My wife and I have been looking at getting a 3rd vehicle for rec, the farm, and to/from work. Found several bronco IIs online. Just wanted some feedback on this idea.

What to look for?
Heard about engine and suspension issues?
4 or 6 cyl?
MPG's?
What about building, for mountain use?

I'm a ford guy through and through and I like "fixing" so don't hold back on the negatives (if any).

Thanks for the input

 

First off it kinda depends on the year range you are looking for info on them as there are different ones (84-85 have the 2.8L V6 carbed and the 86-90 have 2.9L EFI also the 89 and 90 b2s are different body style).

I don't know exactly what to look for in a B2 never had really any problems with both our 84s other then the starter in the 84 we use to have but that was a simple ring gear fix.
The only engine issue I ever had with the B2 is I had to clean the carb out from sitting so long other then that no problems.
I have never heard of a 4 cyl B2 but I have heard of a diesel 4cyl B2 but it is extremely rare. The B2 has again the 2.8L carbed from 84-85 and the 2.9L EFI. My dad had a 87 B2 2.9L EFI and it was an auto said the only problem with it was it got hot a lot he bought that truck brand new but it also had close to 275000 miles when he started having those problems one great truck he said he drove it that long gave it to his dad and his dad drove it till he passed and now my aunt is driving it around everywhere still has the stock engine and trans not sure how many miles now though.
We get 20-22 with our 84 B2 but it is beat up big time and really rough and always on the run hots (needs a new thermostat.) My dad's old 87 B2 got about 25-30 depending on how he drove of course.
Personally we use our 84 B2 for around the ranch just hauling small things around and getting to spots with tools so we can get to work. I personally on our B2 want to put a small lift and D35 front axle in and a MSD or duraspark in it but that is a long ways off it needs a ton of rust repair.

Also some side info on our current B2: It is in poor shape and has 300K+ miles on everything but engine trans and tcase (those have like 130K when bought but alot more on and our odometer don't work) so that explains the poor mileage and more that we have had. I personally use to hate the B2 as it wasn't a truck but after my dad bought the 84 we use to have before this one I fell in love with it.
Trav

 

84-85s have the only stout auto transmission. Everything from '86 up is a A4LD and its trouble. But the 2.9 is a lot nicer engine to have in a BII than a 2.8. The 2.8 is so wrong for a BII. So if you want an automatic, there is no perfect choice in years. If you go manual, you are probably better off. Not that the manual trans is a super strong trans, but much less problems than an A4LD.

I own an '84. I put up with the 2.8 for a while, even had modifications to make it better, but was still lousy in a BII. No power, no real economy. I can't believe the mileage numbers posted above. I ended up putting a V8 in my '84 and what a big difference. Now it's fun to drive.

 

Thanks for the feed back. We were looking towards a jeep originally but they are more $ than we want to spend and hard to find that haven't been abused. I'm leaning more to the 87-90 models so the 2.9L will be our route (unless the elusive diesel is found) and a 5spd for the trans pick.

Again, thank you both for the info!

 

no difference in an 86 and the 87s and 88s.

 

Ah, well the square/straight front body style. I guess I assumed they changed w the trucks... I have obviously not done any research haha

 

They did change with the trucks. All 84-88 BIIs and 83-88 Rangers have the same front end.

 

Full-size is what I'm referring to

 

Don't count out a 84-85 Bronco II with a 2.8, with a little work and old school performance add-ons, they will leave the head cracking, gasket blowing 2.9s in the dust.

But I have to add...........Like Jeeps, it is hard to find a B2 that has not been abused off road.
Use good discretion in your purchase.

 

I also prefer the 84-88 body style. I purchased an 88 Bronco II 4x4 5-speed for about $800 when I was around 18 years old. I am now 25 and still have the truck (invested a lot more $$$). The tranny always shifted very smoothly, and the 2.9 ran great for a while but had bad oil leaks.

The rear did lock up then explode one day when I was driving 60mph due to a lot of off-road abuse and 31"x11.5" bfg mud tires. I replaced it and it has front and rear limited slips with the stock 4.10 or 4.11 gearing. (I forget which it is.)

It now has a 2" body lift, 4" rough country suspension lift and Goodyear MTR's. I am currently working on installing a carbed 302.

The Bronco II is a great truck, and eats up a lot of wranglers off-road. I do not regret buying it, and have made a lot of memories with this truck. I would recommend it to anyone.

 

If you plan on doing major off-roading, I would defiantly recommend a roll cage of some sort, as this truck WILL give you some scary moments. I am debating between a 10 point roll cage or an exoskeleton.