New member, Mom/Son project vehicle - 1989 Bronco II 4wd

[kamich81]

I am a single mom to a 15 year old boy. I recently lucked into a 1989 Bronco II for us to fix up between now and his 16th birthday in April.

I know I need a new brake line, new calipers, and a new clutch. The power steering is also whining. I am comfortable with the underside of a vehicle and not afraid to get dirty. I will probably be turning here for help when I get stuck. I hope to turn this into a great vehicle for my child, and I know it will be a wonderful learning experience for both of us.

 

[ericbphoto]

Awesome! Welcome to TRS! You've hit the right place. We have a very helpful community of knowledgeable people here... somewhere around here. Don't worry. We'll find them.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Welcome to TRS. Lots of wonderfully helpful people on here.

 

[Vindictus]

Welcome to TRS

 

[superj]

welcome!!

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Welcome to TRS!

So I would recommend copper/nickel brake line, it’s really easy to work with and you never have to worry about it rusting out. Not sure how much rust is a problem where you’re at, but here I’ve seen steel replacement line get eaten by rust in as little as two years so all of mine get completely replaced in copper/nickel anymore.

Brakes are not bad to do on these, you will need a special socket for the front brake rotors, 2wd requires a large socket, auto front hubs for 4x4 an even larger socket, and manual front hubs requires a socket with 4 teeth on it. Bearings really should be inspected and re-packed at least every brake job even if the rotors don’t get replaced. Bearings are in the rotors. It’s a messy job but not hard.

Power steering is notoriously noisy on these. I don’t worry too much unless it’s obnoxiously loud sitting still or groaning on easy turns. It’s usually quieter if you’re moving even super slow and turning the wheels as opposed to cranking the wheels around sitting still. That said, check belt tension and fluid levels. An option is to convert to electric power steering.

For the clutch, it’s a bit of a pain, but I’ve manhandled them with a floor jack. Something bigger like my F-150 really kinda requires a transmission jack. An upgrade would be to use a 4.0 clutch and flywheel, source it for a like 1990/91 Ranger with a 4.0

 

[rumblecloud]

WOW! Tenkiller OK...
Intrigued by the location...very cool.

"Tenkiller is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 633 at the 2010 census.Wikipedia "

Welcome to TRS.
Please keep us updated on your project and do post some pics when you get a chance.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site. Any images of said Bronco II?