Ramcharger, Bronco or K5?

[ExpoMike]

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

Ummm... K5 = Blazer 4x4

K10 = 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup
K20 = 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup
K30 = 1 ton 4x4 pickup

 

[RU55ELL]

LOL, edited. I R dum.

 

[Larry]

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?

I don’t own a K5 but a K10. None the less, parts are cheap and plentiful as previously mentioned. Suspension mods are also cheap with lots of choices. Axle swaps are quick and easy as well. The aftermarket support is outstanding by suppliers like ORD and many many more. Powertrain wise the K5 could originally be had in a diesel or gas…..and we all know how many sheeple here at Expo seeming to think diesels are the shizzle. Heck, I wouldn’t mind having a 6.2L diesel K5 of my own actually. This place must be brain washing me! LOL

Another nice thing about an older GM platform is GM’s consistency where upgrading the powertrain to late model pieces is extremely easy. It is not hard or crazy expensive to drop a late model Vortec in any old GM truck. You don’t see people going out of their way to drop Ford 5.4L V8 or 6.8L V10’s or heaven forbid a, Navistar PowerStroke diesel, in old Bronco’s for Ford trucks. Although a 5.7L Hemi would be a pretty easy and worthwhile swap into a Ram Charger.

Future powertrain upgrade or not, you can’t beat the stock older GM 5.7L or the Dodge 5.9L engine or engine management system that run them. Very durable pieces equipment!

 

[Sock Puppet]

Yeah I've heard that if you get a Bronco, get the 351 or don't get it at all.

I guess that depends on your intended use and tranny preference. I find the 5.0 with a 5-speed to be a good combo, though I plan on tossing out the 3.55s in favor of some 4.10s someday. It took me a little time to find an XL with a 5-speed that wasn't hammered, but I'm glad I waited. I can't comment on the 5.0/auto as I've never driven one. Back in the day I owned a 1990 (I think) F-250 with a 5.8/5-speed and it ran pretty well. Throw on a travel trailer with a little head wind and it seemed to hover around 8-9 MPG, though.

 

[78Bronco]

It's fairly easy to SFA a bronco with 3/4+ axles. I would go with Ford for the high pinion front axle options either in D44 TTB, D44 or Dana 60 live axles. I think we all know a High Pinion is stronger in terms of ring and pinion. Coil springs and radius arms will ride better no matter what. I wouldn't put money into a TTB front end, the design is quite limited to modification and kits are pricey. I would take the money you are going to spend on a lift kit and go with an SFA swap.

I prefer Ford trucks. The doors on my 78 Bronco and 78 F150 close as though they are brand new where as the Chevy doors are always sagging after three or four open/close routines.

I like the RC for looks but Dodge missed the boat when they made it a hardtop and no window to lower in the back.

Good luck

 

[Larry]

I like the RC for looks but Dodge missed the boat when they made it a hardtop and no window to lower in the back. Good luck

Actually, that is one of my favorite features of the Ram Charger. The full metal top with a light weight composite rear lift gate. That body is nice and ridged but doesn't feel as heavy and bulky as a K5 for Bronco with heavy fiberglass tops. Different strokes for different folks. Prior to 1981 the Ram Charger, and its cousin the Plymouth Trail Duster, had removable metal tops. Those were pretty cool too.

 

[78Bronco]

Actually, that is one of my favorite features of the Ram Charger. The full metal top with a light weight composite rear lift gate. That body is nice and ridged but doesn't feel as heavy and bulky as a K5 for Bronco with heavy fiberglass tops. Different strokes for different folks. Prior to 1981 the Ram Charger, and its cousin the Plymouth Trail Duster, had removable metal tops. Those were pretty cool too.

The tops made by Ford and GM aren't as heavy when removed from the vehicle which increases the cool factor about one trillion times more than the late model tin top RC.:ylsmoke:

Also when the top is removed you can be even more cool with one of these:

I prefer the older bronco 78-79 with an upgrade motor...

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Only picture I have of the back of mine already uploaded...

And the drivers area:

And the flex after a SFA that took about 3 weekends:

 

[JohnMcD348]

What are your plans for the vehicle? Are you Rock Crawling? Trail riding? Mall Tripping? The TTB is kinda a cross between a SFA and IFS and is plenty strong for most off road use. I drive a '92 Bronco with the 4.9L(300-6) and also an 08 Ram Megacab. Both are 4x4. The Bronco, factory stock TTB on 235 tires, the Ram, Factory stock SFA on 265 tires. I'd take both any place without hesitation. What do you really want to do with it? Any of the three would get the job done and do it comfortably. How are you at DIY repair and modifications? How much are you wanting to put into it?

 

[matt s]

Topless is fun.

aftermarket EFI kit for this one runs about $1500-2000. Or hit the pick and pull and do it yourself for much less.

And just to prove that I don't have unreasonable K5 bias, the ram had a couple of years of full convertible as well.

 

[Rot Box]

LOL I really don't think you could go wrong with any of them--they are all pretty cool in their own way :bike_rider:

If I go that route (I've thought about it a million times) I'm going to search for a K5 with a 6.2 diesel with an SM465 manual then swap in a 14 bolt floating rear and a turbocharger. That said you should find a 4 door bronco (Centurion) with a D60 and an IDI :Wow1::drool: http://www.fourdoorbronco.com/