Greetings From Washington!

[Bannister]

Hey guys, nice to meet you all, I’m Bannister
A little about myself, I live in Washington state (which is one of the states not included in the registration?) I’m a Navy vet, 38 years old and looking to learn more about my 87 Bronco II. My main rig is a 94 Bronco and I figured I’d complete the collection. I love most things ford and one day would like to open a collection. This is my first time owning a second vehicle and Im pretty excited about it.I’m looking to learn what there is to know about the Ranger platform. Any problem areas, and issues I should look out for. Is there a noobie Ranger introduction thread? Anyways, thanks for letting me in, and looking forward to meeting you guys.

 

[SenorNoob]

Howdy and welcome to TRS!

You found the place. We do threads for regional things. Might check in over at the

Members By Location - Northwest​

Looks like a very clean 1st gen Bronco 2. Are those the later Ford factory alcoas or aftermarket? Any other mods? Is the interior as clean the outside?

 

[Bannister]

Thanks for the love. It was recommended I check you guys out instead of bugging the full size Bronco forums for advice. To answer your question I believe the wheels are aftermarket, Im not quite sure, just picked this one up. There isn’t any paperwork that comes with it but as you mentioned it was too clean to pass up. I’ll check out the PNW channel and yes the interior is VERY clean. The seats look almost brand new. Only thing I’d complain about is the carpet but I’ll take it. The only other mod I know about is the audio system that I plan on swapping out later anyway.
Is there anything about these things engine wise that I should know? It’s low mileage so Im happy with that.

Can I put a roof rack on this?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Some bronco II's had roof racks, chances are you could make an explorer one work, might have to shorten it up...

The 2.9L is a pretty solid engine, some are prone to cylinder head cracking, most leak oil out of most things but you'll get that... . You don't list auto or manual transmission, the autos aren't great but can be improved on if still working, the manuals are fine but that generation had a shifter bushing that's hard to find and is always worn out if I remember right.

There's not a whole lot of online presence with Rangers and Bronco II's, there's some PNW Ranger facebook stuff more in your area than mine...

Nothing really to learn about Rangers or Bronco II's unless you want to modify stuff, a Bronco II can be considered a Ranger from the doors forward, but they're different from the seat tracks back... but very similar... With an '86 assuming stock it has the smaller Dana 28 front axle, a fairly simple upgrade is the Dana 35 from a '90-97 Ranger or '91-94 Explorer, they have bigger U joints in the axle shafts but they'll require a 1" shorter front driveline. Depending on your use and what shape everything is in changes what might be important on that...

 

[Bannister]

Some bronco II's had roof racks, chances are you could make an explorer one work, might have to shorten it up...

The 2.9L is a pretty solid engine, some are prone to cylinder head cracking, most leak oil out of most things but you'll get that... . You don't list auto or manual transmission, the autos aren't great but can be improved on if still working, the manuals are fine but that generation had a shifter bushing that's hard to find and is always worn out if I remember right.

There's not a whole lot of online presence with Rangers and Bronco II's, there's some PNW Ranger facebook stuff more in your area than mine...

Nothing really to learn about Rangers or Bronco II's unless you want to modify stuff, a Bronco II can be considered a Ranger from the doors forward, but they're different from the seat tracks back... but very similar... With an '86 assuming stock it has the smaller Dana 28 front axle, a fairly simple upgrade is the Dana 35 from a '90-97 Ranger or '91-94 Explorer, they have bigger U joints in the axle shafts but they'll require a 1" shorter front driveline. Depending on your use and what shape everything is in changes what might be important on that...

This is all very helpful, thank you. It’s an automatic and I do want a roof rack. I just looked it up on eBay and they’re going for $200 or so. I will definitely check out my local JY instead. Other than the lights I think I’m going to keep this mostly stock. How’s the steering components? In my 94 Bronco, the steering can be loose and I have to get certain types of steering boxes like red head. Specific things like that.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Oddly enough these use the same steering boxes that the full sizes use, since they're like 25% lighter the parts seem to last longer... the box on my '90 is likely from '89 with 200k or so on it and leaks bad now but I might just try to throw an output shaft seal on it and go... I mean I don't blame the box for having issues now, it's had a extreme drop pitman arm for a decade, the geometry with that isn't great and turning aired down 35" tires doesn't help...

Since it's an auto you might look into a shift kit or at least change the fluid and maybe add an extra trans cooler to the system, they HATE heat, probably best to adjust the bands too... If you get curious look up stuff for the A4LD, there's a lot of hate for them but it's an early auto with soft shifts which is hard on things...

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

Hi @Bannister saw this thread and wanted to say welcome to the family.

I hope you enjoy TheRangerStation and that you will get lots of fun out of your B2.

Personally I'm just a novice around here. However there's a lot of guys & girls on here that are very helpful to others.
You now have the resource and the new family.
I'm sure you'll be able to tackle anything you feel you can handle, with the help and the advice from guys & girls on here.

Once again I hope you're able to enjoy the site and truly enjoy and have fun with your B2.

Welcome to the family.

 

[Bannister]

Hi @Bannister saw this thread and wanted to say welcome to the family.

I hope you enjoy TheRangerStation and that you will get lots of fun out of your B2.

Personally I'm just a novice around here. However there's a lot of guys & girls on here that are very helpful to others.
You now have the resource and the new family.
I'm sure you'll be able to tackle anything you feel you can handle, with the help and the advice from guys & girls on here.

Once again I hope you're able to enjoy the site and truly enjoy and have fun with your B2.

Welcome to the family.

Thanks for the love man. Appreciate it!

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

You got it man.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Howdy from Idaho! B2 owner here.

 

[Bannister]

Howdy from Idaho! B2 owner here.

Hey man thanks for the welcome. What were some of the first mods you put on yours? I read bigger tires help with the rollover risk. I’d like to upgrade her a bit over the course of a few months.