Looking at possibly purchasing a 1985 Bronco. Need some info on these trucks.

Heres what I know about it:

1985 XLT
90,xxx miles
351HO motor
no leaks
4x4 (works)
no rust (!)
no radio, last owner kept
heat/air work great
auto tranny
currently has two different size tires on it, front 31x11.5 and rear, 31x10.5....seems to make truck wander slightly.
Tach inop
inside/dash lights inop
washer spray motor inop
rear electric window works
electric locks/windows work


Ok, what should I be looking for? Does the fact that the interior lights and the tach not work mean anything special, module going bad, etc? What kind of mileage can I expect? What are simple, common mods? Asking $2995, will start working around $1500 and see what happens, good?

Thanks

VSarge

 

price sounds good!..check the classified section here for others in that year and condition
since it seems the tires are mis matched, i wonder if the other owner's didnt have the $ to maintain it as it should be???
do you have the experience to check compression?
as well as tranny operation and fluid condition?
same for other major parts:
coolant condition and coolant in engine oil
4x4 hubs and transfer case operation
brakes
radius arm bushings (passenger side esp)
u joints
driveshaft
wheel bearings
maybe you have a local good guy mechanic that can look it over for about $100.00"
the lights may be out due to many things..basics first..bad bulbs..light switch dimmer rheostat, etc.
just read the diff posts here for common problems..esp starting..idle..gas mileage (if you can avg 15 then that's good!..i get 14-16 overall in my 96 5.0/e4od)

good luck!

 

Have the experience but not the tools anymore. I'll be checking the fluids/u-joints/etc in about an hour or so when I go back for the second test drive. Supposedly the truck came in with the right tires but the dealer was selling another one with bad tires and he swapped them.

 

Forget that one. Checked the oil and thought I was looking at treacle! Very thick, very heavy weight. Crawled under and found leaks that were just oozing now. Dug in some more and found she wont pass emmissions which are required here now. Oh well.

VSarge

 

whew! glad you got down n' dirty to check it out!
the search goes on for ya..good luck!

 

Picked up a 1984 F150 XLT Supercab with the 300CI straight six in it. $1700.

VSarge

 

Well its June and I'm sure the decision has been made already, but one key thing about 80-86 Broncos, for anyone looking to buy, is that the odometer does not have a number place for 100,000 miles plus! His said 90,000, but could easily have 190,000 instead. If you are looking in this year range, be realistic about the mileage in comparison with the rest of the vehicle. If it looks well-travelled on the outside, the engine probably is too.