my 16yr old son is looking for his first rig. we see an eddie bower 1994, doesn't say if it is the 5.0 or 5.7 just v8..it looks in nice shape with 130k. owner claims he has owned it since 50k, never off road, or top off..the price is right for us at 2800$ anything I should look for other than the basics? is the milage something to be concerned of? any advice or opinions welcome. I am pretty handy, but a jeep guy and own an 04 f150 I bought new..good truck by the way. just wondering if it has any reputable quirks or concerns. thank you.

 

130k is about right for that year, pretty much driven daily it seams.

Body and chassis rust, lower tailgate rust, rain gutter rust.

Check frame for rust and radiator support, along with possibly rusted trans oil cooler lines.

I bet you'll need new shocks, most people never change them.

Check

Coolant - color/level

Trans fluid if auto E4OD

Engine oil

See if the cruise control recall was done

Check engine light?

Check where the truck is parked for oil leaks

Especially rear main seal

Basics

 

Don't forget the front spring buckets. They have a way of rusting out and getting thin. Leaf spring shackles in the rear. Make sure the frame isn't showing signs of getting thin from rust flaking.

 

Check the Red Link in my signature for trouble spots and buying tips. Does it shift into 4 high and 4 low? Do the hubs engage? Have the lower 1/2-3/4" of the tailgate and the rear wheel arches begun to bubble or pit? Is the air filter box UNDER the air filter dry and free of motor oil?

"never off road, or top off.." This would actually give me cause for concern. Not that it would be a problem except that if it has never been off road, has the 4WD been engaged recently? If not, how long has the upper half of the front differential gearing been sitting without any oil circulating over it? If the hubs and/or the 4WD are not engage periodically, the front differential gears rust and deteriorate inside the housing. Even if the 4WD is inly engaged in inclement weather, that would leave a 7-9 month period that it may never be engaged in many areas of the country.

If the top has never been off the truck, the main seal across the roof (between the steel and fiberglass sections) is most likely shot... dry rot if nothing else. It is a rather misguided belief that leaving a Bronco top on and never touching it is a good idea. In truth, the contrary is more conducive to regular inspection and care for the top and the seals and gaskets.

None of these concerns are insurmountable, just things that would raise this Bronco enthusiast's eyebrow. The concern for motor oil under the air filter in the airbox is a serious consideration though... the 5.0 (302) and the 5.8 (351W) are prone to loss of oil control through PCV system as they reach the end of their service life. (This happens in spite of having functioning/new PCV valve in place). This may sound like a lot of negative stuff but in truth they are the most common trouble spots with these trucks and if you are aware ahead of time you can either negotiate price if you find issues or walk away if the seller won't budge. Honestly, $2800 isn't bad at all given the age and mileage.

 

If the engine is a 5.8 it is the first year with roller cam (lifters). Mine has almost 200K miles and going strong. The 5.8 owners here seem to be satisfied with the power, the 5.0 guys frequently ask about performance improvements. If the oil was changed regularly the mileage is not an issue.

The original owner was a travelling sales lady who rarely used 4WD. The lack of use caused the electric shift motor to not respond until after many attempts. Then, once engaged I could hear the rusty front differential turning until it smoothed out. Test drive it on DIRT in circles with wheel turned lightly both directions until you feel the front u-joints moving the wheel.

Mine got the E4OD transmission warranty upgrade at the end of the first year which made it a really good one. You might want to check with Ford to see if it was done or needs to be done. I would assume a 16 year old son will not be gentle on it. I would not be at 16.

Drop tailgate and inspect for rust along the bottom edge.

My top has never been off and does not leak.

The great news is you can crawl under without a jack and routine parts are readily available anywhere because is is basically a F-150.

Price seem fair, just helping you negotiate here.

Of course, look for red color ATF and no burned smell.

Find a highway with truck ruts to see if you wonder where it will wander. Replacing front end parts can get expensive.

The cruise control recall, look for new switch screwed into the top of the master cylinder. Ford will replace it free if needed.

 

I can't believe we forgot to mention...pull codes KOEO, CM, KOER may help you negotiate also.

 

Check for rust in the frame, wheel wells and tailgate, that's all I can add. If the truck is an auto, it has the E4OD transmision, so you might want to add a transmision cooler, in order to help it live longer. Off course, check all the fluids, including the transfer case's.

Welcome to FTE Jeep guy!.

Some minor corrections: it's an Eddie Bauer (luxury edition) and it's either a 5.0 or a 5.8, if the truck is stock then the air intake should state which one it is. Good luck and happy shopping!.