$980 1990 Bronco update
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
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From: n.e. wisconsin
$980 1990 Bronco update
Thanks for all the advice on my previous post!!!
I checked out the Bronco this morning. It has fairly severe rust - Both lower doors, lower tailgate, some at rear of cab at roof line and it looks awful - Spray can paint using several shades of blue. Frame and undercarrage also is rusty but looks solid.
The truck has 115,000 miles on it. It drove well. 4WD and low range work, brakes are good, engine looks original with no leaks. Interior is very good.
This Bronco is on a Ford dealers lot. The radiator was 1/2 gallon low, but the overflow tank level was normal. Service tech claimed it was low from sitting on the lot (B.S.). Salesman called me later and reported they refilled the radiator and he drove/idled it for 2 hours with no loss of level. So I may take another look at it tomorrow.
The biggest problem is it is a 302 automatic. Does this engine have enough power to tow a Chevy Camaro???
Thanks again Guys,
I checked out the Bronco this morning. It has fairly severe rust - Both lower doors, lower tailgate, some at rear of cab at roof line and it looks awful - Spray can paint using several shades of blue. Frame and undercarrage also is rusty but looks solid.
The truck has 115,000 miles on it. It drove well. 4WD and low range work, brakes are good, engine looks original with no leaks. Interior is very good.
This Bronco is on a Ford dealers lot. The radiator was 1/2 gallon low, but the overflow tank level was normal. Service tech claimed it was low from sitting on the lot (B.S.). Salesman called me later and reported they refilled the radiator and he drove/idled it for 2 hours with no loss of level. So I may take another look at it tomorrow.
The biggest problem is it is a 302 automatic. Does this engine have enough power to tow a Chevy Camaro???
Thanks again Guys,
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
$980 1990 Bronco update
If you're looking for anything other than a very occaisional tow vehicle for a camaro, look elsewhere, for a couple reasons.
One, the Bronco has a short wheelbase. Towing with a short wheelbase is a good way to get into a wreck. Take a look at steve83's link in his signature and you'll see pics of his wrecked Bronco and how it happened.
Second, the AOD is a relatively weak transmission. If you do serious towing with it, the tranny won't last long. The 302 itself would probably be OK, but that combo isn't a very good one.
My advice is to start looking for a 8' 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck with either a C-6 with a cooler or a manual with a granny low gear. Camaro's aren't light cars, and that much weight behind a 1/2 ton truck simply isn't safe. You will be a danger to yourself and those around you. It isn't worth the risk.
One, the Bronco has a short wheelbase. Towing with a short wheelbase is a good way to get into a wreck. Take a look at steve83's link in his signature and you'll see pics of his wrecked Bronco and how it happened.
Second, the AOD is a relatively weak transmission. If you do serious towing with it, the tranny won't last long. The 302 itself would probably be OK, but that combo isn't a very good one.
My advice is to start looking for a 8' 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck with either a C-6 with a cooler or a manual with a granny low gear. Camaro's aren't light cars, and that much weight behind a 1/2 ton truck simply isn't safe. You will be a danger to yourself and those around you. It isn't worth the risk.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
$980 1990 Bronco update
another note, if the frame looks rusty, its probably twice as bad as it looks. been there and done that. twice 
I think $800 is a lot of money. looks at www.kbb.com. when a vehicle is that rusty, its doesn't have a set value. it worth what ever someone will pay, although, a lot of car are like that.
I think $800 is a lot of money. looks at www.kbb.com. when a vehicle is that rusty, its doesn't have a set value. it worth what ever someone will pay, although, a lot of car are like that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: SE Texas
$980 1990 Bronco update
I'm with andym on the towing issue. A longbed 3/4-ton pick-up is alot more stable for towing than a Bronco. Not that you can't tow with a Bronco. Mine has pulled a 6500 lb. tandem-axle trailer since new without a mishap, but it has alot to do with weight distribution of the trailer and driver skill. A little extra weight in the tail or an uneven road can be scary. The 302 has power to tow, better if you have 3.55 gears. The AOD is not as strong or reliable as the C-6, either, IMO. With all that said, I think you can find a Bronco in better condition for a few hundred $$$ more, or a good truck in the same price range if your primary use is for towing.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
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From: n.e. wisconsin
$980 1990 Bronco update
Thanks so much guys!
I was so concerned about the rust repairs, I never athought about the towing dynamics of a short wheelbase. I also had no idea about the shortcomings of the AOD tranny.
Too many strikes against this one!
I think I'll keep an eye open for 3/4 ton LWB 2wd pick-up with a 351 and proper tranny. I'd rather have a deisel, but that would probably be a lot more expensive. I'm trying to get by cheap for a very limited use truck.
Thanks again! You saved me $1000 that I can put toward a vehicle more suited to my needs.
I was so concerned about the rust repairs, I never athought about the towing dynamics of a short wheelbase. I also had no idea about the shortcomings of the AOD tranny.
Too many strikes against this one!
I think I'll keep an eye open for 3/4 ton LWB 2wd pick-up with a 351 and proper tranny. I'd rather have a deisel, but that would probably be a lot more expensive. I'm trying to get by cheap for a very limited use truck.
Thanks again! You saved me $1000 that I can put toward a vehicle more suited to my needs.
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