Alright, long story short a friend of mine has a friend who acquired 10 vehicles at low prices with hopes to sell them for a higher price. I was around when it was mentioned and a 81 and 84 Bronco caught my attention. He offered to sell the Broncos at the price he payed for them $550 each. That was over 2 weeks ago, we haven't spoken again but only because Ive been really busy. I haven't gathered much information yet but what Ive heard both Broncos are in drivable condition. The 84 has a 5.8 and auto, the 81 has a 302 and auto.

For $550 its pretty hard to beat but I haven't seen them yet to determine if its either a great deal or rust buckets waiting to fall apart. But hypothetically lets say I go for it, what are some issues I should look out for?
Were there any major recalls for those years?
Have those years been troublesome years for Broncos (engine, tranny, body)?
What components should be replaced?

Hopefully Ill speak with him tonight to find out more details, I currently have an 03 F-150 and would love to add another Ford to the stable.

A question that you guys might question me about is the proficiency of my skills mechanically. I cant say I have much experience from both my age (21) or the amount of times Ive worked on vehicles. Im hoping in sort that the Bronco could be a guinea pig I learn from.

Ill try to get the VIN to run a check as well as get some pictures and more info.

 

I paid $700 for my first Bronco......it had a 302 w/M5OD manual trans......and over 200K miles on the truck, but like 40K on the 302. I loved it so much (like 4 Broncos later now) that I fixed it up a bit, and then sold her for $1500. I will never be with out at least one full size Bronco. I do think I am going to pull the trigger on a new or almost new Excursion though....like at the end of the summer.

 

Well even if ONE of them is in running condition, you would end up with TWO full-size 4WD trucks for a little over a grand. Worst case scenario you have a work-in-progress and a parts-truck.

 

i would definatly get the 84 because of motor choice. but if your getting both go for it. the 81 is a limbo year for the bronco so sometimes getting parts is pretty hard.

good luck

 

I have an update to add to;

The 81 is actually the Bronco with one with the 5.8

the guy posted it on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

It looks pretty good from the description, the only thing that bothers me is the interior (whats left i dont mind) I just dont like the color red for that interior. He says it runs well mechanically besides for the tranny which shifts at 4000rpms.

 

4k before it shifts?! Bad vacuum regulator or someone forgot to reconnect it after carb work was done. Thats very hard on the tranny if its been like that for a while.