Can the Ford Bronco be a daily driver? This is a question that has sparked countless debates among enthusiasts.
The Early Ford Bronco, with its two-door rugged design and off-road prowess, Broncos are often seen as weekend warriors rather than practical daily drivers to those that don’t know.
But what if we told you that with the right upgrades, this classic could not only become your daily driver but also outshine many modern vehicles in terms of comfort, performance, and style?
Intrigued? Let’s dive into the world of the Early Ford Bronco and explore how this vintage gem can be transformed into the ultimate daily driver.
Why the Early Bronco Isn’t Typically Considered a Good Daily Driver
Outdated Suspension
The original suspension system of the Early Bronco was designed with off-road capabilities in mind and provided great ground clearance. While this makes it a great off-roader for tackling rough terrains, it can make daily commuting a less-than-smooth experience, especially at highway speeds.
If you’re used to modern vehicles the ride comfort can be bumpy and the handling less responsive than what you’d expect from a new vehicle. This can lead to a less comfortable ride, especially over longer distances or on uneven city streets.
Fuel Efficiency
The Early Bronco’s older engines have plenty of power but are not as fuel-efficient as the engine in modern vehicles. This can make daily driving more costly, especially with fluctuating fuel prices.
Additionally, the original carbureted engines can require more maintenance and are often considered less reliable than modern fuel-injected engines. This can lead to more frequent trips to the mechanic, adding to the overall cost of daily driving.
Top 5 Ways to Make the Early Ford Bronco an Amazing Daily Driver
- Upgrade the Chassis and Suspension: The first step to improving your Bronco’s ride quality is to upgrade the chassis and suspension. Kincer Chassis offers a new chassis with an upgraded suspension system designed specifically for the Early Bronco. This upgrade will provide a smoother ride and better handling.
- Install a New Gas Tank: A new gas tank from Krawlers Edge, available on the Kincer Chassis site, is another essential upgrade. This will ensure your Bronco runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of fuel system issues.
- Upgrade the Engine: Replacing the old engine with a modern one will significantly improve your Bronco’s performance and fuel economy. Kincer offers a range of engine options, including the powerful Coyote and the fuel-efficient 2.8 Cummins Turbo Diesel.
- Install TracTive Shocks: TracTive shocks are semi-active shocks that react every 6 milliseconds to the pitch and roll of the Bronco, providing the best ride you’ve ever had. They offer a significant improvement over the original shocks, enhancing both comfort and handling.
- Improve Interior Comfort: Upgrading the seats, installing modern climate control, and adding sound-deadening materials can make your Bronco as comfortable as any modern vehicle.
Practicality and Durability
When upgrading your Early Bronco for daily driving, it’s important to consider the practicality and durability of your interior, especially if you plan on off-roading or have children.
Seats: Choosing the right seats is crucial for both comfort and durability. For off-roading, you’ll want ones that provide good support and are designed to handle the rigors of rough terrain. Look for ones with bolstering to keep you in place during off-road adventures.
When it comes to kids, the material is a key consideration. Leather or vinyl are a great choice as they are easy to clean and can withstand the occasional spill or muddy shoes on the back from a hyper kid. Some even come with a protective coating to resist stains and spills.
For added convenience, consider seats with removable and washable covers. This allows you to easily clean up after messy adventures or accidental spills, ensuring your Bronco’s interior stays looking its best.
It’s okay to get things a little muddy and a little wet. Taking your Bronco off-road is all part of the fun!
Top Options: The Early Bronco offers a variety of options for tops, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
A full hardtop roof is a great choice for colder climates or for those who want the most protection from the elements. It offers the best insulation and security, but the roof can be heavy and difficult to remove.
A soft top or Bimini top is a more versatile option. These tops are lighter and easier to remove, allowing you to enjoy open-air driving on nice days. They also offer decent protection from the elements when needed.
For those who primarily drive in warm climates and want to maximize their open-air experience, a mesh shade top is a great choice. It provides some protection from the sun while allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoor experience.
Each of these options has its own advantages, so consider your typical driving conditions, weather, and personal preferences when choosing the right top for your upgraded Early Bronco.
Adding Convenience and Comfort with the Krawlers Edge Early Bronco Sport Cage
When it comes to enhancing your Early Bronco, the Krawlers Edge Early Bronco Sport Cage is a standout addition. Designed to fit 1966 to 1977 Early Broncos, this sport cage brings a new level of convenience to getting in and out of your truck.
Krawlers Edge makes the best Classic Bronco Parts on the market!
Convenience
The Krawlers Edge Sport Cage is designed with the modern driver in mind. It includes threaded bungs welded in for 3-point seat belt installation in the front and rear for all four passengers. This feature simplifies the process of installing seat belts, saving you time and making it way easier to install. If you need seat belts, Krawlers Edge can include them, providing a complete solution for your Bronco.
Comfort
The family-style design of the Krawlers Edge Sport Cage allows more room for driver and passenger entry and exit. This thoughtful design makes getting in and out of your Bronco easier and more comfortable, especially for taller passengers or those with mobility issues. Whether you’re heading out for a quick drive or embarking on a long road trip on the highway, this added comfort makes all the difference.
How does an updated Early Bronco Compare to the sixth-generation Ford Bronco?
The sixth generation Ford Bronco is a modern marvel with many editions including the Badlands, Outer Banks, and Black Diamond with the option to get the Sasquatch Package and comes with advanced technology, a design that brings over some of the heritage from the Classic Bronco, and impressive off-roading capabilities so you can hit the trails or a mountain and have some fun.
The new Ford Bronco offers a range of powerful engines great for getting around town, advanced 4×4 systems, and a host of modern amenities and safety features. However, it’s a different beast compared to the upgraded Early Bronco, you just can’t match that vintage feel.
An upgraded Early Bronco retains its classic charm while incorporating modern performance and comfort. A Kincer Chassis provides a smooth ride that rivals and really surpasses many modern SUVS and turns your Classic Bronco into an incredible daily driver and a capable off-roader, even with the doors off.
Finally, if you want to take on the most challenging terrain, add some off-road tires and maybe even a beefy steel bumper and you can take your early Bronco rock crawling! Get off the pavement and get those tires muddy!
The new fuel tank from Krawlers Edge and the option to upgrade to a 5.0 Coyote engine or a 2.8 Cummins Turbo Diesel engine significantly enhances the performance, power, and fuel efficiency of the Classic Broncos. The TracTive shocks offer a ride quality that reacts to the vehicle’s pitch and roll every 6 milliseconds, providing an unparalleled driving experience.
While the 6th Generation Bronco is a fantastic truck, the upgraded Early Bronco offers a blend of vintage style and modern performance – trust us, you’ll get a ton of looks at stoplights and it will start a lot of conversations at gas stations.
It’s a testament to the timeless design of the original Bronco, and when you enhance it with today’s technology for improved comfort, safety, and efficiency – it’s an unbelievably fun ride.
Does the Bronco ride smoother than a Jeep Wrangler?
Ultimately, the best way to determine which vehicle, the Bronco or the Jeep Wrangler, rides smoother is to test drive them under the conditions in which you plan to use the vehicle most often.
But we will say, once you drive that Classic Early Bronco, it’s going to be really hard to want anything else.
Conclusion
With these upgrades, your Early Bronco can become a reliable, comfortable, and stylish daily driver. Enjoy the classic look of the Early Ford Bronco with all the upgrades, tech, and conveniences (looking at you AC!) that you’d find in a modern-day vehicle.
