Hello,
This is my first time posting. I'm interested in finding a late model Bronco. Probably a '96. I had an '89 Jeep Wrangler a few years ago and loved it. I miss the outdoors and I want a full size vehicle that can still get gnarly when necassary. I love my Sister's '95 EB. I have some questions about the EB edition. Was there an option to get a manual shifter for the 4WD or was the EB standard with push button 4WD? Is there a leather package available without the EB?

I have heard some hints of trouble with the front suspension on a Bronco. What are the pro's and cons? How much $ to install a straight axle?

I want to lift my Bronco when I get it. I'm thinking about a 4 inch lift with 33X12.5 BFG's on 8 or 10 inch rims. Who makes the best package for the money? Does anyone have this set up?

I will 4X4 some but mostly this will be a daily driver. I have heard about front end frame cracking and beef up kits? Is there any truth to this?

One more question:
A lot of these Broncos that I am seeing have a lot of miles. 100K-180K. How dependable are these engines? I know that depends on maintenance but what are the odds of getting a Ford that runs good with over 100K miles? I geuss a crate motor is an option.

Thanks for all of your help in advance.

Tommy...out

 

I am pretty sure that the EB's all came with the push button 4x4 but I am not 100% positive. Also, I believe the leather was only standard on EB but was available in the XLT as an option.
As far as the suspension goes, the TTB axle is said to be weak for off-roading. I am currently in the works of finding a Dana 60 front to switch over to a solid axle. Now, for running 33's and only doing mild off-roading I don't see a need to switch the axle. The reason I am doing it is b/c I'm running 38's and plan to do some heavy trail riding. The front axle alone will run $2000-$3000 to swap out (for a Dana 60)...you could save some money and put a solid Dana 44 up there.
I have an 8" Skyjacker suspension lift and love it...so I would go with them for your 4". I have never heard of the front frame cracking...I'd like to hear if anyone else has experience with this.
Lastly, my 1992 EB has about 133,000 miles on it and is running great. I bought it with 89,000 and have only changed the oil every 3,000...and some minor routine work. So, you should be able to find a '95 or '96 with about 80,000-90,000...even if it has more you should be fine.

 

Was there an option to get a manual shifter for the 4WD or was the EB standard with push button 4WD?

I have a 1990 EB that has manual 4WD and I also switched to manual locking hubs. I had nothing but trouble with the automatics. Switch them out asap.

I have heard some hints of trouble with the front suspension on a Bronco. What are the pro's and cons? How much $ to install a straight axle?

I have done some heavy off roading with my bronco and am still running the IFS. Although it is not as beefy as a straight axle I have removed that torsion bars, front and back, and get a lot of articulation out of that suspension. I would only consider the swap if you plan to do some serious off roading.

I want to lift my Bronco when I get it. I'm thinking about a 4 inch lift with 33X12.5 BFG's on 8 or 10 inch rims. Who makes the best package for the money? Does anyone have this set up?

I have a Rough Country 4" suspension lift on mine and I run BFG Mud Terrains KM 35x12.5x15's. The lift cost me around $900 and I installed it over a weekend with little or no problems. Be prepared to do some drilling if you will be installing it. The radius arm brackets are riveted to the frame and need to be removed to make room for the new ones. The tires cost me around $750 and I love them.

I will 4X4 some but mostly this will be a daily driver. I have heard about front end frame cracking and beef up kits? Is there any truth to this?

Never heard of that.

One more question:
A lot of these Broncos that I am seeing have a lot of miles. 100K-180K. How dependable are these engines? I know that depends on maintenance but what are the odds of getting a Ford that runs good with over 100K miles? I geuss a crate motor is an option.

The 302 and 351W are excellent engines when maintained properly. Look for oil leaks, replace the dummy oil pressure gauge with a better one. Oil pumps are always suspect around 130-150k. I had mine go out at 150k and ended up wasting the engine bearings. After replacing the engine I plan to drive this thing into the ground from here on out. Do a thorough search of this site and you will see many common problems with broncos. Most of which are easy fixes. There is no good way to tell how a engine has been maintained without tearing into it. I bought my truck for $6000 with 136k and have added another $6000 in extras and maintenance. I love her and she is a looker. Good luck

KJ

 

Everyone loves to thrash the TTB. Unless you're doing ALOT of heavy duty 4x4'ing the TTB is a great unit. It's a much better ride on the road than a solid unit. The ball joints and such do have a reputation of wearing quicker. When you buy the truck, just plan on spending a couple hundred bucks to freshen the front end and you'll be good for years. If your using the truck off road less than 50% of time, I'd never use the solid.

That's my opinion.........it's worth what you paid for it

The front frame on my 84 did crack near the steering box. I don't consider that a 'trait' of the Broncos though, as mine is the 1st one I've ever seen that on. Cracking near the steering box is not unusual in any older vehicle. 2 seconds with a welder......good as used.

 

Thanks alot for all the info guys. I'm pretty set on getting a Bronco and you guys have given me plenty of info to base that decision on. I've been reading these threads for over two hours and everything makes me want one more. I just need to sell my '97 Tacoma first. I'm sure you'll be seeing me around on the boards.

Thanks,
Tommy...out

 

I have a 95 EB Bronco I purchased new. Manual hubs was not an option on the EB. Expect to replace the hubs and go manual. I am on my 3rd set of auto hubs only because they were all replaced under warranty. Next set will be manual and are on the shelf. You could get a non-leather EB however. I live in the desert and got my EB without leather. Just too darn hot! I have not heard of the front end problems. Mine is lifted 4" with Pro Comp suspension and am very happy with it. I just purchased 35"s for it but have not mounted them yet. I am running 33"s with no problems.