Bronco II newbie

[johnsongang]

I'm going to look at a 1990 Bronco II with a fuel-injected 2.9L V6 this week. I've been reading up on the various problems and issues. What should I check for without taking it apart?

 

[scotts90ranger]

if it runs good and there isn't oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, also listen for minimal lifter tap (does it sound like a diesel?). ask them the standard maintenance, gas mileage, etc. the gas mileage can give you a hint at how it is running. also if it's an auto tranny pull the dip stick and see if the fluid smells burnt or anything and the fluid is a nice red not dirty brown or black, if it's a manual shift through the gears and see if it shifts smooth.

a '90 should be the better of the 2.9L setups and possibly have the "good" front axle

 

[jhammel85]

if it runs good and there isn't oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, also listen for minimal lifter tap (does it sound like a diesel?). ask them the standard maintenance, gas mileage, etc. the gas mileage can give you a hint at how it is running. also if it's an auto tranny pull the dip stick and see if the fluid smells burnt or anything and the fluid is a nice red not dirty brown or black, if it's a manual shift through the gears and see if it shifts smooth.

a '90 should be the better of the 2.9L setups and possibly have the "good" front axle

Good info! The 2.9 should also have the redesigned heads. I would do what he said and just check what you would on any other car. But I do have a few pointers........

Bring a magnet with you in you want to check for bondo...It was a great buying point when I bought my truck. Check its fenders!

Make sure it's trans goes through all of the gears as well...

Also, if you take it for a ride, make sure you start it cold and drive it till it's warm. A warmed up car when you get there can be hiding something...

Dont be afraid to look underneath and look all around for any kind of damage at all...Open the hood and look around at the rad support and things like that.

it's your money! Take your time

 

[johnsongang]

good info!

Thanks all for the info! Whats with checking the radiator mounts? Am I looking for damage or to see if its been replaced?

 

[disciplerocks]

He means the radiator support. If had been in a front end wreck, they usually just beat out the rad support and then replace the fenders, bumper, grill so you won't know it had been wrecked.