Help me decide on new truck...

[Beanmachine7000]

Ok, so I have the choice right now between two new (old) trucks that I can get...

1.) 1985 K-5 Blazer 6.2 diesel auto 92k miles
2.) 1978 Bronco 351M (rebuilt 20k miles ago) 4-speed

Both are equal right now... I'm not looking for someone to come up and say "get this", I want to know why you wouldn't buy one...

Pros: Blazer
Diesel
92k miles
Closer
White!

Bronco
Coil sprung front axle
HP front axle
Rebuilt engine (Maybe a pro?)

I like the Bronco because it is a manual, but neither truck has OD right? I would have to swap out transmissions on both, so the auto isn't a big deal... I know the Blazer has a weaker frame, but the Bronco isn't diesel... I just need some help sifting through the facts...

 

[Boggin]

I have a 79 bronco myself, you will find people dissing the 351m. but after i gave mine a oil change with 20w50 and all new ngk plugs and ford racing wires, she runs awesome and has a hell load of power and torque. I love her and wouldnt trade it for anything else, anybody else you ask who has one will say the same

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Yes, I know the M can be a great motor, but, it will never get the mileage the 6.2 will, and the Blazer, well, diesel just speaks lol... I guess basically what I'm wanting to know is if the frame problems that era GM trucks are known for is really that big of a deal, or is it like the 6.2 problems? A few had problems and the entire line got a bad rap...

 

[02RangerXLT]

Get the Blazer... I plan on buying one after my first year of college!

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I'm more partial to the bronco myself. I just think it's one of the best looking trucks Ford ever built. And common...a 351? I'd be all over that!

I used to work at a GM dealership, and I remember our diesel guy would start a cussing fest every time a 6.2 came through the door. He used to say that in order to be a diesel mechanic, they should test people on the 6.2 because, if you can repair a 6.2, you can repair anything.

 

[shane96ranger]

That Bronco is what I'd go with. IMHO it's one of the best looking rides Ford ever made.

 

[zukirider21]

sure, a diesel would be nice, but goddamn dude the non turbo 6.2 is the most underpowered piece of crap ive ever had the misfortune to drive. they seem to hold together pretty well and they sound cool, but driving one is a simply miserable experience. and yes, frame issues on those trucks is a concern too.

 

[Surrey]

That diesel engine is an absolute dog. like 140 hp, and 275 lb/ft of torque... Its a joke for an engine that big...
If gas mileage is really that big of an issue I would think neither of these trucks would be on your list, so go with that big ol' powerful ford V8.

 

[buffster1980]

i'll tell you straight up, go with the ford... the 351M is a great motor, and the GM 6.2na is a p.o.s. i'm a mechanic in the army, and if that 6.2 is anything like the 6.2s, the 6.5(detuned) or 6.5 turbos in the HMMWV's, stay away from it! those motors are junk! i hate working on them!

 

[4.0B2]

the ford.. all the way bro.
i know the diesel sounds exciting but have you ever dealt with a 6.2L??

get the 351M.. and that bronco is just sexy...

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Well, the guy I cut grass with has a Chevy with the 6.2L (it's been worked up a bit) that never has a problem towing the trailer with 3 mowers on it and the rest of our junk... Plus, all the 6.2's I've driven never felt slow to me... Speed isn't an issue... 6.2 reliaibility isn't much of an issue (his 6.2 is taking tons of boost and has been perfect for over 7 years)... Dealing with the 6.2 isn't a problem as this guy will work on it for a good price for me (we do his grass and he maintains our stuff, he's kind of my "motor mentor")... Gas (fuel? haha) mileage isn't THAT big of a deal, but RANGE is to me... Being able to get 2x the RANGE is what I like about the Blazer... Now, on the other hand, the Bronco has alot better axles (coil sprung HP D44), but a 14BFF and D60 is just a bolt in swap for the Blazer right? I like the looks of the Bronco 10x better, and that it's a manual, which would be an easier swap to a 5-speed (which one would fit the 351M? ZF?), and that it has a coil sprung D44 (biggest selling point)...

So, other than the 6.2 (myths! ) about unreliability... It's looking in the lead now... I'll talk to the grass guy and see what his buddy says about turboing it (or finding a 6.5T)... Honestly, it looks like the best deal now... I'm thinking the Blazer with 3/4T running gear and a good turbo job will be great... I just can't see the Bronco working out (I can easily pay for the gas, but given the choice, I'd rather have the diesel, because it's easier to buy a factory diesel than convert, which I know I would want to)...

 

[Beanmachine7000]

And the Bronco guy says he wants $1000 plus trade... He's out... Looks like the Blazer it is...