Full Size Bronco?

[kjp1969]

New guy here, researching before I buy. First off, I'm really impressed by the forum: you guys seem like a class bunch. Now on to business:

What do you guys think of late model full size Broncos? I'm thinking of a '95 or '96. My plans would be to refurb the wear and tear items (front end, suspension, bearings) and maybe install a couple of inches of lift, if only to accomodate 32x11.50's, maximum. I've got no desire to build a monster truck.

I've had a couple of Fords (including a '66 Bronco and a '97 explorer), but I'm steering towards a late model because it seats 5 (or 6 with a front bench), its new-ish design, and for the removable top. I'd use it mainly for local (southern California) day and single-overnight camping trips with my family of 5. Of course, pulling the top would make it a really fun around-town car on nice days.

My main concern is reliability. These things aren't Toyotas after all. If the issues aren't too many, I'll just change all the problem parts and carry spares. I'm not opposed to high miles, so long as the foundation is sound. Of course, for average purchase prices of $5-9k and generally cheap and available parts, I can stomach quite a bit of preventative maintenance.

What say you?

 

[erod]

had an 80' with the 351 cleavland, i believe, awesome rig, sucked gas! you could easily sleep 2 in the back with the seat folded down though...while i have never had any issues...fords have somewhat of a bad reputation, i hear. i would rather have an older toyota pickup for around the same price...IMO. keep us informed.

 

[teotwaki]

I've still got my 1989 with the C6 3 speed trans, no electronics, no overdrive, but no problems like the computer controlled 4 speed (E40D ?). It is not my daily driver as other things are gradually wearing out (wiring harness, etc.). The big 351 engine with it's direct port fuel injection can really suck down the gas but took me through a lot of the SoCal deserts and mountains when gas was a lot cheaper.

The 4 speed helped with the gas issue but I don't know about reliability in later years after it was introduced in 1990 or 1991.

The seal between the fiberglass roof and the steel cab was a problem as well as B-pillar cracks at the gutter line. The direct port fuel injection has been flawless for 18 years.

 

[HMR]

I had a '88 Bronco with lockers, smog legal headers plus a few other goodies. It was great offroad and cruised the hwy @ 75mph in comfort. They have a tighter turn radius than most 4x4's which comes in handy on the trails. The ONLY problem I can think of was the 10mpg avg.

 

[XLTChris]

I have been reading posts on this site for a few weeks now and after reading this one I had to take the time and regester..

I have a 1995 Bronco with the 5.8 motor.

First off let me say this is the BEST thing I have owned (and I have had 13 different vehicles).. I am 6'7 so it's perfect for me.

If your thinking about getting one I say do it! I would suggest getting a 1995 to 1992 because of the options and they also do not have OBDII which sucks if you want to change things on the motor or exhaust..

I would also suggest a 5.8 (351) motor. It has power and lots of torque at low end. It does suck gas though.. Mine gets about 12-14 mpg.. There are lots of parts and pieces for that motor.

About mine...
1995 XLT Bronco with the 5.8 motor, E4OD tranny. Only 100,000 miles on the motor and tranny. Replaces auto hubs with Mile Marker premiums. Lifted the truck 6 inches and am running 35 inch pro comp MT.. replaced the gears with 4.88 and detroit lockers front and rear.. Then I have done a lot of custom parts and pieces. Even made an extra set of half doors for it.

This thing holds a ton of crap and still have room for 4-5 people. Or take the seat out and your options are endless.

I will never sell this truck. It's just that good of a vehicle.

 

[rhodos]

Hi,

we are planning on building a Bronco camper - take a look at :

http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101769

bye, Werner

 

[Grim Reaper]

I wheel with a couple guys running full size broncs and F150 short beds. Strong truck for sure especially the 78 and 79 with the coil sprung solid front axle. I was looking for either a K5 or a 78-79 Bronco and just happened to find the Chevy first.

Surprisingly nimble for its size but it is a WIDE vehicle. The wheel base is within one inch of a short bed Toyota and why they are able to turn so well.

The size is nice and if you are a bigger person the extra room is great. You never feel jammed in. Man I could pack up my similarly sized K5 and it showed when it rocked the scales at 6640 lb without camping gear.

