Ramcharger, Bronco or K5?

[RU55ELL]

I'm talking about late model of each. Both have EFI, both have good V8s and autos, minimal computer/electronics, pretty much the same except for one has TTB and the other has SFA. I figure the Bronco may ride a little smoother due to the TTB front end. Anything that may make one better than the other? I won't go biggier than 35s on either.

 

[kjp1969]

I like the looks of the Bronco better than the Ramcharger, but that's just me. If you're interested in prices and parts availability, look to www.broncograveyard.com.

I'd suppose that Broncos are more plentiful (I just see more of them) and that aftermarket support is greater, but that's mostly speculation because I have never had a reason to look at Dodge parts.

 

[Captain K-man]

I've had both, a 1982 Ram & a 1990 Bronco, loved them both. You are right about the Bronco's ride, much better. The Ram was tougher but, the Bronco was more comfortable. The tail gate on the Ram opens like a hatchback and is nice to stand under when raining. The Broncos tail gate window retracts into the tail gate and the gate itself drops like a pick up tail gate. The Broncos tail gate could be heavy to close for some. The Rams tail gate can be high to reach for some. Both are awesome trucks. If I had to pick between the two I would go with the Bronco...... boy do I wish Ford was still making the Bronco. Hope this helps.

 

[RU55ELL]

Pretty much what I figured. Is the TTB any better/worse than the Dana as far as ruggedness or reliability?

 

[ShinySideUp]

Well, the TTB is a Dana 44, so as far as toughness goes, its pretty good. I have run 35s on mine for a while and havent had any problems. The alignment is a pain in the butt though once you lift it. And you will need to get rid of the automatic locking hubs ASAP. Other than that, I LOVE my Bronco.

 

[BorntoVenture]

The front Dana 28 TTB axles in pre 1990 Bronco's become paper weights with 35's, or sometimes even 31's with a heavy footed driver. If you are planning on a pre 1990 go ahead and find a 1990-up Dana 35 TTB in a junkyard, it's a bolt in swap and will allow you to run the 35's and make it back home. Several years ago I ended up building three Bronco's for a friend. Dana 35 swap and 35's on one, Dana 60 front & rear on one with 44 Boggers, and a Dana 44 SAS swap on another with 37's. Here's a good read on the TTB front ends: http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=9287

I know nothing about the Ram other than the fact that I've always wanted one!

 

[Metcalf]

While I own a Dodge, I would go for the Ford just for the aftermarket and replacement parts support.

 

[toylandcruiser]

The front Dana 28 TTB axles in pre 1990 Bronco's become paper weights with 35's, or sometimes even 31's with a heavy footed driver. If you are planning on a pre 1990 go ahead and find a 1990-up Dana 35 TTB in a junkyard, it's a bolt in swap and will allow you to run the 35's and make it back home. Several years ago I ended up building three Bronco's for a friend. Dana 35 swap and 35's on one, Dana 60 front & rear on one with 44 Boggers, and a Dana 44 SAS swap on another with 37's. Here's a good read on the TTB front ends: http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=9287

I know nothing about the Ram other than the fact that I've always wanted one!

Umm the full-size is a Dana 44.


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[ColoradoBill]

I am running 35s on my '92 Ramcharger. The ride is fine with 4" Superlift Softride springs on the front and a shackle flip on the rear, it rides better then my '01 Cummins. One thing that I like about the Ramcharger is I was able to put 3/4 ton P/U axles in it. It was a direct swap. Most parts from the 3/4 ton trucks of the same years can be swaped right over. You can find plenty of after market equipment with just a little research, it is out there just, need to find it.

 

[redthies]

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:

 

[Patman]

They really are two different beasts. I'll admit to being Dodge biased (having had several RC's over the years) however I think stock to stock the late (89-95) Bronco is lightyears ahead of the Ram. The TTB can be a little spendy to lift correctly, and not quite at tough as the d44 that came in the RC, but will ride SO much better. The Ford interior is much more car like (reducing driver fatigue) and it is convertible if that's your thing. The 5.0 and 5.8 are both bullet proof when kept up and their driveability is much better then the tbi 5.2 or 5.9 in the Dodge.

A 94ish 5.8 bronco with an Autofab 4" bent beam lift on some 17" 35s would be hard to beat in both comfort and reliability. Spend the same on a Ram and it will be just as reliable, but you'll never forget its a short wheelbase truck designed in '71.

 

[roostercruiser]

Even though parts aren't as easy to find I'll stick with solid axle I'm the Dodge. And there not as many out there do it's got more of the unique factor.

 

[RU55ELL]

I assume that the Ramcharger has the better flex of the two since it has the solid front end? This truck will be doing a lot of wheeling compared to road time, so I'm tending to lean more toward the Dodge. I had a 90 model 3/4 ton with 36" TSLs and 6" lift and don't remember it beating me to death too much. Of course, I was 16 and did more mudding in it than anything. Of course, it was a learning experience, which is why I tend to shy away from the mudholes now. :sombrero:

 

[colodak]

the Ramcharger is basically a Dodge pickup in SUV form, suspensions, electronics, etc., the Bronco is marginally so of a Ford Pickup. I had an '81 Ramcharger and it was tough as nails, I bought it used and abused, did very little fix up and sold it 4 yrs later for the same amount I paid for it. The guy put a trans in it and still drives it daily, pulls a boat with it. I would recommend if you can find one with the 360 instead of the 318. Definetly better off-road, suspension upgrades for a RC are DIY with minimal tools, the TTB on the Bronco is harder. You can buy a 4" lift for an RC for $500 and DIY the install in an afternoon. Also, if you plan to travel to Mexico, Ramchargers are very common down there.

 

[59bisquik]

I would stick with the Bronco personally. The parts are cheaper for the Ford. The TTB works well offroad and can be set up and aligned with no issues as long as its done right. I ran the D35 with a 4" lift in a Bronco II for quite a few years with no alignment issues. Stay with the Ford!