Ramcharger, Bronco or K5?

[ColoradoBill]

I like both, but I want a 12 valve Cummins in one someday, so I guess it's gotta be a 92 Ramcharger for me!:sombrero:

I would love to put a Cummins in mine as well. But 89-93 would be a fairly easy swap. Anything older would take a pretty large body lift or some major mods to the bulkhead.

I looks like most people are picking the Bronco because of the ride quality. I still think that a high quality set of springs and a good tire is the way to go. Most people would be very surprised how well a leaf sprung truck can ride with just some simple mods that you are most likely going to do to either truck.

Go with the Dodge it’s dependable, looks great lifted, great articulation, lots of room and it’s not a Ford.

 

[hillbillyjake]

93 canyon sport ******!

 

[Quill]

While I prefer Fords and have a soft spot for Broncos even with the 300 inline. I think for general toughness I would go with the RC. Truck parts should fit. Also there are Military versions. The 3/4 ton parts take abuse a lot better.

 

[RU55ELL]

I've seen a few RCs for sale around where I live that are in good shape. Maybe time to look for one and a pair of 60s. Were the latest models available with manual windows and locks? The less electrical, the better, IMO.

 

[RU55ELL]

One thing I forgot to ask, how much space is there to store stuff behind the rear seat? Do any of you have pics of your Bronco or RC loaded?

 

[Sock Puppet]

Were the latest models available with manual windows and locks? The less electrical, the better, IMO.

Yes. The Broncos are too, look for an XL (called the Custom on some year models).

I currently have a '96 Bronco (the last year they were made) and have spent a lot of time in RamChargers over the years. I like them both. I'll always have a soft spot for the RC and Dodge's in general. With that said, I chose the Bronco for several reasons. Of course, your priorities may be very different from mine:

Broncos / F-150s are MUCH more common in my area, so parts at the JY are cheaper
I really wanted a removable top
RCs always felt much more top-heavy, but that could be my perception
I really wanted a standard tranny which is very difficult to find in the RC
Aftermarket support is better for the Bronco
The interior on late-model Broncos is much more refined than the RC. This may not be important to some, but the comfort of the wife and kids means we can stay out longer.
The FI system on later-model Broncos is much more efficient than the RC system.

Obviously YMMV, but those are just a few of the things that ultimately led me to the Bronco.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Ventilation

One thing I forgot to mention is the ventilation issue. While the window/tailgate of the Bronco has some drawbacks, the advantages far outweigh them in my opinion. I've been amazed at how much I use the back window. When driving I have it down 95% of the time, even though I have A/C. When driving on the trail or just hanging out, having cross ventilation is great! The tailgate is also nice for a work surface.

The RC has fixed back windows and a closed back, which can be pretty stifling and muggy. If you plan on building a sleep surface, ventilation will be a big issue.

 

[ExpoMike]

Just throwing this out there. Based on what I am reading, you want a tough, easy to work on, very good aftermarket support rig with a removable top.

Why are you not looking at a Chevy Blazer of that era? You cannot get more aftermarket support then for a Chevy. Engine stuff, suspension, body parts, bumpers, you name it. Offroad Designs have some awesome suspension packages. If you want to piece together some suspension parts, DIY4X has tons of stuff cheap. Engine stuff, you can damn near walk into a Walmart and buy a crate engine. (well almost LOL). Part tend to be way cheaper to buy for a Chevy than a Ford/Dodge rig.

Just adding my .02. Good luck on whatever you buy.

 

[RU55ELL]

For some reason, I always forget about the K5.

Very good points made, SP. 90% of the time, it would just be me. But you are right about comfort for the wife and kiddos. It would be a welcome upgrade. Of course, I have another battle that is hard to overcome. My wife and kids LOVE to go camping with me, but I just can't seem to get my wife away from the state parks. Nothing wrong with them, it's just that being in such close proximity to other people bugs me most of the time.

If I can't get her out in the wilderness, I might as well just do the family stuff with my Ram and just get a beater/wheeler to do my own thing with.

 

[Sock Puppet]

If I can't get her out in the wilderness, I might as well just do the family stuff with my Ram and just get a beater/wheeler to do my own thing with.

True, but with the Bronco or K5 you can get her to go topless. Just sayin':ylsmoke:

 

[Greggk]

I had a 1982 bronco with 32's and a 302.. it was really anemic, and i spun a crank bearing and wiped out the motor, so i did what any normal red blooded american gearhead would do. yanked the motor and put in a 1971 460 Big Block with a RV cam, weiand stealth intake, 870cfm carb, long tube ehaders and a homemade 3" single exhaust with an aero turbine 3030 muffler. Mmmmm she sounded beautiful. I can still remember the sound of the motor on its maiden start! the 1982 came with the ford 9" rear and a D44 TTB front axle. I also swapped in 1994 Eddie Bauer power seats. at that point the truck was fantastic! I really regret selling it. she was a beast!

 

[TKSC01]

Ford all the way

For an expo rig ya gotta go Bronco. Pull the rear seat and you can put a quees size air mattress in there, filled by your bronco air on board air system. Dual batteries are easy to fit, I made my own set up, watch for it in my thread and the best part I think is Ford changes NOTHING often. SO, there are tons of parts and a 78NP205 will diorectly bolt to an E4OD. THe possibilities are endless.

 

[RU55ELL]

Yeah I've heard that if you get a Bronco, get the 351 or don't get it at all. I looked around on CL last night a bit and there are plenty to buy under 5 grand. Oh, and I also remember why I didn't consider the K5; no solid axle with EFI except for '86.

 

[Larry]

Oh, and I also remember why I didn't consider the K5; no solid axle with EFI except for '86.

Negative ghost rider. K5’s had SFA and EFI from 1987 to 1991. That is 5 model years of K5 awesomeness to chose from. After 1991 the big Blazer became an IFS mall crawler. I would take a K5 over a Bronco anyday. K5 vs. Ram Charger is a tough one. Both are great but the K5 has much more aftermarket support.

 

[RU55ELL]

My mistake. I thought the K5 model ran along the same years as the C1500 did. Why would you take the K5 over the Bronco, other than already owning one?