Unearthed a new EB hauler (maybe)

[Mac2Night]

So once again, I lucked out and found something when I wasn't even looking...and certainly when I didn't have any money. Now, with any luck I will have something to tow (I usually drive) my '73 Explorer to Super Celebration next Spring!

It's a '78 with a 351M and C6. Tires from 1993 (receipt was in the glovebox), last registered in 1994 and runs and drives (rebuilt carb and now working on all the brakes to get it to stop!). No rust (other than about 3-4 spots of surface rust), original paint and interior and no body damage. I want to put it back to its stock set up with small tires (has 33" with stock suspension)..... just like uncut EBs, I like the stock look on these as well. I am thinking the original 235/75/15s (red/white bronco photoed below) or possibly a set of 30x9.5s (blue/cream bronco photoed below) at the most on some stock rims (I already have a set of 5 hole slots off the '78-'79 Broncos).

Any suggestions on getting this to be capable of towing for me?

 

[Germd]

Friend of mine bought a new one back in the day. I always thought the OEM wheels/tires looked too small, but that was often the case in that era. Like the stance of the blue/cream example.

 

[74fiberglass]

Very nice score there... Ship that thing up here to Pa. Can't find em in that shape here.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Nice. I love the 78/79 Broncos. I'd love to add one to my collection one day, but with 6 EBs and 3 classic Mustangs, I've got too many vehicles as it is.

 

[clarrance]

Nice Bronco I have always loved the 78-79's. I've owned a couple, but could never get over the 7mpg and no power. Not trying to be a downer Mac, but the only way that will make a good tow vehicle is to put a 429 or 460 in it. A 351M will barely pull itself down the road. Nice score either way. I would just drive and enjoy it.

 

[ford man]

Nice fine I been sort of looking for a 78/79 and that one is my color tooI don't really think it is much of a tow rig you need to sell me the bronco and buy a F250!

 

[nick1975bronco]

that is a clean FSB. A buddy i used to know had one,he put a mild 351w and an AOD tranny, he claimed he got the same fuel mileage as his brand new at the time 1998 f150 with a 4.6. might be a good route for you. or get a f250 like I had damn I miss it.

 

[sykanr0ng]

Nice Bronco I have always loved the 78-79's. I've owned a couple, but could never get over the 7mpg and no power. Not trying to be a downer Mac, but the only way that will make a good tow vehicle is to put a 429 or 460 in it. A 351M will barely pull itself down the road. Nice score either way. I would just drive and enjoy it.

Very easy to convert a 351M into a 400 and those will make plenty of torque with a little work.

 

[Pa PITT]

I love those & also the next Gen also.. I HAVE an old 1980 300 cid.
.. I have ran several sets of 30X9.50R15's on the 80. Now it has 31X10.50r15s on it.
.The 9.50 were about like BFG's .. but these 31X10:50 THEY ARE JUST M/S tires.
But it looks better with the 31's.

 

[Prizefighter]

Looks nice!! Here's my 78 with a 429/C6/205. It's a lot of fun to drive.

 

[grant_71]

I....want....that....

 

[Seventee]

Very easy to convert a 351M into a 400 and those will make plenty of torque with a little work.

X2. Add a Supercooler radiator with a good clutch fan and shroud. Use a weight distributing hitch and good trailer brake setup. It won't be ideal as compared to a 3/4 ton but should be adequate for periodic use.

Nice score BTW! Here's mine:

 

[Nothing Special]

You might want to check out ford-trucks.com. There are some guys there on the '80 - '86 forum that are pretty dedicated to the 351M (and even more to the 400). It's certainly possible to get good power and decent mileage out of the 351M, but they aren't known for either in stock form.

 

[sykanr0ng]

TMeyer Inc for 400 Ford performance (351M, small block Fords, Clevelands and Clevors too).

 

[Scoop]

Mac, very nice find in great shape. Love the color combo and the factory roof rack!

One comment though, the paint is not totally original. It's either been touched up or the two-tone paint scheme has been done after the factory paint. The curve is wrong above the door handles and Ford never ran the pinstripe over the targa bar.

Not to detract from your find - it looks very nice. Love my 78! I tow my trail rig with it no problems - the short wheelbase is not ideal but it tows fine. Suggestions for towing is to add a brake controller and do the F350 vacuum booster mod (search fullsizebronco.com) or change to hydroboost. As mentioned, there are lots of things you can do to wake up the 351M! I get ~13 MPG with my efi'ed 410M (351M block with 400 rotating assembly bored 40 over.) NOT towing however! LOL

 

[OX1]

Any suggestions on getting this to be capable of towing for me?

93 F350 brake booster (does require adapters, but not that hard to
make, I have pics to show you if wanted). Brakes are not that
bad overall, brake booster is highly undersized. T-bird front calipers
help a bit also and work better with bigger booster.

Cam, 4bbl and Intake. Only about 156 Hp stock (some references
say even less). Induction stuff won't be a magic 100 HP addition,
but will wake it up a decent amount. Dual exhaust helps a bit,
but not as much as induction stuff.

Rear sway bar (and front if it is gone).

All new bushings in front end, especially track bar
and radius arms.

New rear springs or 1" block if rear is not higher than front
(should be stock)

 

[Prizefighter]

Bump.

Thinking of using my 78 to tow also, picture on the first page. Would like to follow and get some advice. I have the F350 MC/booster. It stops great. Unfortnately I have a 4" lift and 35s. New wiring harness installed last summer and would like to add the brake controller and trailer hook up. Will need to purchase the rear bumper from ProtoFab I have been thinking about with the receiver hitch so I will have a receiver.

 

[kyle]

Nice. I like the 78-79's. They came stock with a lot of the good stuff. Always wanted one with a 4 speed but they're tough to find.

 

[mofoco1]

My son just bought this to be a hauler for our 75 Explorer F100

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[TheBroncoRanch]

78-79 is a great all around utility vehicle. As said the 351-400M is a weak motor, but it's fairly easy to upgrade to a big block 429-460. Here's mine.

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