The size also brings the suck on narrow trails. My buddy with the Bronco and me with my K5 have ripped so many tail lights out it isn't funny. It will fill the trail side to side and you basically have one line. If you are dealing with tight technical trails you will do in the rear quarters. I tired making armor to protectthe rears and they became anchors and made it even wider. I got to the point where I took the tail lights out on tight trails and put them back in for the drive home.

If you are more trail riding open trails without much tight rock rock crawling and can stomach 10mpg...go for it. It will get the job done.

Tight tails I just can't believe how much easier it is to bop around in my 4Runner. Loosing nearly 2 feet in width and wieghing 2600lb less makes it so much more enjoyable. That said I do miss the interior storage room when camping.

Here are pictures of my buddy and I ripping off the rear quarters on our trucks at Tellico after coming up guard rail and the Helicopter pad Bypass.

 

[93BLAZER]

I like the full size bronco idea. I have your nemisis the full size Chevy Blazer. I dig teh whole full size thing. I have plenty of power, plenty of room. I just need to get my spare tire out of the back.

 

[93BLAZER]

I forgot, the reliabily for my rig is what to be be expected for a truck that's 15year old truck.


$5000-$9000 for the Bronco? That seems a bit steep. In the PHX area on Craigslist, Bronco's seem to go for $2500-$5000 for a desent newer '92+up.

Scan Craigslist if you havent already

 

[kjp1969]

There are plenty of $2500 Broncos locally, but they all have 150k miles- I'm more in the mood for a low mileage, late model, '95-6. I guess I really want to know if this is a model to stay away from for its size and reliability issues, or if its a a really solid platform for its age.

The fact that there are so many high mileage ones out there tells me something about its longevity.

I'm also considering a late model Jeep XJ- 1999-01. Much smaller of course and not an open top, but similar pricing and much better aftermarket.

 

[ntsqd]

There was a fairly nice DD posted to the Broncofix list last week or so. Manual trans. It's in southern AZ as I recall. I'll see if I can dig up the link.

Found the guy.
http://members.cox.net/96bronco/96bronco.htm

It's in the Auto Trader Here.

 

[1976K5Chalet]

Grimy...how goes the ter yota thang these days? Missin that K5 yet? Lol.
Finally livin in the new house in fruita....new shop and all....and 5 acres for my smallish collection of k5's...lol.


DW

 

[CornDog]

Don't know if you'd be interesting in a Blazer instead. A lot of people here mentioned the horrific mileage with the petrol engines. I know you can usually find low mileage military Blazers with the diesel engines that are supposed to get 20+ mpg.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1823

 

[Grim Reaper]

Grimy...how goes the ter yota thang these days? Missin that K5 yet? Lol.
Finally livin in the new house in fruita....new shop and all....and 5 acres for my smallish collection of k5's...lol.


DW

About time for you to show up!
I thought I would miss it but I really don't. Dontoe seems to be having a good time with Dollar though.

You hear I may make the Sub Chalet happen?

I wouldn't use a Chalet but a permanent 24 inch top on it that hinges up like a Westfalia in a similar shape to a chalet and extending to the windshield for a full permanent top bunk..

Trying to wrap up a couple other projects first.

I was hoping to make it out your way this year but just didn't happen...Unless you want company next week? then make a swing down to visit with my sister in San Angelo TX. I might be talked out of working on the Airstream and into a road trip. LOL.

Real shock about WW wasn't it?



Sorry about the hijack!

 

[kjp1969]

Don't know if you'd be interesting in a Blazer instead. A lot of people here mentioned the horrific mileage with the petrol engines. I know you can usually find low mileage military Blazers with the diesel engines that are supposed to get 20+ mpg.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1823

Uh, yeah. Call me a chicken, but the idea of a mid 80's chevy diesel motor makes me want to back slowly out of the room. A mid 90's Ford is bad enough. . . so much so that I'm leaning back towards a Toyota or Nissan. My last project car was a '92 Miata autocross car which simply wouldn't break, no matter how hard I drove it. Before that I had a '66 Bronco which was fun but required an hour of work for every 30 minutes of drive time. I guess I was spoiled by the reliability of the Mazda.

But I've always liked those big Broncos, and the open top with 3-across rear seating is a bonus for my kids. I probably won't buy anything before the new year, so until then I just ponder while I should be working. Thanks for the suggestions, though.