Common Bronco Problems...
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
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>>Sawbones25
>>Whip, is that switch a circuit breaker [of sorts]? Did you blow any fuses because of tying the switch up? Or is the switch just getting worn out...
Sawbones-it is in sense a circuit breaker. If there is am excess load, the bimetalic spring heats up and breaks the contacts(much like contacts on a set of points). I guess that if it happens enough, then eventually the spring stays separated(which mine had done). I had good luck after zip-tying until some crap would get in the tracks and give the window a hard time to go up. That is when I would blow a fuse. All I would have to do is clean out whatever debri was in there(usually salt or sand from doing ice management) and I'd be good to go for awhile. Mind you-the window seals were absolutely shot.
>>Whip, is that switch a circuit breaker [of sorts]? Did you blow any fuses because of tying the switch up? Or is the switch just getting worn out...
Sawbones-it is in sense a circuit breaker. If there is am excess load, the bimetalic spring heats up and breaks the contacts(much like contacts on a set of points). I guess that if it happens enough, then eventually the spring stays separated(which mine had done). I had good luck after zip-tying until some crap would get in the tracks and give the window a hard time to go up. That is when I would blow a fuse. All I would have to do is clean out whatever debri was in there(usually salt or sand from doing ice management) and I'd be good to go for awhile. Mind you-the window seals were absolutely shot.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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I own a Bronco a late 80's but I now of several people that own newer broncos and aside from those already mentioned the only one that bothers me is the seats, To my knowledge they never fixed the problem with the seats, the one I'm refering to is that in mine and at least three friends of mine the seat literaly fall apart at the brackets and at the floorboard. Maybe a little to much lead north of my foot. Dunno but just a problem I thought I might list
BadKarma
BadKarma
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Corona, CA
Transmissions, look for eiter a 93 or a 96 these two years have the better trannys of the bunch. Also consider a rear axle swap to a 10.25 if you plan on big tires or a lot of wheeling. You can get 8 lugs up front by swapping in chevy D50 knuckles up front.
I have a 93 which is up to 206,000 miles now and becides replacing the rear end 3 times and the injectors 2 months ago the truck has been just about perfect to me.
Also consider getting white, mud shows up a lot better, road dirt takes about 2 monts to show up and it doesn't oxydize like the darker colors do.
Oh and my top has been off my truck about 6 times now and it has not even leaked one drop. The only time my truck seems to leak is when water splashes up into the drain holes in the bed. Then the truck stinks to high heaven.
I have a 93 which is up to 206,000 miles now and becides replacing the rear end 3 times and the injectors 2 months ago the truck has been just about perfect to me.
Also consider getting white, mud shows up a lot better, road dirt takes about 2 monts to show up and it doesn't oxydize like the darker colors do.
Oh and my top has been off my truck about 6 times now and it has not even leaked one drop. The only time my truck seems to leak is when water splashes up into the drain holes in the bed. Then the truck stinks to high heaven.
Last edited by frogger01; Nov 19, 2003 at 02:38 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Corona, CA
Originally posted by JMCF
First thing to do if you get one is to replace those automatic hubs if it still has em on it.Manual hubs are the best if you break an axle .Front wheel bearings as well.
First thing to do if you get one is to replace those automatic hubs if it still has em on it.Manual hubs are the best if you break an axle .Front wheel bearings as well.
My 93's seats have worn well considering my fluctuating 300-350 pound fat butt during the 123,000 miles I have had her. The seats also hold up pretty well while doing other things becides driving in them (wink) (wink)
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Corona, CA
They are more reliable.
I have heard many stories of wheeling days cut short because the autmatic hubs decided to not work or explode their internals in the wrong spot. Plus manual hubs dont give you that spring loaded suprise! when you take them off to service the wheel bearings.
I have heard many stories of wheeling days cut short because the autmatic hubs decided to not work or explode their internals in the wrong spot. Plus manual hubs dont give you that spring loaded suprise! when you take them off to service the wheel bearings.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: San Antonio, Texas
Are you serious, or just joking? 
Alright, why not. The hub is that crome or satin finish thing that is bolted with 3 0r 5 0r 6 little bolts, to the hub thats connected to your rotor. It is either auto or has a **** that you turn so that the rotor and hub interlock to the spindal, there for making 4-wheel drive.
Alright, why not. The hub is that crome or satin finish thing that is bolted with 3 0r 5 0r 6 little bolts, to the hub thats connected to your rotor. It is either auto or has a **** that you turn so that the rotor and hub interlock to the spindal, there for making 4-wheel drive.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
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From: South Ga
Re: Common Bronco Problems...
Originally posted by Sawbones25
Just wondering about common Bronco troubles. I know about the tailgate rusting and window troubles, but what (if any) other problems are Broncos known for?
Anything different than the F-series trucks?
Just wondering about common Bronco troubles. I know about the tailgate rusting and window troubles, but what (if any) other problems are Broncos known for?
Anything different than the F-series trucks?
Other than that, i haven't owned a f-series since i bought one of my '79 broncos over 20 years ago
Edit: Sorry, i did have a f-series 4x4 back in the 80s - everytime i drove it i would smash my face on the rear window when i looked back. I didn't keep it long.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Colorado Frontrange
Your hubs are the mechanical engagement device on the outboard part of your front axle-when in 2wd the front wheel hubs freewheel on the axle-when 4wd is engaged it goes like this-Automatic hubs (the kind without the **** you turn)-when the front driveshaft begins to rotate the front axle shafts the torque causes a ratchet mechanism in the hub to "lock" the hub to the axleshaft,causing the front wheels to have drive power.The reason I say "lock" is with the auto hubs it can be hit or miss as far as engagement-they are not really suited to frequent off road use,but are more of a convience item for those that want a pushbutton 4wd systemManual hubs provide a more solid engagement to the driveline as they are either locked or unlocked-no hit or miss-much more rugged for off roading
Tailgate weatherstripping is where a lot of tailgate rust can be prevented-make sure it is in good shape
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Joined: Feb 2002
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Auto hubs suck if you tow. Try backing up in a straight line long enough with a short trailer to get it unlocked. Get manuals pronto.
Biggest problem with the Bronco is selling it. Not finding a buyer, but emotionally making the decision to sell. I'd sell a kid first (if I had one).
My '83 had lots of issues, probably because I beat the hell out of it. The 302 liked to eat water pumps.
My 96 hasn't had many issues. Couple of O2 sensors, new brake rotors and a radiator at 80,000+.
One recurring problem is the dust boot, i guess it's called that, behind the hub and between the rotor and the rotor shield on the front axles. It's kind of stiff and likes to squeak at low speed after a few months. Guess it gives me an excuse to pull off the hubs and regrease everything.
No leaks, no rear window problems except maybe a rattle with the 33x12.50 spare on the rack.
I never take the cap off.
Biggest problem with the Bronco is selling it. Not finding a buyer, but emotionally making the decision to sell. I'd sell a kid first (if I had one).
My '83 had lots of issues, probably because I beat the hell out of it. The 302 liked to eat water pumps.
My 96 hasn't had many issues. Couple of O2 sensors, new brake rotors and a radiator at 80,000+.
One recurring problem is the dust boot, i guess it's called that, behind the hub and between the rotor and the rotor shield on the front axles. It's kind of stiff and likes to squeak at low speed after a few months. Guess it gives me an excuse to pull off the hubs and regrease everything.
No leaks, no rear window problems except maybe a rattle with the 33x12.50 spare on the rack.
I never take the cap off.