Peter Griffin
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2023
- Messages
- 223
- Reaction score
- 364
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Quahog
- Vehicle Year
- 1988
- Make / Model
- Ford Bronco II
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
Greetings TRS! Apparently I have a lot of free time and nothing else better to do so I bought my neighbor's '88 Bronco II when he mentioned he was looking to get it off his books. It's an Eddie Bauer 4WD/auto (A/C) with 88K original miles and I THINK it has a body lift (I'll post some pictures later). The exterior/paint is SMOKED thanks to Arizona's insanely intense sun but is almost completely straight and otherwise undamaged, except for a wonky/misaligned front bumper. The interior is...well, 35 years old but in decent shape all things considered.
I had it inspected and it did well with the exception of the front wheel bearings and rear shocks needing replacement. The A/C was disconnected with the belt lying the back cargo area so I threw that on and it works but the clutch is on the way out so that's gonna need replacement. It seems to be leak free and the radiator was apparently replaced with a monster aftermarket deal that takes FOREVER for it to get up to operating temperature, which is fine with me. The exhaust is a horror show with some half-azzed cat delete which will be un-deleted to fix the sound/stink.
It starts HARD, hot or cold. I think it may be the TPS as adding some throttle/pedal seems to fix it...? Before I start replacing that, the IAC valve and/or MAP sensor I'm waiting on my Chilton's manual and code reader. I did the idle-speed setting procedure shown in the 2.9 motor section and once it does start, it idles relatively smoothly at 750 RPM +/-...
Plans are relatively modest. Once I fix those issues (exhaust, starting and A/C specifically) I'll get the interior cleaned up and updated. I like it's current ride height so I wasn't thinking about a lift but I'm fairly certain the 35-year old suspension bushings need to go but thought going all polyurethane would create too many NVH issues...? I was also going to add-a-leaf (I didn't think I'd need to replace the original leaf springs themselves) and go with Duff's 70/30 shocks and a steering stabilizer. I've taken it on the interstate a couple of times and it does the speed limit (75 MPH) just fine...just a lil too floaty/loose for my taste. The tires are likewise smoked and Gawd knows how old and I'm looking at replacing them with some new wheels and 31-inch KO2s in the not so distant future. As far the exterior goes, I've used Raptor liner on my Jeeps in the past but this is the first time I'm going for a full exterior coating and that's the plan; like desert/FDE with a black roof, rockers and bumpers and a middle-hood black accent. Blackout grille and LED headlights with all interior/exterior lighting/housings updated/upgraded.
I've already spent a buttload of time on here already voraciously reading as much as I can, but I'm still gonna have a ton of questions as this is my first Ranger/Bronco rodeo and if I don't do something right the first time...I'm gonna need to the second! Thanks in advance for everyone's help, it's much appreciated!
I had it inspected and it did well with the exception of the front wheel bearings and rear shocks needing replacement. The A/C was disconnected with the belt lying the back cargo area so I threw that on and it works but the clutch is on the way out so that's gonna need replacement. It seems to be leak free and the radiator was apparently replaced with a monster aftermarket deal that takes FOREVER for it to get up to operating temperature, which is fine with me. The exhaust is a horror show with some half-azzed cat delete which will be un-deleted to fix the sound/stink.
It starts HARD, hot or cold. I think it may be the TPS as adding some throttle/pedal seems to fix it...? Before I start replacing that, the IAC valve and/or MAP sensor I'm waiting on my Chilton's manual and code reader. I did the idle-speed setting procedure shown in the 2.9 motor section and once it does start, it idles relatively smoothly at 750 RPM +/-...
Plans are relatively modest. Once I fix those issues (exhaust, starting and A/C specifically) I'll get the interior cleaned up and updated. I like it's current ride height so I wasn't thinking about a lift but I'm fairly certain the 35-year old suspension bushings need to go but thought going all polyurethane would create too many NVH issues...? I was also going to add-a-leaf (I didn't think I'd need to replace the original leaf springs themselves) and go with Duff's 70/30 shocks and a steering stabilizer. I've taken it on the interstate a couple of times and it does the speed limit (75 MPH) just fine...just a lil too floaty/loose for my taste. The tires are likewise smoked and Gawd knows how old and I'm looking at replacing them with some new wheels and 31-inch KO2s in the not so distant future. As far the exterior goes, I've used Raptor liner on my Jeeps in the past but this is the first time I'm going for a full exterior coating and that's the plan; like desert/FDE with a black roof, rockers and bumpers and a middle-hood black accent. Blackout grille and LED headlights with all interior/exterior lighting/housings updated/upgraded.
I've already spent a buttload of time on here already voraciously reading as much as I can, but I'm still gonna have a ton of questions as this is my first Ranger/Bronco rodeo and if I don't do something right the first time...I'm gonna need to the second! Thanks in advance for everyone's help, it's much appreciated!