New to broncos
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 49
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From: Brooklin Canada
New to broncos
Hey everyone. I'm going to look at a '90 bronco eb with the 302 tomorrow, it has 120000 miles. Can anyone give me some advice for problem areas to look for. Oh yeah it's 4x4.
Thanks in advance
Andy
Thanks in advance
Andy
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 0
New to broncos
yo,
Besides the usual visual, driveability and leak checks, look for:
- oil pan rust -
- radiator plastic side seam leaks esp. during engine cool-down period/overnight
- auto tranny and transfer case operation - electric push button motor/connector is a prob. area
- auto hub operation (get it in sand or mud and try the 4x4 system)
- rust in inner rear fender lips and bottom of tailgate (our fender lips was rusting due to beach sand wearing the paint)
- radius arm bushing deterioration
- cracked exhaust manifold/y etc.
See if you can get it to a mechanic for a compression check, and other inspections if you don't diy; neglected vehicles are costly to repair, esp 4x4's.
Good luck!
Besides the usual visual, driveability and leak checks, look for:
- oil pan rust -
- radiator plastic side seam leaks esp. during engine cool-down period/overnight
- auto tranny and transfer case operation - electric push button motor/connector is a prob. area
- auto hub operation (get it in sand or mud and try the 4x4 system)
- rust in inner rear fender lips and bottom of tailgate (our fender lips was rusting due to beach sand wearing the paint)
- radius arm bushing deterioration
- cracked exhaust manifold/y etc.
See if you can get it to a mechanic for a compression check, and other inspections if you don't diy; neglected vehicles are costly to repair, esp 4x4's.
Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Monterey bay area
New to broncos
I would definitely splurge on a 94+ 5.8 Bronco so long as it already has the
MAF setup.
these broncos also have the overdrive option which can help with fuel costs.
The MAF system takes mods alot better, cam, heads, intake, exhaust, you get the picture....
My question is this....given that the Bronco is a 90 and has a 302 or 5.0,
and has 120k miles on it....would you rather spend your money on a truck that has a 302 with no overdrive etc?
or wuld you rather put your money into a 5.8 Bronco with overdrive and all the other options?
make sure you will be happy with it in the future....alot of guys with the 5.0 Broncos want to upgrade to 5.8's......
something to think about.
MAF setup.
these broncos also have the overdrive option which can help with fuel costs.
The MAF system takes mods alot better, cam, heads, intake, exhaust, you get the picture....
My question is this....given that the Bronco is a 90 and has a 302 or 5.0,
and has 120k miles on it....would you rather spend your money on a truck that has a 302 with no overdrive etc?
or wuld you rather put your money into a 5.8 Bronco with overdrive and all the other options?
make sure you will be happy with it in the future....alot of guys with the 5.0 Broncos want to upgrade to 5.8's......
something to think about.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
New to broncos
Not to deliberately contradict, Capone, (could get me concrete shoes or gunned down on Valentine's Day) but I'm on my second XLT 302/5.0L and I love it. The engines are so similar the extra cubes might be nice but I'll take the fuel mileage considering the performance enhancing aftermarket products available. And 90 should have had the AOD in it anyway. Still an overdrive tranny. Just another point of view.
BTW my 93 has 125k on a 302 and its strong like Ox!...er...uh...I mean Bronco!
BTW my 93 has 125k on a 302 and its strong like Ox!...er...uh...I mean Bronco!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
New to broncos
I going to have to side with Capone on this discussion. A 302 is a durable motor, but it's better suited for a car. The 351W will make noticeably better torque at a lower and more useful RPM range. I've own both engines. (And still do) There is a considerable difference in driveability. There is no guarantee at all that you will get better fuel mileage with a 302. My 351W gets an honest 14-15 and I don't think a 302 Bronco typically does much better. Especially on hilly terrain where the 302 is working harder. You can of course mod a 302 to 351W torque, but you better be careful or the 302 economy may leave you.
Not bashing 302 Broncos at all, I just don't think it's the optimum truck motor if you have your druthers.
Not bashing 302 Broncos at all, I just don't think it's the optimum truck motor if you have your druthers.
