Hi Folks, hoping someone can shed some light on a potential winter truck for me. Looking at a '92 Bronco 4x4 for a winter truck - He states a rebuilt 351 with 66K (odometer reads 160K), rebuilt trans, new electronic 4x4 with interlocking hubs. Now, I know nothing about four wheel drives other than all 4 wheels turn - so what is electronic with interlocking hubs and what would he mean by "new". There's no snow on the ground here now (thank heavens!) so how would I confirm that the 4x4 works? Also, what problem areas should I look for on the truck? I don't need it to be perfect but I would like to get through the winter without having to repair something in our S*** weather.

Thanks!

 

My 1990 has a problem with blowing really cold air into the cab from the supposed heater system. I haven't found a good solution but this is a must for a winter truck I would think.
The 4x4 works by shifting on the fly into 4x4 high on my 1990 with floor shifter.
Then to shift into 4x4 low I have to put the trans in neutral and then shift the floor shifter into low.
And of course I have to turn in the hubs on the wheels by hand before shifting into 4x4.
I assume everything is the same except automatic in the electronic shift. So there's a lot of moving parts that have to work automatically.

 

1990 should be a nice truck. My 1988 had auto-locking hubs that used an over-running cam set-up. I think that got changed for the better a few years later. Don't know if 1990 was in the new positive locking hub group or not ...

Problem with mine is that if one wheel actually lost all traction (air) the whole front system could unlock The better later ones do not have that issue

So. if it's one of the better later systems, the "interlocking" hubs would be nice as you could shift on the fly with the push of a button and the transfer case and hubs all go in as one (4 high range).

For really cold country, you need to add a radiator blanket anyway with a zipper to adjust the air flow. The cold air is related to the recirculating door not closing to recirculate cabin air. If it does not close you are trying to heat outside air

There is a tire recapper back in Iowa who does really nice winter tires with crushed glass in the tread rubber. They stick like glue in snow and ice w/o having to chain up. So factor in a spare set of wheels for winter work maybe ... Yeah, sure, if the highway patrol has chain controls out, you'll have to, but with the right winter tire you can get through a lot in a big old Bronco

 

well 4wd doesnt mean all 4 wheels have power. the differentials would need limited slips or lockers to provide that sort of thing.

how much is this bronco your looking at and what area do you live.