speed guy and like the 300 six.
Sounds like a timing issue, and don't forget about the stupid ford ignition box, they can do wierd stuff. I would also deffinately pull the other rocker cover and check for bent push rods. I had a 77 f150 4x4 with a 351m that had a noise and a miss. I pulled the rocker cover to find both...
Those extended wheelbase 2wd trucks have to be the coolest factory tow rig ever!! I have only seen a few of them around here. Sucks that you have to sell it! Good luck tho.
OK, but I'm only going by what I've read, heard, and seen. I guess it's not 100% facts like you have, so thanks for the input. No harm intended, and sorry for highjacking the post if I did.