Welcome to the Zone > . Well, what I would suggest is to check the local car adds in something like the Penny Saver, news paper, Craig's list, eBay, etc. Keep your eyes open when driving around the area, you just might find one setting in someones yard with a For Sale sigh on it. There are good ones around from any year of manufacture 1978 - 1996. The only year I would avoid is 87 due to the style of front hubs used, but that is not an insurmountable problem.
Go over the truck with a fine tooth comb looking for evidence of hidden body repair, (a small magnet inside a handkerchief) will help you fine a bondo job, ( the magnet will not stick). The main places Broncos rust out is at the bottom of the rear door post, around the wheel wells, rear corners of the front fenders, rear corner of the rear 1/4 panel, and the bottom of the tail gate. If you can, look under the truck to check out the floor boards for rust, especially on the driver side, (that is caused by the rug getting wet mainly from water brought in on shoes and boots). None of this totally disqualifies the truck, but definitely has a bearing on the price.
If you are thinking of restoring a truck, eat my heart out, but a well done 78/79 really looks great when done. Check out Freak's beautifully restored 78
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/4037/25224. I love my 83 and am slowly restoring it. My favorites when restored are the 78/79 and 80 through 86, I just prefer the squarish look of them as opposed the more rounded look of the 87 through 96. I also prefer a carbed engine and the lack of dependence on a computer that refuses to run the engine properly, or at all, because it has a bad sensor some place.
Mainly it is a matter of personal taste and you will find people that love the 87 through 96s just as well. Of course, if you are looking for a near mint truck, the chances are better for 87 - 96. If you are looking for a beater, you can find them in all years from 78 - 96.
Good luck on your search,
>-
