Thinking about a Bronco II
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Thinking about a Bronco II
Hey folks,
I'm looking at picking up a 1988 Bronco II.... what's the scoop, what should I pay special attention to? Most of what I've been reading has been good, but there must be something to pay attention to.
I'm looking at picking up a 1988 Bronco II.... what's the scoop, what should I pay special attention to? Most of what I've been reading has been good, but there must be something to pay attention to.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
Thinking about a Bronco II
Other than the usual things on a vehicle that old, some things in particular:
1 cracked heads, if the engine has ever had cooling problems it can crack the heads. the 2.9 seems more prone to this than other engines.
2. if you're looking at an automatic, it will have the infamous A4LD. Not necessarily a reason not to buy, but get as much info on maintenance/history of the transmission as you can.
3. Is the rear driveshaft still the CV style or has it been replaced with a traditional Ujoint style. Not a bad thing, just gets expensive when the CV joints fail. I mention this one because I just recently had to buy mine a new driveshaft.
I'm sure there are other things. Browse the board and see what you come up with.
1 cracked heads, if the engine has ever had cooling problems it can crack the heads. the 2.9 seems more prone to this than other engines.
2. if you're looking at an automatic, it will have the infamous A4LD. Not necessarily a reason not to buy, but get as much info on maintenance/history of the transmission as you can.
3. Is the rear driveshaft still the CV style or has it been replaced with a traditional Ujoint style. Not a bad thing, just gets expensive when the CV joints fail. I mention this one because I just recently had to buy mine a new driveshaft.
I'm sure there are other things. Browse the board and see what you come up with.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Thinking about a Bronco II
Before you buy, check if the reserve tank for the radiator is full or not. If it's dry, dont buy it! First thing to do if you do buy it is change tranny fluid. This should help extend the life of that A4LD. If its higher mileage with a manual transmission, dont buy it, as these things almost always fail. Good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Thinking about a Bronco II
What does it mean if the reserve tank is dry? I bought mine about three 4 weeks ago and the tank was dry as a bone, and i had to add coolant. I have since replaced the radiator, cleaned out the system and added stop leak stuff. What should I be looking out for now? ALso, i have checked the oil and it seems to be fine. Also I don't seem to be leaking coolant now. Any other suggestions? Also, It is a manual transmission with a lot of miles. What should I be checking for? THanks
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Indiana
Thinking about a Bronco II
We had 2 B2's. We have an '86 still. It's automatic with 173,000 miles. I got it with 142,000 miles. We've changed the heater core, balljoints, lots of front end parts, an alternator, and the usual oil changes. The '90 was a manual with 170,000 miles on it and we never had a problem. As a matter of fact, we loved the truck. My husband had an accident and hit the back of a semi. He was doing 65-70 mph, the semi pulled out in front of him at the bottom of a hill. My husband was fine. The truck? Well.....it's definitely totalled.
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Thinking about a Bronco II
Couple other things, check inside the rear hatch area, right beside the tail lights. These things like to leak and rust. That will be one of the more noticeable. Also body mounts, and especially the core support. I've got a 86, 87, 87, and some parts. 2 run, although, the 86 was rolled last Nov. Both are 5spd. I love em and wouldn't give em up for except for my family. My wife thinks I'm crazy, cause I keep pointing out more in lots and beside barns. Let's just say I'm addicted.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Thinking about a Bronco II
Originally posted by dkdisch
What does it mean if the reserve tank is dry? I bought mine about three 4 weeks ago and the tank was dry as a bone, and i had to add coolant. I have since replaced the radiator, cleaned out the system and added stop leak stuff. What should I be looking out for now? ALso, i have checked the oil and it seems to be fine. Also I don't seem to be leaking coolant now. Any other suggestions? Also, It is a manual transmission with a lot of miles. What should I be checking for? THanks
What does it mean if the reserve tank is dry? I bought mine about three 4 weeks ago and the tank was dry as a bone, and i had to add coolant. I have since replaced the radiator, cleaned out the system and added stop leak stuff. What should I be looking out for now? ALso, i have checked the oil and it seems to be fine. Also I don't seem to be leaking coolant now. Any other suggestions? Also, It is a manual transmission with a lot of miles. What should I be checking for? THanks
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: morristown usa
Thinking about a Bronco II
you know that reminds me. i used some stopleak in myne and my heat quit that night. the rad had run low ealier though. i never bled my cooling system. thank thats it since they are so high up? oh and also youll want to check the floor pan under the driver side. they are prone to hold water and rust. although when your alt goes out you can use one off of the tempo\topaz. same alt i swear its in the same case. and myne seems to hold a much better charge that way (i run my amp all the time).
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Thinking about a Bronco II
Just a side note....I would NOT recommend using that radiator stopleak stuff. Although it may serve to temporarily plug up the hole that is leaking it usually also plugs other holes that AREN'T supposed to be plugged. Speaking from experience as well as seeing this happen to several others the stuff will reduce the flow of your coolant and cause MANY MANY other problems as a result (such as cracked heads, cloggd radiator, water pump, etc...). Just a suggestion...you can take it or leave it. If I were you, though, I would flush all that crap out of your system asap and look into SOLVING the problem instead of just treating it.
Joe
Joe