I just bought an '88 Bronco II. 4x4, automatic transmission (not sure what it is) and a 2.9l. The truck has 105k on it right now. Basically it slams into gear when I put it into drive. It idles in park at about 1200, although now it seems like it is down to 1000 but I'll have to double-check that. I thought it might be a vacuum problem of some kind but I'm thinking it might be something simple. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks.

 

Yeah, it is something simple.

Your idle speed in park is way too high, in my opinion.

Bring her down to about 800/850.

Idle speed in drive should be around 600.

Check your under-hood emissions label. It should have idle speeds listed there.

 

+1 what he said. Vacuum leak, sticky throttle, or bad idle air control valve.