Need a Bronco
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
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From: Houston USA
Need a Bronco
Hi all,
I currently own a 2001 Excursion and have a soon to be 16 year old son. He's picked the Bronco as his car of choice. Can anyone help with buying advice. I'm mostly curious about best years, any known problems, and what to watch out for.
There's not a lot of these around and I'd like to make a good choice.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Joe
I currently own a 2001 Excursion and have a soon to be 16 year old son. He's picked the Bronco as his car of choice. Can anyone help with buying advice. I'm mostly curious about best years, any known problems, and what to watch out for.
There's not a lot of these around and I'd like to make a good choice.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Joe
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 669
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From: Chino Valley
I have a 95 and i love it. first off, know that the e40d tranny is weak, and doesnt get an upgrade untill 94. the engines in them vary from an inline six (300 ci) to two v8s (302 and 351) I have a 302 and it is good enough for me, but the 351 is a better choice, because the engine doesnt have to work as hard if you lift it or put bigger tires under it. all are 4x4 and if you engage the 4x4 and turn sharp you will hear the tires slipping, thus its in working condition. look at the wear on the brake pedal vs the mileage on the odometer. if the rubber on the pedal is worn a lot, and the engine only shows like 85000 miles, there might be tricks a foot. general problem areas are the rear window mechanism, and leakage (like water when it rains). rust is a problem in the tailgate area, as well as the wheel wells. the body cracks behind the front windows right next to the rain gutter. I'm sure others can tell you more. I see you live in Tucson. there are quite a few nice broncos for sale in Chino Valley(where I live). visit the AZ chapter of ford truck enthusiasts, maybe people in your area know where to find some good deals as well. good luck and happy hunting!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,388
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From: SE Texas
Very well-said. I would suggest one around 1987-1990. They will have fuel injection, and will run about $2500-$3000 in good condition. The 300I-6 seems puny for a fullsize rig, but it has plenty of torque and will get fair gas mileage, around 14-16mpg.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 470
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From: Aurora Colorado
Stay away from 87 and 88's. Ford decided to try new things and made these years different from the rest.. They look the same, but try and find hubs for an 87.. nearly impossible.. Tranny mount, I couldn't find one.. Had to get one from a 96 and fab it a little..
I am by far a bronco expert, just sharing the experience I've had owning an 87.. stick with 89 and newer..
I am by far a bronco expert, just sharing the experience I've had owning an 87.. stick with 89 and newer..
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
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From: Houston USA
Thanks for all of your help. We went a head and bought a clean '93 Eddie Bauer with 96K miles. Hopefully the fact that it's not a '94 or later won't come back to bite us. The owner has the complete maintenance records and all looks O.K.
Joe
Joe
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 669
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From: Chino Valley
earlier trannies are fine, butnot as strong as the later years. however, i have a 95 bronco, that is in the tranny shop right now and it just hit 195k miles. you should be fine, but like all e40ds, keep an eye on it. try and get us some pics of your score!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
My first choice would be a '96 with a 351. (last year, MAF sensor) Second '94 or '95 with 351. I have a '95 w/351, BTW.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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I have had my 93 XLT for 5 years now. When I purchased, it had around 100K miles on it. Now it is around 200K. I have done the following:
Fuel pressure regulator 2 times
Tires
Hubs
Shocks 2 times
Brake pads 3 times
Brake Rotors 2 times
Plugs 3 times
Wires 2 times
Stereo Head and Speakers
Drivers Side Inner Door Handle
Complete Tailgate Assembly
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds to Headers
Waterpump
Belt 2 times
Rear Springs & Shackles
Torque Converter
Hopefully my list will give you an idea of the kinds of things to expect. My Bronco is still going strong, although as it sits now it really needs an engine rebuild and body work for rust. It continues to see about 600 miles a week as my work truck.
Broncos Rock. Good Luck with your new truck.
-Str0ud
Fuel pressure regulator 2 times
Tires
Hubs
Shocks 2 times
Brake pads 3 times
Brake Rotors 2 times
Plugs 3 times
Wires 2 times
Stereo Head and Speakers
Drivers Side Inner Door Handle
Complete Tailgate Assembly
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds to Headers
Waterpump
Belt 2 times
Rear Springs & Shackles
Torque Converter
Hopefully my list will give you an idea of the kinds of things to expect. My Bronco is still going strong, although as it sits now it really needs an engine rebuild and body work for rust. It continues to see about 600 miles a week as my work truck.
Broncos Rock. Good Luck with your new truck.
-Str0ud
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Everyone is telling you to find a 92-96, last years of the Broncos. I currently own an 88 but would much prefer a 92-96 because the front end is a bit more aerodynamic and nicer looking and the interior is nicer and came with more options like leather seats and overhead console and it seems you can find more aftermarket accessories for the 92 up models like ram air hoods and white face gauges.