I'm considering the purchase of a 91 Bronco XLT with an inline 6 engine, good looking body and interior, etc. They're asking $4500 for it. Any thoughts on the price (I know that's hard without seeing it). ANY advice whatsoever will be appreciated.

About the engine - I know this is a smaller engine for Broncos - can someone tell me if it's really noticable? And to what degree? I'd be using the Bronco for very lightweight towing (couple hundred pounds of lumber a few times a summer for home improvement projects) and 4wheeling - nothing extreme, just back roads. I understand this is an Inline 6 4.9L with about 150HP - does that sound right?

I'm looking for a "project" vehicle that I can so some upgrades to and hang some accessories on - will I really suffer without the V8? And what REAL gas mileage differences will be apparent?

Thanks in advance for answers to these newbie questions!
Damon

 

the inline 6 has more torque (*****) than the 5.0, but i hered somewhere they accualy get less gas milage than the 5.0. and Just as a comparison i payed $5000 for my 96

 

I had a 1994 F150 2WD with the I6 and the E4OD automatic. It has 150 HP with the M5OD 5-speed and 145 HP with the E4OD automatic. (1994 figures) My truck came with a 3.08 open diff rear end from the factory. (Axle code 18) After installing 30 x 10.5 R 15 tires, 3" suspension lift etc..., this combination was horrendous. I even considered getting a 351W put in it because the performance was so bad. After doing a little research, I found the 3.08 to be the offending piece of the equation. I replaced it with an Auburn limited slip and a 3.73 gear and pinion set. Best thing to happen to that truck, you would have thought it had a 351W in it after that. Great motor! It needs the correct ring and pinion ratio to show you what it's got especially when going from the stock 28" tires to 30" tires. If that Bronco has a 19 or an H9 axle code, that may be good enough. 19 is a Ford 8.8" open diff with 3.55 ratio and H9 is the limited slip version. You can find that info on the vehicle compliance label on the door jamb under the AX or AXLE heading. If it has an 18 / H8 (3.08) or 17 / H7 (3.31) then consider buying it but figure the cost of putting a 3.73 set in it to get the performance that closely matches the 351W. (In daily driving, it won't tow as much as a 351W of course.) The gas mileage was barely affected. I used to get 19mpg after re-gearing on the highway instead of 20 or 21 with the 3.08. Torque at the rear wheels and off-the-line acceleration were 300% better. There's a hill in Dallas where I could never get past 60mph no matter what I did. After the 3.73 was put in, the engine would shut down at 99 mph! Big difference. Did I mention the 300 cu.in. I6 is a great motor? I whish Ford still offered it in the F250, I would have definitly bought one.

on edit, here are a few specs for the engine lineup in 1994.

4.9L w/ M5OD 5-speed: 145HP @ 3400 rpm 265ft/lb @ 2000 rpm
4.9L w/ E4OD 4-speed auto 145HP @ 3400 rpm 265 ft/lbs @ 2000 rpm
4.9L w/ C6 3-speed auto 150HP @ 3400 rpm 260 ft.lbs @ 2000 rpm
4.9L w/ ZF 547 5-speed 150@ 3400 rpm 260 ft.lbs @ 2000 rpm

5.0L w/ M5OD 5-speed 205HP @ 4000 rpm 275 ft/lb @3000 rpm
5.0L w/ 4R70W 4-speed auto 195HP @ 4000 rpm 270 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm
5.0L w/ E4OD 4-speed auto 195HP @ 4000 rpm 270 ft/lb @ 3000 rpm

5.8L w/ ZF 547 5-speed 200 HP @ 3800 rpm 310 ft/lb @ 2800 rpm
5.8L w/ C6 3-speed auto 200 HP @ 3800 rpm 310 ft/lb @ 2800 rpm
5.8L w/ E4OD 4-speed auto 200 HP @ 3800 rpm 310 ft/lb @ 2800 rpm

 

1984 302 bronco is throwing oil and smoking out of the dipstick. can someone please help!

 

open a new thread , dont pirate this one YO!

 

That price is a little steep, I'd maybe shop around a little more.
If it's really well optioned and low miles it might be the going rate in your area.
If it's what you want then the price doesn't relly matter that much.
Let us know if you buy it.

 

I've nerver owned one but I've heard that they do have some *****. The gas milage is depressing for a six banger though.

 

I just sold my 1982 bronco with inline six cylinder for 1800 dollars. That price seams pretty steep. If it is in mint condition it may be worth it. That straight six is a great motor for offroading lots of torque. I think the straight six is one of fords longest lasting motors by far mine had 210,000 miles on it and still ran great no noise and did not burn or leak oil. Only reason I sold it is because I upgraded to a 01 f150 supercrew needed the room because I have two kids now.

 

Yeah, the price is kinda scarry... unless it's really nice and low low miles. I have a 95 F-250 with the EFI 4.9L and it's a great truck and all, but the Blue Book is like $2800 on it... I would check around a bit before dropping $4500 on that bronco. I've got the six in my Bronco too, did the same thing n578md did when I put the 35X12.50's on. Dropped the gears to 3.73 and put a 2bbl carb on istead of the 1bbl. I still get about 16 mpg more torque and pulling power than I need. I love the motor, it's the most reliable engine I've ever had, gear drive so you don't have a timing chain to worry about wear on. And besides, if any V-8 guys start giving you a hard time.. just tell them "Hey, my engine is longer than yours."

 

See if you can talk the price down a little. I'd also agree that $4500 is a bit high. Otherwise, I say do it. I've got 277,000 miles on the original 300 I-6 in my '84 F150 and it still runs just like new. Best motor Detroit ever came out with IMO.

 

I payed 3000 for my 88 that had a straight body, 302/aod. so i would offer around 3200 and see if he bites . get a blue book print out of what its worth to show him .

late

 

that price is a little high, i have a 1988 full size with a inline 6 5 speed that i would sell for 2500.00 if you were interested. the bronco itself is in great shape very little rust on the body and the motor has 146,000 miles on it. it runs great, new brakes all around tight front end, runing boards and has 31 inch tires on it. the color is gray with red interior. i would not be scared to drive it anywhere, it gets 14 miles per gallon city and about 16 highway. my experience with the inline 6 is GREAT, i have had 4 of them in various fords. one i sold at 189,000 another i sold at 201,000 and the one after that was 225,000. all were still running and did not need any major repairs in the time i owned them. tune up, water pump or 2 yeah general mainenance but major repairs NEVER, the 300 4.9l is the best motor ford has ever built. why would so many guys but f150's for work trucks....................... the inline 6 is good for at least 300,000 miles iwth proper maintainance it could last even longer. i am the second owner on mine and let me tell you i could not have asked for a better truck. if anyone is interested in this truck, just email me at allistoys@sbcglobal.net and i can send a pic of it if you like. thanks for reading

 

that email address is allistoys AT sbcglobal DOT net . you will have to add the "@" and the "." to complete the email address. thanks