I'm looking at a white 1992 Ford Bronco, Custom trim level. As the guy is about 100 miles away from me and I haven't seen it yet, I have a few questions he can't answer:

1. On the a/c system, is it R-12 or 134A?
2. Is there more than one axle ratio available from the factory (I'm trying to get axle codes)?
3. How well will this tow a 3,000 lb. (maximum fully loaded) boat? It has a 5.0 and auto (but again, I don't know axle ratio). I'm pretty satisfied with how well my current Aerostar tows it so I'm assuming it will be okay.
4. He's trying to describe the color to me, which is apparently "off white" (he calls it egg shell). I thought Ford swtiched to pretty much "OJ" white in 1992 and newer. Is this possibly an ex- state vehicle (I'm trying to get VIN# to do a carfax). Any comments? Is it like the older (87-91) whilte? It has a brown interior if that helps.

Thanks for any answers you can give me.
Biederboat

 

r 12
yes 3.08 and 3.55 and both were available as an open rear and a limited slip.
i tow a 2800 lbs. boat with mine and have no problems at all. mine is a 5.8 though but i feel you will have no problems. if you think towing with the areostar is ok them wait till you back down the ramp with a bronco. its tight turninr radious along with its short wheelbase makes control of the trailer incredible. i tow my boat with our areostar and i personally think the areostar stinks at towing.
cat help with the paint color

 

4.10 was also a factory option in the rear. (well and the front of course) The Dana ratio and the Ford ratio are very slightly different. Just a difference between manufacturers.

Stock ratios:

D44 - 3.07:1, 3.54:1, 4.09:1
Ford 8.8 - 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 4.10:1

Paint color could be an aftermarket color. I'm with you on the idea that the bright white was the factory white for the Bronco by 92. The Eddie Bauer white may have been more off-white but not by much as I recall. But then I saw a 95 the other day with a pale green solid factory paint color and a factory DARK green top. Guy even gave me the VIN to cross reference the numbers. I didn't check but figured if he was willing to give me the number to check he wasn't pullin' my chain.

 

I'm at work but if you have the owner look at the white sticker in the driver's door jamb you can get the axel ratio. A section of the sticker says Axel and has a list code. If my memory serves me right the following is a list of codes.


H19 Limited Slip 3.55 ratio
H18 Limited Slip 3.73 ratio
H17 Limited Slip 4.10 ratio
19 Open Diff 3.55 ratio
18 Open Diff 3.73 ratio
17 Open Diff 4.10 ratio.

One of my bronco's has the 302 with the limited slip 3.55 ratio axel and AOD transmission. My boat weighs around 4000 lbs. loaded, and it takes a bit to get her up to highway speed. I pretty much live in a flat area with some desecent hills from time to time. The Bronco can handle it but you are not going to be passing any vehicles at highway speed. Being a 1000 lbs difference between our boats, you may have no problems especially if you get the 4.10 rear end. I had a boat that weighed approx. 2200 lbs and I pulled it with that Bronco with no problems.

You could also spend $400 and change the ring and pinion on both axel's yourself over a weekend. I personally think the 4.10 rear end with the AOD transmission is the way to go with the 302 motor. Seems the truck runs better at highway speeds with the over drive (Doesn't shift out of overdirve as much when going up a slight hill or end a strong wind). All depends on how great the deal is, but you should be fine, obviously pulling the boat in drive and not over drive. A few minor engine performance mods will also give you the added torque to pull the boat with ease.

 

Factory A/C on a '92 is R-12. Conversion to 134a is cheap.... and a good idea. Wal-Mart carries a conversion kit. Beware of the e4OD transmission. What a piece of junk!!!

 

My 92 was an ex-state vehicle,the paint code is "mocha" but it would pass as "eggshell".