Found some interesting information

[Jspafford]

I ordered a 1989 B2 sales brochure off e-bay. I wanted to see what my B2 looked like 20 years ago when it was first produced.

I saw a cool one with a factory grille guard with painted black bumpers..

Anyhow...

Towards the back of the brochure it shows a big animated blowup of the TTB front end. Below that it shows the above mentioned B2 with the black grille guard towing a boat at a marina. Next to the caption it states:

"The V-6-powered Bronco II has a maximum trailer weight rating of 5,000 pounds in the 2WD model; 4,900 pounds in the 4WD model (reduced by pasenger and cargo weight in towing vehicle). For this kind of towing, a properly equipped Bronco II should have the optional 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, 4.10 limited-slip rear axle, and the super engine cooling package"

So, was the B2 ever rated to tow 5K? If so I have been way to easy on mine.

 

[pillen140]

would seem to be kind of sketchy with the short wheel base and high ride hight.

 

[Jspafford]

Here is a pic of the above mentioned text.

 

[pillen140]

what would limited slip have to do with it? or was the 4.10 only avail with the l/s?

 

[Jspafford]

Got me... The 4.10 came in a non l/s version.

Looking at this brochure makes me want to restore mine.

 

[pillen140]

maybe for a boat, so you dont slip down the ramp and into the lake?

 

[Crazy_Bronco_2]

wow, i underestimated my B2, that is basically what mine is..
guess i can tow something heavier than my go-kart.... interesting

 

[pillen140]

see what you started, there is going to be a huge demand for trannys now! ha ha.

 

[Jspafford]

The L/S was probably mentioned more for the 2WD version than the 4WD version.

More than likely for the reason you mentioned. Hard to get 5K rolling from a stop with such a short wheelbase in an open differential 2WD truck.

 

[pillen140]

yeah, makes sense. you could probably do wheelies with 5000lbs.