$500 Bronco
New User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 16
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$500 Bronco
I'm looking at a $500 dollar 1985 Bronco. Are there any specific problems known to that year I should look for? The truck doesn't run, but the motor/tranny are complete,the 4WD works and there's no rust anywhere. This will be my first Bronco, so I want to be careful. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
Greg Kinkeade
slowtrain37(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1950 Ford F1 239 flathead
Greg Kinkeade
slowtrain37(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
1950 Ford F1 239 flathead
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
$500 Bronco
Rust would be the biggest problem on a $500 Bronco, and since you don't have that you are way ahead of the game. Considering that you already know it doesn't run, and that you know the rest of the drivetrain is good, I'd say it sounds like a good deal from here. You could check the front end by putting a crowbar or something in the joints and looking for play. Radial arm bushings go out a lot, but they are not a big deal to replace.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2001
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$500 Bronco
Make sure you check the oil pressure, esp. if the bronco has a 302 (351 and I6 could be just as bad I dont know) I got an 85 with a 302 and it's bearings are going. The easiest way to test out the pressure would be to run the engine at highway speed (60-65)for about 10-15 minutes. Then stop and let it idle, there should be a slight drop in pressure so dont let that alarm you. If on the other hand the oil pressure needle goes off the scale then the engine got a problem. (incase you were wondering the 85's have the good pressure gauge, not the crappy on/off one) The 302's can still have a lot of life in them with bearing problems, but will eventually require a rebuild.
