I've been looking around for another vehicle to go to work mostly. So i found a '87 Bronco heres the link (FOR SALE 1987 Ford Bronco) was wondering if there was anything i should know about these as far as parts availability, common issues, etc with this combination. It looks like a good truck if i could get it. And just curious what kind of gas mileage would i be looking at with it? Thanks.

 

Gas mileage is in the 14-19mpg range depending on gearing, transmission and engine. Some rust is the main issue, other than that common wear parts, hoses, belts, fluids, brakes, bearings, u-joints, and well, remember these are old trucks and problems will be showing. Regarding that ad in particular: The 5.0 is a great and reliable engine, but most fit for a car than a truck, it will get the job done anyway. Your transmission is the AOD, which could use some beefing up, but they're cheap to work on (compared to others). That paint job... it looks like a teenager rattle can job, and it could have the same quality, so you better look into it. The price is fine considering you might need to do some work on the truck, you should still try to negotiate it.

 

Ok thanks i've had a couple of fords that body style, just they had big blocks or the idi and all manual transmissions. The body looked good from the pics and i noticed the paint which i'd change eventually if i got it. Just making sure they didn't have any unusual problems that'd cost me $$$.

 

The main problem is it is nearly 30 years old. These are good vehicles but after 30 years everything is worn out. If it hasnt been changed , expect to have to change it. They can nickle and dime you to death. Not trying to talk you out of it. Just letting you know realistically what is most likely. Having said all that I love my 78. I got a good deal on it but I have now spent about 3x more than I paid for the truck. And alot of that was small stuff. And havent even started on any cosmetics. But she is dependable and will go anywhere you point her.

 

Well if i get the chance i guess my best bet is to go check it out and see if it's worth it.

 

That's a damn good price if it drives and the floors are not rusted out.
I gave $1600 for my 85 no rust and an extra set of wheels and tires.

 

So what kind of fuel mileage should i expect? It's got the 302 with an AOD trans, i'd assume stock gears and tires. What would help it, exhaust, tune-up, what about swapping to manual hubs from the automatic ones? I don't have a lot of money to throw into it, and too much invested would contradict itself.

 

Read the link in my signature, you'll find the info for the manual hub swap, but those won't affect the MPG. Mileage should be around the 14-17MPG, maybe a little less but if that's really your main concern then I'll advice you to look elsewhere, maybe a used 4cyl car.

 

Sorry it took so long to get back to you Bud. I put a new set of Warren Premium Hubs on
mine. Mainly because I wanted full control of it and be able to save on axle joints.
I gained about 1.5 MPG for a total now of 9.5 MPG. On a really good day I have got 10
MPG put that is rare. Realize that my 85 is a 351 HO with a 3 speed C6 auto trans and
4 bbl Eddy carb. So I would expect the injected 87 pony motor to do some better.
So did ya buy it? Looks like a nice truck for the price.

 

Manual locking hubs will do nothing for the Bronco he's looking at, since it has the part-time Borg Warner 1356 transfer, whereas yours has the full-time New Process 203.

 

I have an NP 208F. I don't think my front shaft turns when the hubs are out now with the locking hubs on. Sorry but I seldom get to use that
smiley

So 87diesel did ya buy the Bronco?

 

I think you may have that backwards.

Putting manual hubs on a vehicle with a part-time transfer case will still save gas because you don't have to turn the front axles.

It won't make any difference on a truck with full-time case because the front axles are always turning anyway.

 

Thats kinda what i thought. But it got sold pretty quick sorry for taking so long.