[Eric 951]

Terry,

I had a 78 Bronco in High School/early college. It was a 302/automatic and I loved it. It was 2-tone brown, with a white removable top and white wagon wheels--never failed to start, got decent--not great mileage, and only got stuck once(when I tried to reverse through a mudhole which I just went through forward).
the 79s had a little less of a reputation in regards to build quality--especially the bumpers/bumper mounts.
Things to watch
--the Ford 400 was never a very popular motor--and replacement parts may be hard to come by
--a 302 may be underpowered for towing duties, but will be the most relaible--mine had 120K+ when I sold it.
--watch for rust--the tailgates are notorious for rusting along the bottom edge and internally(the back window in mine fell in and shattered while it was parked)
check the floorboards/rockers,and the fender/quarter panel lips.
--make sure the top is well-supported when you remove it--especially for longer periods of time--they are fiberglass and can warp/crack
--use new foam weatherstrip around where the top goes back on--cheap insurance for leaks/wind

Enjoy the search--they are great classic SUVs, are awesome with the top off, have great interior room, --even in the back--and the back seat is removable.