Project possibility
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
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Project possibility
Hello, I have a friend that said he'd sell me his Bronco II, I don't know the year, but I'm guessing 86/87, never really looked at it close. He offered it to me for $300 and has no key. He bought it from the previous owner who just stopped using it and parked it for a few years (4 I think or more) don't know much else about it, I assume it's got a 5-speed and don't know if it's 4wd or 2wd. Basically I don't know much about these Bronco II's as I do their engine.
I came here asking what I should look for, anything known to go bad on these? Anything age sensitive? Known wiring issues? Etc. Any help would be appreciated before I set my mind on buying it. Thanks
I came here asking what I should look for, anything known to go bad on these? Anything age sensitive? Known wiring issues? Etc. Any help would be appreciated before I set my mind on buying it. Thanks
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Virginia
From what I've picked up just by hanging out in the forum here, the 2.9's (and possibly the 2.8s) have a habit of cracking the heads if they're overheated, so check the cooling system. Beyond that, I'm sure when you get more information on the truck, some of the kind folks here will happily tell you what's up. Like the year, the options, etc. Apparently, those things do make a difference in what to watch out for.
But, if it's all in one piece, 300 bucks isn't bad for a little potential offroader. Just check all the usual stuff you'd check on any other 300 dollar truck, and go from there, I guess?
But, if it's all in one piece, 300 bucks isn't bad for a little potential offroader. Just check all the usual stuff you'd check on any other 300 dollar truck, and go from there, I guess?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
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Likes: 1
Yeah that's my best guess too. I'm really not expecting too much for 300 bucks, but it seems cosmetically decent other than typical faded paint.
haven't seen anything beyond the sheet metal including the interior. Windows are good, but I have heard about the heads cracking so I'll definitely check that stuff. I'll have more info when I go check out the truck this weekend or something of I can.
haven't seen anything beyond the sheet metal including the interior. Windows are good, but I have heard about the heads cracking so I'll definitely check that stuff. I'll have more info when I go check out the truck this weekend or something of I can.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
Ok so now for the details. It's a 1988 XL, it looks in good condition just very dirty. Wiring looked very intact, has A.C., the 4speed with Overdrive, it is a 2wd truck, clutch felt ok and trans shifted smoothly, it's missing the battery and key so couldn't test start it. It was last inspected and registered in 2008, and again it all looks good and looks like it was very well taken care of, my friend didn't do anything to it when he bought it, just moved it.
The P.O. also put in an aftermarket water temp gauge. I'd didn't check any fluids other than oil which wasn't pure black, I forgot to check trans fluid and the coolant.
It says 8500 miles but I'm guessing 108,500, doesn't look high mileage to me, I can post pics if you'd like.
The P.O. also put in an aftermarket water temp gauge. I'd didn't check any fluids other than oil which wasn't pure black, I forgot to check trans fluid and the coolant.
It says 8500 miles but I'm guessing 108,500, doesn't look high mileage to me, I can post pics if you'd like.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
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I'm pretty set on buying this thing now, it's only 300 bucks so not much to lose, it is just a 2WD truck so idk what I'm gonna do with it.
I was curious about the common rollover issue these things had and was wondering if it's something i should really be worried about and if so, is there remedies for it (wider wheels/tires, different shocks and springs, etc.)
I was curious about the common rollover issue these things had and was wondering if it's something i should really be worried about and if so, is there remedies for it (wider wheels/tires, different shocks and springs, etc.)
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2014
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The "rollover" saga is much used and abused. I have an 86 with 248K and an 89 with 289K and I'm proud to say neither has rolled over, not even once.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
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I figured it was more of an excuse to make fun of the little broncos than it was an actual hazard. I'd think with better tires it wouldn't be a worry. I honestly wasn't really worried about it but was simply curious.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
haven't posted here in a while. Life got in the way and i wasn't able to focus on this project for a while. anyways, i got the thing to crank over just fine, however it won't fire up. i put new spark plugs on it, checked the dizzy (which looked brand new on the inside), wires and they all looked good.
I'm questioning the condition of the coil as the engine will crank but if you pour gas down the intake or starter fluid it just acts like its choking on it (kinda hesitates) but never actually fires up.
I can hear the switch for the fuel pump as well but don't hear fuel running through the lines. (also need to clean out the injectors). any other help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm questioning the condition of the coil as the engine will crank but if you pour gas down the intake or starter fluid it just acts like its choking on it (kinda hesitates) but never actually fires up.
I can hear the switch for the fuel pump as well but don't hear fuel running through the lines. (also need to clean out the injectors). any other help would be greatly appreciated.
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