Full size Bronco vs Bronco 2

[Eagle_Scout2002]

I am looking at possibly picking up another 4x4. I am thinking about a mid to late 1980s Bronco or the same era Bronco 2. What does everyone think of them? Which one is better?

I have done a bunch of research and not quite sure which one I would like to get. I like the Bronco 2 because it gets better mileage with the V6 but I really like the option of having the power of the V8. The full size will pull more as well. Well chime in with your thoughs. Thanks.

Ray

 

[adsm08]

I love my little B2. Never drove a FSB, but if the comparison is the same as the F150 vs a same era Ranger, I'd take the B2.

If you really want, buy a B2, swap in a 5.0 (or find one already 5.0'ed since they are out there) and set her up with a trailer brake controller. The 5.0 RBV usually does pretty well on gas too.

 

[Rolled Ranger]

It all depend on what you plan on doing with it. I had a 94 FSB and loved it. The removable top and the whore-house-red interior were awesome. I still have a pulley system that I rigged up in the garage so that I could take off the top by myself and have a place to store it.

 

[Eagle_Scout2002]

whore-house-red interior were awesome.

I have never heard it put that way but it really fits. That just made my day. Thanks. I also really like the idea of the removable top on the FSB.

Ray

 

[Will]

What kind of research have you done?

The B2 is good, but it needs upgrades. I don't like the engine and I don't like the front axle. I don't like the transmissions either. I like the size and I like the erector-set upgradability. I'd get a B2 and put in a D35 front, a pushrod 4.0 and an M50D 5-speed, or a C5 from an older 2.8 truck if you don't care about highway speeds.

I had an '89 full-size with a 5.8 EFI and an E40D auto. It had a 32 gallon tank and I filled it up, drove it for that one tank and then put it on the street with a For Sale sign on it. It made about 8-9mpg just driving around. It had decent power, but it was too short to use as a truck even though it had an F150 view out the front window. I don't really know the point of a full-size Bronco. It's big everywhere that big is bad, but small everywhere that small is bad. It doesn't know what it is and I didn't like it.

A B2 with the changes I suggested (and did) can do full-size work. It has a heavy frame, nice thick torque down where you need it, but is compact enough to move around on ATV trails.

To me, the big Bronco is an F150 without a bed and the B2 is a heavy Jeep (same wheelbase) with a full body.

 

[Eagle_Scout2002]

One of the biggest concerns about the B2 is that so many people say they are super tippy. Are they infact very tippy or is it how they are driven? From what I can tell they look very top heavy. I remember a friend of mine had one back in high school and I know he complained about it being a little unstable at times. I never had the chance to actually drive it though so I have no personal experience with it. The Bronco I am looking at has the 302 with a 5 speed. I know that I do not want one with the 5.8 in it. Still on the fence as far as which one I want. Thanks to all of you that posted up your thoughs so far and to those of you that will.

Ray

 

[BlueChariot]

If you truly want the best of both worlds, BII + 5.0 swap + modded back half with a soft top to offer that convertible capability = the desireable traits of both the FSB & BII. Would take some work though, but nothing worth doing is easy these days.

 

[4.0B2]

88 b2, 4.0 swap, md05, 8.8, d35 w/ xj coils.. sounds awesome!

that's my plan!! lol.

FSB's are nice, i personally wouldn't have one

 

[Bennybooster]

Just take it for a drive and see what you think, they all drive differently

 

[lethal-threat-b288]

88 b2, 4.0 swap, md05, 8.8, d35 w/ xj coils.. sounds awesome!

that's my plan!! lol.

FSB's are nice, i personally wouldn't have one

WaitYour not doing the sas?

 

[country0001]

If you find a post 9/89 B2 it'll have a D35 and M5OD. Swap in a 4.0 and an 8.8 and you don't need anything else. People laugh when I hook on to a trailer, then I watch their jaws drop when my truck can pull it with ease.

It also depends how heavy of wheeling you're doing with the D28, or how big of tire.

Did I mention 21 mpg on highway?

 

[disciplerocks]

The only advantage a FSB has is a removable top. But it would never make it down the trails I take my B2 on.

Its going to all be about your plans with it.

 

[4.0B2]

Oh and I wouldn't worry about the b2 being "tippy". Just adjust your driving. I have zero issues with mine..

And lethal threat-- nope decided to go d35 ttb. Go look in my build thread. Last couple pages. (mainly a money thing, lol)

 

[country0001]

Oh and I wouldn't worry about the b2 being "tippy". Just adjust your driving. I have zero issues with mine..

+1

 

[straycat]

I had 2 BII's and loved them. Bother were lifted and had 32 inch tires and never felt tippy anywhere we went with them. I love the early Broncos much better for all around looks, performance and they were the perfect size for our needs. I had one 80's Bronco that gave me nothing but trouble and that is not always the issue with them...I just got a very low milage one owner one that just loved to break down a lot.....tranny twice, motor lost the #2 cylinder at 40,000 miles, rear end broke driving to the grocery store one day. I had 4 inch lift and running 35 inch tires. I sold it with 45,000 miles on it. I did not make any money on it since I had some repair work I had to do. The early Broncos are really great, but they cost so much now to buy...they are going for a lot of money!!! Go with the BII and enjoy it, Bro.