Not that it matters but I had a typo, I meant NV4500 not 4550.
BTW: Tire size and axle gear ratios can have just as much or more impact on rpm, seat of the pants power and ability to tow. Stock 3.55 on 35s with a healthy motor will be a great highway cruiser with a 3sp but you may not like the around town driving and towing would likely suck. A bronco on 32s with 4.56s will likely tow pretty well and do ok on the hwy but you aren't going to set any top speed records.
Unless you have a sizeable budget - buying a bronco will likely require you to have some trade-offs. Do you want good rust-free body, nice interior, sound wiring and less desirable running gear? Do you want great powertrain and sub-par body? If you have the funds, then by all means broaden your search and find one that has it all.
If you your budget allows you to buy the bronco then pay someone to swap a trans then get the bronco that has the body and all the other amenities you want.
While a trans sounds like an expensive item, it can be less complicated and costly than replacing rusty body panels, chasing electrical issues, or fixing any number of gremlins found in a 40-50 year old rig.
One good thing is, you can find replacement parts for just about everything through the numerous bronco vendors.
If you don't have the means to pay someone to do all the work on your rig and you don't know how, you may want to pay a bit more upfront to have everything you want.
That is unless, you're willing to dive-in and learn.
Btw... these are old rigs that can be very reliable but expect ongoing maintenance and repairs.
In any case - good luck!
