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Thinking about a Bronco...

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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 08:28 PM
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Thinking about a Bronco...

Well I'm new to these forums as you can all see and after a few summers of hard work with my pops and a few years of working at the finest of all fine stores target...... god I hate that place I finally have a nice lil chunk of change in the bank. About 6500...

I was looking around and saw and older man selling his 94 XLT Bronco with the 5.8 in it. He wants 4900 for it and it has 50k miles. Not 150k.. 50k.

Now the 92-96 Ford models have alwayssss been my favorite look. But I'm a little scared because I heard the E40d transmission have some problems. Not to mention my dad once owned an 88 Bronco that he said was in the shop every other week from rear main seals to A/C compressors.

While the mileage is low the truck is 17 years old. So 17 year old parts are 17 year old parts.

If anyone could give me their opinions on Broncos and whether or not I should look into this one. Also more information on the e40d transmissions would give me a little piece of mind. Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 08:48 PM
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From: shamokin pa
personally i think thats alittle steep, sure it has low miles but like you said its 17 years old too so low miles really dont mean too much, look around on craigslist, ebay places like that and im sure you can find something cheaper that you like, i paid 800 for my 93 eddie bauer, needs some minor work, and a paint job, but for 800 cant complain
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 08:56 PM
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Mine is a 94. The original owner told me the E4OD had a warranty upgrade during the first year. If you can find out if that was done to the one you are looking at it is a no brainer for one of the best vehicles period.

I paid $5,500 before gas prices went up with 150k Miles. Now 192K miles.

Welcome to FTE, we will all try to give you the best information we can.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:05 PM
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Thanks. Yeah I always thought 4900 was steep too. Considering there is minor rust on it too. I'm just looking for a good solid amount of question I can drill the owner with. Also with gas prices today I'm going to try to knock him down a little. I'll make sure to look into that transmission upgrade though.

Any idea what the upgrade actually did? What Ford changed?
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:06 PM
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I agree that 4900 is a bit steep. Even if its in mint condition I'd offer 4000. Cash in hand is hard to say no to, If he says no, then walk away and wait a day or two, see if he calls. The E4OD is a bit finicky, but usually the problems are caused by a $15 sensor.

Any 17 year old normally driven vehicle is probably gonna have some minor leaks, most things are easy enough for a normal person with basic skills to fix.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:09 PM
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Also since it is 17 years old. Assume he never changed fluid and filter. Should I bother changing it clean or just leaving the thing alone?
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:15 PM
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From: shamokin pa
Originally Posted by Audacious7
Also since it is 17 years old. Assume he never changed fluid and filter. Should I bother changing it clean or just leaving the thing alone?
every new vehicle my family ever got my dad always changes fluids and filters, who knows if or when the last time its been changed, yes my 93 is my first car lol so i cant say i always did that but oh well you get the point lol
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:22 PM
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I def always change the fluids and filters. That way you know a little better where you stand with maintenance.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2011 | 09:25 PM
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I was talking mainly about the transmission. I'm a firm believer when it comes to trannys if they haven't been touched... don't touch em now...

Also when/if I go to look at it is there a good way of telling if the tranny is going to give me any problems in the near future?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 05:46 AM
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The transmission upgrade was to make several internal parts better. Can't remember the names. There is no rush but I would drop the pan, replace the filter and drain the torque converter. Use the ATF shown on the dipstick.

If the transmission is not shifting like new pull the codes and get the engine running like new and the transmission will probably be very happy then. The 94 5.8 should run forever as it with the first year with roller lifters.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 07:29 AM
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Do the tranny drain, i can help you with the procedure since i did it just a month ago. My E4OD was one of the mediocre batch (before the 94's upgrades) and it lasted 200K, even though it was extremely neglected, so don't worry about it. About the price, i would look around for a bit before buying at that price, or try to lower the price to $4k (but i think the guy wants at least 4.5k).
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 08:13 AM
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I'd find one with a 5sp manual.....then all you have to do is try to keep it full of lube
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 10:02 AM
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How do I go about draining the tourque converter? I've never actually drained a tranny before.

As for the truck. If I could get it for 4k I suppose I should huh?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 11:04 AM
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To drain the converter you have to remains be the plug on bellhousing and turn convertor till you see the drain plug.

I traded a 78 Ranger and an old shotgun for my Bronco. 4k sounds decent as long as its what you want.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011 | 11:26 AM
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To drain the torque converter:

- First, get some friend to help you or a remote starter if you own one, a recipient for the ATF (there will be at least 4 qts. in there), and have your socket wrench with you.
- Remove the puel pump's fuse so the engine doesn't start.
- Remove the inspection hole's plug off the bellhousing (it's a big rubber cap, of about 3" diam.), use a screwdriver to pry it out if it gets stubborn.
- Turn the engine using the starter or with your friend'd help one click at a time until you see the drain plug.
- Keep the recipient at hand to receive the ATF once you remove the plug.

That's pretty much it.
 
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