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Why should someone pick a k5 over a bronco?

B

BadComp

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I originally had a bronco that started having problems so I decided to sell it and now I just picked up a k5. I decided on a k5 because it already has a solid front axle and better power (I think). I was just wondering what other things make a k5 better (or worse), kind of like a comparison.
 
WOW. What do you say to that question? :confused: The real question would be, Why would anyone buy a Bronco? (except first gen versions)

Just joking. have friends who wheel broncos. They work, but the Blazer is just so much more cool.
 
My first vehicle was an 84 bronco. I liked it.

Decided to get a blazer because of Soild axle, and full vert.
 
THE most BAD ASS 4x4 on the face of the planet period, that why it's better then a crappy F**d Bronco. Yon actually had to ask!?? :cool:
 
Just search "Bronco rollover" on youtube and you should get a sufficient answer.:haha:
TTB + wheeling off-camber = carnage(entertainment).:D
 
To this day I would take a first gen Bronco any day. Unfortunately they aren't practical with three kids. Next choice was the Blazer for simple reliability. Before anyone jumps on me, my experiences with Ford versus Chevy have not gone well for Fords. I have always seen way more issues with Ford than with Chevy, so I bought the nicer, solid axle, and longer lasting Chevy Blazer.
 
I like the '78-'79 Bronco. The early Broncs are cool too, if you get the automatic or convert the column shift to floor shift. I think the Blazer is more off-roadable due to its simple suspension and better drivetrain. Blazers are easier to work on and parts are much cheaper and easier to find than any kind of Ford parts. One thing that is so great about Blazers and Chevy trucks is their parts interchangeability. You can put just about any engine, transmission, transfer case and axle from most '73-'87 ('91 for Blazers, Suburbans and one tons) under most any other truck from the same era without too many modifications. That just isn't going to happen with a Ford because they changed stuff up too often. Maybe they employed too many engineers; I don't know.

Also, you can find Blazers dirt cheap (unless they're in perfect condition). Any Bronco from '66-'79 is going to cost you two to three times the cost of a Blazer at least, if you can even find one. One thing the Broncos had going for them is the crossover steering. It works a lot better than the GM steering design. Also the coil springs usually give a more controlled ride than the Blazer's leaves. This is why Blazers only cost about $500 to put an aftermarket lift on vs. $1000 for the Bronco. Now I'm just talking about the solid axle Bronco. The TTB is a whole different story. Desert guys love them for going fast, but for normal trails and daily driving, most people agree that the TTB sucks. It handles bad and wears tires out quickly if everything isn't in tip-top shape.

Finally, let's not forget about the good ol' small block Chevy engine. You probably see about one hundred 350 Chevies in custom builds for every one 302 Ford. There are good reasons for that: power, dependability, ease of maintenance and modification, and price. About the only advantage a Ford engine has over the SBC is that the distributor is in the front where you can get to it easier.

All that being said, I still think the early Broncos and solid axle fullsize Broncos are good trucks. I wouldn't mind having one. Their bodies are a lot less prone to rust than '73-'80 Blazers. You can find TTB Broncos dirt cheap too. If going fast and jumping is your thing, they may be the way to go.
 
X2 Andy. One of my buddies has a 79 F150 we built. It goes great offroad and with the radius arms extended has almost more front flex than he can use. We built a 351W for it which required us to find a specific bell housing, fly wheel and motor mounts that were different from the 351M that was in it. We eliminated the Ford ignition and charging systems and used a Q-Jet, GM HEI distributor and one wire alternator. I think we took out something like 6lbs of wiring, not including the boxes, when the new harness was all said and done. You can check out his build thread here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=460148

I chose a K5 because I'm a GM guy. Raised around that (and AMC, but that's a different story) and I have plenty of parts laying around for them. I've built an engine out of pieces I've had laying in the basement for years, most of which were given to me free. I paid the same for my K5 that Matt did his F150 and mine still has a frame. I need to patch the DS rocker panel, quarter panel and the panel at the end of the body at the tail gate, Matt had to replace every bit of body except the hood and front clip. The 350 block I have was given to me and he paid $150 for the 351W core.
 
Quite frankly it comes down to brand preference. I used to have a 90 Bronco that I put a winch bumper on, 10.25 Sterling in the rear, lifted, etc. and I loved it. But, for some reason I got on this no electronics kick and decided I wanted something older and simpler. My original plan was a 78-79 Bronco. My buddy talked me into a Blazer and I went that route. In retrospect, I wish I had gone with the Bronco. I love the look of the "dentside" Fords and they do have a straight axle front end, just on coils instead of a leaf spring. Parts are just as plentiful as the Blazer and any engine can be made reliable and powerful.

I spent big bucks on my Blazer and now I just picked up a 78 Ford F150 with a 460 in it for my next project. My kids want the Blazer so they may end up with it at some point. Go with whatever makes you happy. My Blazer was my first Chevy and it will be my last. I am a Ford and Nissan guy. I love my Blazer and did everything I would have done to a 78 Bronco but I actually wish I had spent the money on the Bronco instead. People will argue technical points but they are all BS, it comes down to what brand you like better. I will say this though, you won't find too many Ford sites as good as CK5 though, I've been trying. The Broncos have a loyal following but finding a good site for my F150 that compares to CK5 has proven impossible.
 
I agree, it comes down to brand preference. I've always been a GM guy and I don't see a Ford in my driveway anytime in the near future. But I think the 78-79 Bronco is the best looking fullsize SUV out there. I even like the looks of the mid 80s Broncos (before they went to composite headlights) better than the 81-91 Blazers. The way the B pillar comes down at an angle with the rounded lower corner has it all over the Blazer. It's a much smoother visual transition over the Blazers straight edge and sharp corner.

Engine's on both sides can be built to no end, so I won't even bother there...

The Blazer suspension gets the prize for simplicity and ease of swapability not to mention parts availability. The solid axle Broncos are good out of the box but the later TTBs just gotta have the solid axle swap done to be a decent and reliable wheeler. And that SAS is not a job for the average DIYer making it more costly to have it done at a shop.

It's not clear cut for anybody but my opinion is that pre 80 the Bronco is the better choice and after 80 the Blazer is the clear winner, especially for a first 4x4 or budget based wheeler.
 
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I never liked Fords for the NON interchangeability . Who wants to change transmissions to go big block .

Chevy , if you want to go from 5 liters to 5.7 liters , you can use EVERYTHING bolted to the outside of the motor :bow:

If you want to go big block you just need the accessory setup and the big block intake !!
 
You gotta specify early bronco or later bronco.

I hate early broncos, I know alot think they are cool but dang the problems, power steering issues, most don't have power brakes, alot don't have power steering. Overheating issues.

Now big broncos well I have built a couple (for and with freinds) Once you get into the fuel injected ones and swap in a solid axle and stuff pretty dang nice IMO. Blazer is simpler to build. A little cheaper if you can fab stuff, bronco is way more expensive to build if you can't fab anything.

Also the blazer looks cooler. :D
 
Solid front axle in a K5 and it has more room inside AND it's the HEARTBEAT of America. :thumb:
 
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