'88 engine options and problems
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 111
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From: Klamath Falls
'88 engine options and problems
I've got a chance to buy a pretty clean '88 Bronco II and to get it cheap. I've only seen photos so far and I'd like to be prepared when I actually see it. The owner says "it runs well except for a leaking head gasket". I tried getting more info but she doesn't know if it's a 4 or 6 cylinder engine so I stopped there.
My questions to the board are;
1. What are the engine options in 1988?
2. Are there known problems with any particular engine?
3. It is a 4x4. What kind of life can I expect for the auto transmission?
4. Any quirks or eccentricities that you know of?
Thanks in advance for any information you guys can give me.
sevenL4
My questions to the board are;
1. What are the engine options in 1988?
2. Are there known problems with any particular engine?
3. It is a 4x4. What kind of life can I expect for the auto transmission?
4. Any quirks or eccentricities that you know of?
Thanks in advance for any information you guys can give me.
sevenL4
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
The only engine for 88 was the 2.9L V-6.
They are known for cracking heads when overheated, they are NOT known for head gasket problems. If you don't overheat them they are good engines.
Most are 4wd.
They are known for cracking heads when overheated, they are NOT known for head gasket problems. If you don't overheat them they are good engines.
Most are 4wd.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 1
From: miami florida
auto tranny would be a4ld if you treat them good i.e. pretend not to be racing .
the tranny will give you good work.
all 86-90 b2 came v6 2.9L either auto or stick 4x4 mostly like ken states only major problem is overheating. most bronco2's have a lifter tick problem .
the tranny will give you good work.
all 86-90 b2 came v6 2.9L either auto or stick 4x4 mostly like ken states only major problem is overheating. most bronco2's have a lifter tick problem .
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
If poorly treated (not serviced) you can expect about 80-100k tops. I believe in doing the tranny fluids frequently, changed at every 20-30k miles tops. Doing it yourself I think every year is great. For less then $30 for filter and fluid it is worth it.
My BII was beat on, snow plowing, putting down the rear seats and loading the back to the ceiling with birch firewood and driving it out of a swamp area, off roading down ATV trails, pedal to the metal, etc.. The auto lasted to 148,000.
That leaking head gasket to me says cracked heads. I would assume a new rebuilt engine is needed if they have been driving it because they have probably damaged the engine by now.
My BII was beat on, snow plowing, putting down the rear seats and loading the back to the ceiling with birch firewood and driving it out of a swamp area, off roading down ATV trails, pedal to the metal, etc.. The auto lasted to 148,000.
That leaking head gasket to me says cracked heads. I would assume a new rebuilt engine is needed if they have been driving it because they have probably damaged the engine by now.
