1988 Bronco 2, What Would You Do

wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

So the Bronco 2 I picked up is in need of a transmission rebuild, knew that very early on like when the seller told me LOL. So I already knew that was a $2k fix.

Now, its at AAMCO and they're going through it and pointing out everything that needs done. They said it was running on 5 cylinders, so they're going to do a compression test and see whats going on. They quoted $4600 for an engine.

So, with that being said and the normal maintenance stuff that needs done like brakes ball joints, etc...would you guys throw that much money into something like this? This particular B2 does have a pretty descent body and interior, the body does need painted of course, but its in far better condition than my 84 B2. Should I throw $6k+ at this vehicle if that will fix the problems and get it on the road as a daily driver probably for many years of good use?

Just kind of stumped right now as to what to do and would appreciate some thoughts and ideas on this. I don't have the tools and room to do the work, otherwise I'm sure I'd be able to do an engine rebuild or what might be needed for a dead cylinder issue.

alwaysFlOoReD · Aug 9, 2016

Its my assumption that you're getting back on your feet money wise. IMO keep the b2 as a secondary vehicle to fix as funds allow and buy a cheap beater for a DD. For $2500 you can get decent wheels that will work for you NOW. Better to concentrate on getting ahead in your life and come back to the b2 when your ready.

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wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

Starting to, took out a loan and paid off several bills, figured since I took out a loan I'd take out enough to get the B2 going, but they're still in the process of trying to get an estimate put together on repairs and services.

The B2 is meant to be a DD tired of driving my truck around town that gets 13mpg LOL. I've got $6k to go into the B2, but was kind of wondering what other people kind of think about putting money like that into an older vehicle that has a good solid body and interior. Is it really worth it to do so?

hoosier1104 · Aug 9, 2016

Drop back and punt. I am with Floored.

adsm08 · Aug 9, 2016

You can do a 4.0 swap for less than $4600, trans and all.

wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

Regardless if I wait or not, its still going to cost the same amount to have it repaired, so is it worth doing, should I save it for parts and put the money towards another B2...which is kind of what I was looking at doing. Found another B2 with less miles, better paint, and doesn't need any major mechanical work done and I think it was like $2500 for it. Money better spent buying a B2 for more money and parking the current one I think, save it for parts down the road?

wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

adsm08 said:
You can do a 4.0 swap for less than $4600, trans and all.

Well not really because I'm not equipped to do the work myself. The thing I'm wondering, ok so its running on 5 cylinders still waiting for them to get back to me with their findings, but if it has a dead cylinder, wouldn't it still be cheaper to repair this engine since it does run, than replace the engine? I don't understand why they threw out replacement engine so soon before they looked at it, but maybe he was just throwing out worst case scenario type ideas. Funny it didn't seem to be missing or running weird having a dead cylinder so its puzzling to me LOL.

However maybe in the future I'd like the 4.0 swap but maybe pickup another B2 that doesn't need all this work would make far more sense, or pickup a ranger either one.

alwaysFlOoReD · Aug 9, 2016

Yes, you can find a better one for less. Save this one for parts.

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wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

alwaysFlOoReD said:
Yes, you can find a better one for less. Save this one for parts.

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

I'm gonna keep looking and watching for one. The shop is going to get this one going just enough to get it back home for now. Got a kid that wants an auto shop project at school so might take it down there and let them play with with it LOL.

ericbphoto · Aug 9, 2016

It's ultimately your decision. Only you know ALL the details of your situation - tools, time, skill level, interest in learning, place to store one or more non-operating vehicles, etc.

I had an '88 F150 4x4 that I bought brand new off the lot in '88. It had 216,00 miles on it and finally needed major engine work and a pinion seal - at a minimum. I kept it sitting around, registered, for many years. But finally had to get rid of it because I didn't have time, money or a decent shop to work in. Now, my situation is entirely different and I wish I had that truck back. But instead, I now have a '93 Splash to enjoy and I'm happy.

Whatever you decide, remember it's not the end. Your story will continue. You just can't predict it.

wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

So better news from an update about an hour ago, its running on all 6 cylinders. The diaphragm for the fuel pressure regulator had a hole through it causing it to pour fuel into the cylinders causing the running and starting issues. The major repair now is the transmission which is $2300. Total will be about $4000 so it will be all serviced and ready to go probably in a week or so.

Going to have it repaired so I can use it.

Doofy · Aug 9, 2016

I would sure get a second opinion unless you really trust this shop. I buy "Disposable" vehicles in about the $3000 range. Find what makes you happy, make sure it is mechanically sound and then, maintain the crap out of it! Maintain Liability insurance so that if you wreck it the other people will be covered...Then, you go find another vehicle.

I've had numerous brand new vehicles and what a waste of money. BUY USED. MAINTAIN.

Doofy · Aug 9, 2016

That is good news. Spending money on a vehicle you really enjoy is okay and is money well spent. Glad that shop wasn't trying to bend you over.

Shran · Aug 9, 2016

Wow.

I have put $4000 into my '88 Ranger, but that included the cost of the truck, engine and trans rebuilds, clutch, radiator, alternator, brakes front & rear, rear driveshaft, u-joints and ball joints throughout, etc... there was a lot more and I did almost all the work myself (engine machine work I did not do.)

Worth it to me? Yep because everything is new and totally reliable.

Spending $4000 on a Bronco II at a shop to have a transmission rebuild is bad, dude. Especially the part about getting a loan for it. I can't tell you how often I see it. Someone has an old junker and drops a huge stack of cash to keep it running, then shortly after that some other major breakdown happens and they're right back at square 1, and in your case, with a huge loan to pay off and no transportation.

My advice if you don't/can't fix everything on your own: keep $1000 on hand for another car at all times. Put the big bucks into nice cars that are worth fixing and will not depreciate more instead of old rusty Bronco II's.

wildbill23c · Aug 9, 2016

Transmission rebuild is $2300, front and rear driveshaft rebuilt, front and rear brakes, and several other items, fuel pressure regulator, windshield wiper motor & electrical issue repair, and the heater motor repair, also a new larger 8 row transmission cooler.
Total is going to come to around $4,000.

Seems everything I find is in the same boat and higher purchase price

. I paid $800 for this B2 and drove it home, compared to the 84 I had that I had to haul home on a trailer from 60 miles away that supposedly ran LOL. At least the 88 runs and drives HAHA

Either way at some point I'd be putting that much money into any vehicle I'd get in terms of services and maintenance. This rebuilt transmission is coming with a lifetime warranty unlike the 93 ranger which only had a 1 year warranty and that transmission failed at 13,000 miles LOL.

This is more of something I want, so to me its worth fixing so I'm not piling miles on my other truck. Seems the better stuff I find is out of state...or maybe better, people seem to lie about condition around here a lot.

1988 Bronco 2, What Would You Do

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