Any early bronco expo rigs?

[toddz69]

I realize that a FSB or larger vehicle would be better suited but I like to think that I could make a baby bronco work.

And you certainly can. You just have to be intentional about it and realize the limitations and compromises of your vehicle choice. Early Broncos will never make a "top 10 vehicles for overlanding" list here on Expo, but that's ok. I like to tell people, "know yourself and know your vehicle". If you enjoy an older Bronco, FJ40, CJ5, etc., and don't mind working on it a little more than the typical just-off-the-lot newer vehicle, they're great fun and the reactions you get from fellow motorists often make it all worthwhile.

Todd Z.

[4x4junkie]

I've done 10 days w/two people in my Bronco II (also carrying a fridge).
Very true you have to pack a vehicle this size more efficiently, but it's plenty doable. A smaller vehicle allows you to go many more remote places than you could with something bigger & heavier.

[Kermit]

And you certainly can. You just have to be intentional about it and realize the limitations and compromises of your vehicle choice. Early Broncos will never make a "top 10 vehicles for overlanding" list here on Expo, but that's ok. I like to tell people, "know yourself and know your vehicle". If you enjoy an older Bronco, FJ40, CJ5, etc., and don't mind working on it a little more than the typical just-off-the-lot newer vehicle, they're great fun and the reactions you get from fellow motorists often make it all worthwhile.

Todd Z.

Shoot, an early Bronco is one of THE original expedition vehicles...

It is in my top 10.

IMG_0640.jpg

[toddz69]

Shoot, an early Bronco is one of THE original expedition vehicles...

It is in my top 10.

IMG_0640.jpg

X2 on that!

That particular truck is shown at the Fabulous Fords Show at Knotts Berry Farm a few years ago. It was owned by the same couple for many years. They sold it to a friend of mine a few years back and it now resides back East somewhere.

Todd Z.

[toddz69]

And to the OP question, here are some shots from our trans-Nevada adventure last fall.

Three old Broncos at some old gas pumps:



We had 3 early Broncos and 3 different generations of Toyota pickups on our trip. Here are the Broncos. I think this picture was actually taken in southern Idaho.



Here's Roger's truck:



Here's Lars' truck ('lars' on Expo):



And this is mine:



Our trucks do share some similarities. They're all powered by 5.0 SEFI engines, they have 4 wheel disc brakes with hydroboost, power steering, 35" tires, monotube gas dampers, reworked suspension systems (fairly mild lifts), Atlas transfer cases, roll cages, aftermarket seating, and Lars and I have OD transmissions (NV4500 in his, 700R4 in mine). We all have fridges of one brand or another and onboard air. Lars' truck will probably have a/c added at some point too - his truck is so solid and so nice.

I added 2500 miles to my truck on this trip. The only problem we had was a remote theft deterrent toggle switch that went bad in Lars' truck. But with 6 engineering degrees amongst the group and a little bit of common sense, we got that tackled without too long a break.

I've shared this photo here before. Our Stroppe racing Bronco, another Bronco with a 4 Wheel Camper, and my Bronco, all parked in front of my house a few years ago.



Todd Z.

[Kermit]

Nice examples Todd.

Early Bronco is one of my all time favorites.

[IdaSHO]

My father in law has one. He purchased it new in 1973

302, 3 on the tree, limited slip front and rear, 3 fuel tanks, air/water tank bumpers etc... etc... just a nice rig. Though I think it is FAR from an exp rig. More of a weekend mountain adventure rig. The thing just does not do long highway runs well. Not geared for it, not comfortable enough, and not fuel efficient enough.

Very cool rig though. It was my wifes rig in high school.

Some day he will get rid of it. And chances are good that it will find its way into my garage

[Kermit]

Though I think it is FAR from an exp rig. More of a weekend mountain adventure rig. The thing just does not do long highway runs well. Not geared for it, not comfortable enough, and fuel efficient enough.

I don't know...sounds perfect to me.

Plenty of similar vehicles doing expeditions long before we got spoiled with modern connivence...that old saying, if there is a will there is a way.

[IdaSHO]

I edited for a mis type. They are NOT fuel efficient enough.

The 302 and 3-speed is lucky to see 12mpg.
Much less if loaded heavy. Thats a terrible combo for such a small rig. Even if it is a great trail rig.

[Kermit]

I edited for a mis type. They are NOT fuel efficient enough.

The 302 and 3-speed is lucky to see 12mpg.
Much less if loaded heavy. Thats a terrible combo for such a small rig. Even if it is a great trail rig.

I understood you though...

Shoot, that is what a FJ40 gets, if that, heck my old '76 F250 with a 390 got 8-10 on a good day...the only thing it couldn't pass...was gas stations.