Yeah, that's one of a kind (Thankfully). And yes, to get a stock solid axle you'd have to either buy a 1978-79, find a newer one that's already been SASd, or swap one yourself. There's a lot of info in this forum:
Solid Axle Swaps, & a pretty thorough write up here:
Solid Axle Swapage - FoxBravo Edition.
As to the style, that's a personal choice. If I were looking for me & the way I use it, here's 3 that I'd be thinking about along with some of their pluses & minuses:
A round headlighted 78.
+Cool looking truck.
+Square lights were optional in 78, in 79 they were standard. It's the last year of that old school look. If I found a great 79, I'd swap to round lights.
+Solid axle.
+Many engine choices, 460 at the large end
+Bigger tires with less clearance issues
+Sliding back windows seem more common
+Legally removable top
+C-6 trans is common
+Stock carb, simple for some of us old guys
-Not EFI, doesn't run upside down
-Older, more likely to be rusted/worn
-OD isn't available stock
-351m engine. Bigger & heavier than the 351w. Sort of the overgrown brother to the 351c
A Bricknosed 89 with a 351w, C-6 trans, & manual t-case
+The amazing styling of the Bricknose

+351w engine optional
+C-6 trans
+EFI
+Legally removable top
+Doesn't use the poorly designed "Top hat" manual hubs found in 87-88s
-No OD behind the 351. The 302 had an overdrive with the AOD trans, but it's a lighter duty trans.
-TTB axle. Works fine for a lot of situations, upgrading to a d-50 stub shaft makes it stronger, but the serious rock guys swap them for solid axles
-Speed density. Not very adaptable to cam & intake changes. If you're building it, a mass air flow (MAF) system would make that easier
-2 fuel pumps. Low pressure in the tank, high pressure on the frame. Last year for 2 pumps
A 1996 with a 351w, E4OD trans, & manual t-case
+Newest Bronco made. Probably less rust/wear
+351w engine optional
+EFI
+MAF. Much more adaptable for cam & intake changes. Found in 96s & some 95s
+1 fuel pump. High pressure in the tank.
+E4OD trans. Heavy duty, overdrive, with all the upgrades in place by 96
-E4OD trans. Doesn't like heat, very expensive to rebuild. Add an external cooler & filter for longer life
-TTB axle
-Top not legally removable without adding provisions for a 3rd brake light & shoulder belts for the rear passengers
-Tighter wheel openings. 33s rub the front bumper on some 92-96s unless the bumper is shimmed or trimmed
Wow, it's another book. Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes you open the faucet & it's hard to shut off. Oh well, as long as we're at it here's a couple of pages from a 1990 brochure that show the different trim packages & options at the time.