I'm sick of the troubles I have had with the two explorers I own. I am ready to switch to a bronco (if they are any more reliable). I have had a slew of transmission problems with the 2 first gen explorers I have. My 93 is currently in the shop having a remanufactured transmission installed. I had the transmission rebuilt about 3 years ago to the tune of $1700. This time it's gonna cost me about $2400. The 92 I have isn't far behind in needing a transmission rebuild.
I have always liked the looks of the full sized broncos and am looking for something between an 86 and a 96. I can tell you volumes on explorers but I don't know that much about the broncos. Looking for advice (whats good and what to look out for). Engine and transmission combos that are solid. All advice appreciated.

thanks
Bob

 

The E4OD transmission in newer Broncos has a fairly bad reputation, but is supposed to have been made more reliable towards the end of the Bronco's run. Ford made some changes to it, I think in 92, that made it stronger and continued to refine it through 96. Previous to the E4OD, there was an AOD overdrive transmission available that I am not sure of the reliability record of; and the bulletproof C6 - but of course you give up the overdrive with that one. Manual transmissions were also available.

With that said, my 1990 has 128K original miles on its E4OD and it works fine.

As far as other problems, just read the forums and you will start to notice some of the same problems over and over. The big ones are auto hubs, electric transfer cases (it is preferable to have manual hubs and a manual transfer case), the rear window, rust on the lower tailgate (most have at least a little bit), leaky intake manifold and valve cover gaskets, and ABS brake issues - those are a few of the more common Bronco problems.

Many people here advise a 1996 as the best one to buy because of the design of the air/fuel delivery system. I personally like them because they have better ergonomics than the early ones, 4 wheel ABS, and air bags. I am very happy with my 90 though, once I got past the 100K meltdown (it seems that everything that is gonna break, breaks around 100K...since I fixed all of that stuff the truck has been as reliable as a new one).

 

Ahhh, yes, the ever-predictable Ford Exploder. No matter what model you have after one of these, you will enjoy it much more. I've heard more horror stories about the Explorer than I care to recall.

The Bronco has all the benefits and positive characteristics of the F-series 1/2 ton trucks because its essentially the same truck with an enclosed (well sometimes) rear cabin. Its a bit bigger and thirstier than your Explorer but far more reliable in my opinion. Many will advise to opt for the 5.8 (351) but I have never had any problems with my 5.0 (302). The mileage isn't all that different between the two. They ALL rust over the rear wheels and along tohe bottom of the tailgate. Just be prepared to fix it. JBronco is right about the service record for the E4OD transmissions but the '93 model year saw the improvements in shift pattern and reliability that he referred to. If you skim through the topics in this forum you will find many of the most common questions, and concerns about these trucks and some objective aalong with many subjective responses.

 

If you go with the 302, you may be disappointed in the pulling power if you get the 3.55 ratio (axle code 9 or H9??). MPG's are good though, I can get up to 20 out of mine.

I sympathasize on the Exploder transmission, ditto on my Aerostar. However, I saved about $2K by shipping my tranny to Netgearhead. They appear to be out of business but maybe Phoneix rebuild might do it cheaper.

Good luck, Broncos rule.
Biederboat

 

My 96 5.0 Bronco has good power, actully alot more over my friends 94 5.0. he has less miles on his enigine but I have mass air and he doesn't so we think thats the differance.

 

ditto with the explorer thing we had a 94 that fell apart in 13,000 miles since then i've had 2 88 broncos the first one was a xlt with a 351 and c6 it was great, gobs of power, the trannie was rebuilt at 180,000 and cost $700 it had 256,000 on it when i sold it to buy my daughter a horse. my new 88 is an Eddie Bauer with a 302 and aod which is kinda nice cause now i have overdrive but no electronics to control shifting this one has 146,000 and runnning strong.
good luck (any bronco beats an explorer anytime)
Mike
88 EB Bronco 302 aod
01 S-Crew 4x4 5.4l