At tonights work session on the old 87 bronco and it's conversion to a hot rod, my friend brought an interesting memo from work (intern at Ford's truck div), along with some pictures. It looks like Ford is serious about bringing back the Brocno! By 2005 or 2006 we could see them in the show rooms. It seems that the Explorer, and Expidition just aren't filling a certain niche in the market

 

yo!
sounds good!
still have the 96 bronco..we bought it because we always liked them for the room and and driving on the beaches to surf fish.
we got one of the last new ones left and were lucky considering the expedition would have cost us quite a few thousand more .. our xl was bought for $19.500 US..we added the power windows/locks, tuffy console, 32's..etc later

 

I love my '90. got it after we got 18" of snow dumped on us this winter I plan on keeping that truck as long as I can. Of course a '90 eddie bauer with the original engine, and only 29,000 miles on it (3 are mine), I think it can hold out till the new ones hit the market.

 

Yee-Haaaa!. Ah, but will it have the great off-road ability of old. None of this IFS front AND rear thats coming out in the new Explorer(ugh!).
Eric

Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20

 

sounds like it's going to be based on the chasis of the F250. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the last of the broncos based on that same design?

 

1978-96 "Big" Broncos were based on the F-150 1/2-ton platform. If they were to base a new Bronco on the current F-150 platform, I wouldn't be happy; Independent (READ: INFERIOR) Front Suspension, no manual transmission or transfer case. You say it appears to be on the F-250 3/4-ton platform...this is good! Big, SOLID axles (FRONT AND rear), heavy-duty transmissions and transfer case (including MANUAL), good engine choices (including diesel-?)...I wouldn't be surprised if there is a 4-door option, since those contemporary grocery-getters (Expedition, Explorer) are very popular. I just hope they offer at least the option of something with an approximately 100-inch wheelbase, 2 doors, a real off-road package (low gears, locking diff a la Toyota, lift, 33" tires, STEEL low-profile bumpers, etc.) and MANUAL transmission, transfer case and hubs.

This is a new rumor for me...although I did hear rumors a year or so ago about a Super Duty-based Bronco; something like a 2-door, short-wheelbase Excursion. Last I heard was that Ford was coming out with a model-year 2003 SUV to challenge the Jeep Wrangler TJ in 2002. Some say it might be the new "EX" concept...I actually hope not. I'd like to see something more conventional, like a modern-day Early/Classic/66-77 Bronco. At this point, ANYTHING will be better than the sad, highway-bound SUV's Ford is currently putting out. Hell, the Escape doesn't even have a transfer case (low range)!!

Do you have any pictures you can post? I'd love to get a glimpse of what they're thinking of.

Just thought of something...the Excursion is already based on the Super Duty platform, so there's no reason for a 4-door Bronco based on the same thing. Maybe the Super Duty Bronco rumor was true...!?!?! Please keep us posted on what your buddy hears and sees!

 

I'll have some pics of it after this weekend sitting side by side with my truck!!!

From what I saw of it this morning, it's about the same size and shape as a 96 (similar trim and grille to an F150). It's got a 5.4L V8, and all the other goodies of the F250, in a truck the size of an F150.

 

Sitting next to your truck?!? You mean you're going to have access to a prototype/concept? They're usually pretty tight with that stuff...how are you and your intern buddy getting access to this?

If you really are going to be seeing one, please take note of some important details to share with us, including:

Axles/Suspension: What size, solid or independent in the front, coil or leaf springs
Transmission: Manual or Auto
Transfer Case: Manual or "push-button" crap
Wheelbase
Overall Length

I'm picturing essentially a 2-door Excursion, i.e., "Super Duty" Bronco. Can't wait to hear about what you see.

 

We sure would like to see a jpg copy of one of those pics of the 'new Bronco'. Send me a copy & I can get it posted to one of these threads, either this one or the 'blood boil' one I started which has pics already in it.
Shadetree 351

 

Biohazard,
Any news to report? Did you get to see the Bronco again last weekend?
Shadetree 351

 

Only info I got was that 2 of em left the tech center friday afternoon. Headed for thier offroad trials.

 

Hey Shadetree! Man I feel my spine tingling. I really hope what all I am reading about this new Bronco is true. I can't wait to see it. I agree with everyone else please get some pics if you can and share with your brother'n bronco lovers.

 

I have mixed emotions about a new Bronco. I like the idea of a new one but since they don't make them anymore, it makes ours that more valuable and hard to get your hands on , so to speak. Ya'll know what I mean. Makes'em that more special.

 

I don't know how you guys feel about the latest news. Ford IS going to get rid of the current Explorer Sport (2 door 4x4 based on the ranger chasis) and bring back the "Bronco" in it's place. Too bad it will be the SAME f'n truck. Just like the Bronco II it will be on the ranger chasis... and sadly it will look exactly like the Explorer sport.

BUT they are also working on a shortened Excursion 'Baja' a 2 door monster based on the F250 super duty chasis It will NOT bear the Bronco name, making it a whole new vehicle. With a 112" wheel base, 460 V8, and a few other odds and ends, it should act as the REAL replacement to the Bronco (unlike what the local dealship told me, the expidition is the replacement to the Bronco).

 

I can only dream what a 250SD, 112", old Bronco-style vehicle would look and drive like!!! It plumb makes my heart flutter... and I'm sure that the price tag will make my pocketbook deflate. I'm going to keep my '96 but, will damn sure pick up one of the new ones as soon as it is possible - so long as they keep the interior room (at 6'4" and 275 lbs. I need it).

Don't you just love these "better ideas"??