I am a total nube and considering buying a bronco. I have had 3 Jeep Cherokees as a second car and frankly I think they are a POS and looking for a change. I suspect a Bronco will be way more reliable

It looks like they came in 4 'generations'
78 / 79
80 / 86
87 / 91
92 / 96

I know these things suffer from a really bad rot problem. Typically where should I look? Any tricky places like above the gas tank or anything?

302 vs 351....any significant change in power or fuel mileage?

It seems like they stayed true to a real off road vehicle with real off road capability. Any significant changes to power train or front / rear diffs ? After a while I notice the 4WD lever on the floor went away

The Jeeps I had also had a full time fWD AND a part time 4WD system all in one transfer case....seems like bronco just has a part time system or rarely an AWD system, but not both

Anti lock brakes started in what year / what Gen? Std or optional?

 

...And how easy is it to pop that rear seat out and use it like a station wagon?

How heavy is that rear seat?

 

A few things to consider. Newer models (92-96) are going to be the most advanced and most fuel efficient. 351 is way more powerful than any 302 model. E4OD Transmissions are usually the biggest problem, so if you get one with that transmission, make sure the fluid is bright pink and doesnt smell burnt. If you can find one thats been rebuilt and not abused that would be better.

ABS started in 87 or 88 with Rear ABS only being offered thru the 93 model year. After that it went to 4 wheel ABS till the end of production in 96. EFI went into use on 302 models in 86 utilizing the ODB1 computer system standard. EFI started on the 351 models in 87. The 5-speed M5OD-R2 transmission was added as an option for 300 cu in (4.9 L) and 302 cu in (4.95 L) powered Broncos for 1987. 1988-89 351W trucks received a C6 transmission. In 1989 (1990 model year), the electronically controlled E4OD automatic overdrive came standard on the 351W, and 300. The AOD was mated with the 302 cu in (4.95 L) from 1986 through 1990. In 1990, all engines received the E4OD for 1991 models. All models used a speed density EFI system till 1994. In 1994 some 302 models switched to a mass air SEFI system. in 1995 more 302's with SEFI Mass Air were built, but there were still many bank fire Speed density 302's built as well. 1995 saw SEFI Mass Air 351's built for the california market, but no where else. In 1996 SEFI Mass Air was exclusively used with all models with the adoption of the OBD2 computer system standard. Mass Air Bronco's are more desirable as it is required if you want to do significant engine modifications and run factory Fuel Injection with a tuner. Otherwise you will have to convert to aftermarket fuel injection or run a carb.

Suspension wise, the 78/79 model year were the only years which used a solid front and rear axle combination. After 79 all broncos used a ford 8.8 rear axle or Ford 9 inch rear axle and a dana 44 Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension system. The 9 inch ford was discontinued after 82 or 83 model year.

As far as rust goes, 78/79 rust out really badly. 80-85 seem to be bad, but not quite as bad as 78/79. 86-91 seem to be a bit better, and 92-96 better still.

all vintages of broncos run part time 4 wheel drive systems. most came with automatic locking hubs. some came with manual hubs. 4 wheel high can be run in some road conditions such as snow or ice or wet conditions without any adverse effects, but it is not recommended on dry roads as a normal mode of operation. 4 Low is for off road only. some models came with manually controlled transfer cases, and some 92-96 models were electronically controlled.

The rear seat is easily removed. It has a spring lock in the rear that allows it to fold forward. Then there are 2 pins (1 on each side) that can be removed to remove the rear seat completely.

 

And the rear seat is heavy. It can be handled by 1 man but you might want to make sure you have already had all the children you want.

 

how do you plan on using the bronco? what kind of wheeling do you do and what area do you live.

your cherokee's all came with a solid front diff. the bronco having a ttb will provide a different wheeling experience to say the least. the bronco's are also very heavy in comparison

 

You both are forgetting about the 66-77 Broncos which were the first generation. And I think you might be confusing the rot problem...the first generation Broncos are notorious for rust, but IMO I don't think the 78-79s are really that bad.

66-77 also had solid axles front and rear. 78-79 were available with full time 4wd, but it isn't really common to find one nowadays. Many were converted with part time kits.

For the money, I think it's hard to beat a 92-96 because you get a lot of bang for the buck so to speak.

 

I think it was clear that he was discussing the 4 generations of full size broncos.

As for 78-79 rust, it's terrible from the B-pillar back. All I've looked in this area were rotted out in the same spots. From the pillar forward, they were all in great shape.

 

Just from an aesthetics perspective, I like the 92-96 the best and the 78-79 next. I wasn't a fan of the 80's interiors.

 

I prefer the 80-86 models, but I think 92-96 is what fits your needs best. They're gonna get the best MPG, and make the most power. Manual shift transfer cases and manual locking hubs were available up to 96, and I believe they are stronger than the push button cases and vacuum hubs. 351 makes more power than the 302. If you live in the rust belt like I do, they rust out over the rear wheel wells, and the bottom of the tailgate.

 

How do those manual hubs work? If and when I need 4WD do I have to get out of the car and do a 1/4 turn on both of those ***** on the hubs?....and then do it again when I want to disengage?

 

Jeeps have a very different arrangement. I have not seen a set of locking hubs on them since the 70s.

 

Yep that exactly how they work. You can also drive with the hubs engaged, and the 4x4 disengaged, but the front axle will be turning.

 

92-96 will be your best bet. I prefer the 80-86. My 92 was limited on the engine rebuild .It all depends on what you want to do and how you will use your truck. My Bronco sports a 351 488 gears,37inch super swamper tires with a 6 inch sky jacker lift .The bumpers are BRONCO AIR, front rear with a warn winch. Am I finished , my wife though so with the leveling kit I installed in 2004 . This many year project has been ongoing , costly- but fun This past April the power plant was rebuilt. Needs repainting with a few more mods planned! Beware the guys/girls in this forum are always willing to help so if u buy a Bronco they have your back and that means a lot Good luck TR

 

So I'm taking my 3 yr old granddaughter home, who just loves to ride in the bronco, and I drive by this used car lot. It has been there for quite some time and I notice many older pickups in the back row. There in the second row from the back is a white '88 Bronco! I have to stop by in the dark to check it out. Looking at the body I'm not seeing any rust and looking under it I'm not seeing any ether. So if you're interested it is at
A&R Auto, 500 Westgate Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68528, (402) 742-0088.
If I didn't have one already, I'd be looking at it more closely. I did see that it has a V8, automatic, and manual transfer case. Interior looked good through the windows.

 

Jowens1126 sounds like he's got some excellent details there. Obviously knows a lot about the bigger Broncos. The early ones 66-77 were all really rust prone. I have owned a 77 - nice enough rig, but a bit of a rust bucket and had a terribly stiff stock suspension. My current 78 is way... WAY better as far a rust is concerned and barely had ANY at all underneath the top once removed. Totally acceptable for a vehicle its age IMO. Only downside is it is full time four wheel drive... Honestly not sure what the "selector lever" on the NP-203 transfer case is supposed to do! LOL.

I like the solid axle Broncos personally. If I were going to own one of the TTB Broncos it would probably be a 1996 just because that was the last year.