I don't intend on replacing my bronco but current events might lend themselves to getting a replacment. Last friday the clutch and/or the transmission failed and started making a horrible grinding mechanical crunching noise, and it is difficult to push the lever into the gears. So if the shop says major driveline replacment is required I might have to bite the bullet and get a new winter vehicle. I have a good job so I can pay for a vehcile. Though I am saving to build a house this next year.

My current Bronco is a 1990 XLT with 5.0 EFI small block and the mazda 5-speed overdrive tranny, power doorlocks/windows, & cruse control. (edit: and losts of rust)

Here is a list of features I like about my bronco when compared to other vehicles (not in any order):
1. Seating for passengers and/or cargo (my other vheicle is a sportscar with very little room)
2. Two doors
3. V8 engine
4. Fourwheel drive (Vermont snow)
5. Manuel transmission (just don't like the "feel" of an automatic)
6. Short wheelbase

Here are options I have come up with (not in any order):
1. Repair this bronco to just drivable condition. Pretty much depends on the cost.

2. Totaly rebuild the Bronco frame up. Would be a cool project but I don't have the skills or the location or tools to do it. Plus I need a vehicle for the rest of this winter.

3. Pay somebody else to rebuild the Bronco frame up. Probaly costs way too much since payment would mostlikely be in a lump sum not in a lone. Also I can't wait that long.

4. Buy a newer bronco in better condition. I would like to do this if I could find the right bronco to buy.

5. Buy a newer or new truck. This would be doable with a autolone. The problem is I don't really like the triditional truck. Regular cab has no room for passenger & crue-cab with a bed behind it makes the wheelbase too long (and four doors, yuck).

6. Buy a new or used car. As much as I hate this choice it might be the most sensable one. Though it wouldn't compliment my sports car's weaknesses like the bronco does.

So these are just my thoughts about what I can do. It will all depend on what Aamco says is wrong with my current Bronco. If it is only the clutch I will fix that and be all set until the next piece breaks. Does anybody see any choice I missed? Or have a sujestion for a vehicle I might have overlooked?

 

My Vote .... get yourself a 96 EB auto and replace that old girl. or a nice 4x4 Ford PU

 

I'd sell it and get a later low mileage Bronco. They are a good bang for the buck. They are just at the right level of technology. ABS, air bag, EFI but still pushrod engine and a hefty suspension. Buying another truck will give you results now.

George

 

I think your best bet would be a newer Bronco, as there aren't very many other vehicle that would satisfy 1..6. There may not be any current one, BTW, since V8 SUVs nowadays have 4 doors, and manual transmission appears to be an exception lately.

 

I love my 96 EB bronco and would never give it up, but I sure love ripping around in the wife's new Jeep TJ Unlimited, its a blast to whip around in, so light and quick.

But I'm a die hard ford guy, love my Bronco, love my bronco.... love my bronco.... Nothing wrong with a little flirting with another, is there?

 

Here you go it in NJ and it looks nice for an '88.
Ebay Item#4602865853

 

Option 1 and 4 sound good. Go for the newer low mileage Bronco and fix up your existing one to drivable condition. You can never have too many

 

I agree with option 1 and 4 as well, but on option 1 I would build her in mind for offroad use, buy used parts, keep it cheap and have a ball.

 

I think option 1 is the most viable for the moment. Probably just needs a new clutch.

 

That is what I'm doing simply because I need a vehicle for the rest of the winter. It ended up costing much more then I wanted to spend. In adition to the rebuild I also needed a new clutch and slave cylinder and u-joints on the front drive shaft. Hopfully this will keep it going for two more winters or so.