I'm about to inherit a '90 Bronco (full size) from an uncle. I've always bought Chevy, Dodge and Jap before. I've never actually owned a Ford. I'm not against Fords, just never bought one.

What I need to know is how reliable can I expect this truck to be? Should I keep it and drive, or sell it quick and run?

It has a 5.0 engine, 5-speed manual tranny, AC and not much else. It's mostly stripped-down. It has 80k miles on it, which is low for it's age. The body is mint, with no rust.

Things I'm worried about right now are the manual tranny (I've heard some were made by Mazda and were light-duty junk), The front end (steering feels loose, and front tires look cambered out sitting still), and the 4WD system (which is not shift on the fly electronic).

Can you Ford guys give me a ruff idea if this sounds like a solid truck with potential?

-Jim

 

Well, I love my 1996 Ford Bronco and would not consider selling it. I would not consider any 1990 vehicle "reliable". That truck is over 13 yrs old. You will have to do work on it, parts will break or wear out....but, I would think with the miles you listed you should not have any major repairs. You will enjoy the truck, I know I have. As far as tranny's....I dont know much about the manual in your truck...I have the auto and expect it to hold up for many more years. Worse case you might need a clutch which is not that expensive and can be replaced if your fairly handy and have a repair manual. Anyway, good luck and I am sure some others will chime in with their thoughts!

 

Of the things you listed, the steering and alignment are probably the more pressing issues. If you aren't comfortable checking out the front suspension parts (not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of familiarity with Fords) take it to an alignment shop and have them check everything over. Probably nothing serious. As far as the tranny goes, if it wasn't seriously abused it should be just fine. And the manual 4X4 system is by far the better, and more reliable, system to have anyway.

 

Here's some more info:

I seriously doubt the truck has been abused or off-roaded ever. In fact, it doesn't even have AT tires on it right now. The Uncle I'm inheriting it from is 76 years old, and bought the truck nearly new in 92. He is a retired farmer, who used the truck to run to town mostly when he still farmed. It hasn't really been driven off the farm in about 5 years. He never had kids or a wife, so the driver's seat is the only seat that even shows wear. There is a trailer ball in the step bumper only, no real hitch receiver to speak of. He did tow around his ATV on a snowmobile trailer occasionally, but had bigger trucks for heavy towing on the farm. It does have automatic hubs, but manual 4WD. The 302 is leaking oil badly from the valve covers right now, which I'm sure I can fix.

Thanks so much for the input so far. Does anyone know what model name or number the 5 speed would be? Is it American Ford or Mazda decent? I am still concerned about the 5-speed. I've read posts about the light duty Mazda trannies being junk, and having #2000 tow limits as a result.

-Jimmy

 

Try www.bigbroncos.com. for some extra info. According to the FAQ there you probably have a Mazda 5spd.

 

I have A 1990 XLT and I love it. I bought it used and so far all I had to do is change the exhaust manifolds and muffler "aftermarkey of course" and get new tires...... I have the Auto tranny and as for the manual hubs I agree with mrwizard. all around fun rig even in the hills...

 

Doing some research, it looks like the only two manuals I could have had would be the M5OD Mazda (which I don't want) or a ZF 5-speed, which sounds pretty stout.

How can I tell the difference?

 

First gear in the ZF is REALLY low geared.

 

If the tranny has a PTO output on the drivers side toward the front of the case it's a ZF (which is highly unlikely but some may have been put in broncos). Most likely it's the M5OD (-R2 i think). This Mazda tranny should hold up to reasonable expectations (mine has held up to a fair bit more actually). I have a 90 bronco that i bought used about 3 yrs ago. The old girl had been flogged to no end as i found out once i began work on it. Suprisingly the drivetrain is in immaculate shape though the engine needed rebuilding from years of neglect. I would say you've go a good piece if its only been used in the ways you mentioned.

 

Transmission ID

 

I just got s 1990 XLT with about 260000 miles, The gue who put all the miles kept good records. In diggin through the recepts it looks like the trainy had the most work to it, with a rebuild about 40000 miles ago (auto).The 351 is strong and it starts right up every time. Trust us there a fun ride to play with