Starting First Gen Build in 2023 - Bad Idea?

[triggerslaps]

I'll give you my personal experience. Last fall I bought a pretty clean 86 Bronco II. The owner had spent a ton of money... and I mean a ton! I give 5K shipped to my door from Florida to Illinois. All the details are in my build thread.

What I know is I'm gonna have 12 tons of fun with it.

Wow! What a deal! Did you do any kind of pre-inspection or something? How did you coordinate that process remotely?

 

[Uncle Gump]

It's all in my build thread...

Check the Bronco II forum... G-unit

I'd give you a link... but this phone is way smarter then I am.

 

[Snoranger]

It's all in my build thread...

Check the Bronco II forum... G-unit

I'd give you a link... but this phone is way smarter then I am.

I got it..
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/86-bronco-ii-g-unit.195455/

 

[triggerslaps]

I got it..
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/86-bronco-ii-g-unit.195455/

 

[Shran]

Parts availability really depends on what you're looking for. A first gen with a 2.9 and a FM 5 speed... no problem. First gen with a diesel or a 2.8 that needs a Duraspark swap or any that need oddball interior parts... or any that need new body panels... big problem.

89+ are IMO easier to work with. Parts in general interchange more easily and are easier to find.

Anyway there really isn't a wrong time or truck to start with, just expect that some things will take some significant leg work to find regardless of what truck you end up with.

 

[MaicoDoug]

With my 2.8 solid lifter V6 hotrot motor W/ 5 speed was crazy fast. the only short comings was the twin I beam front suspension. These need constant maintenance to the tie rods and to alignment them, one has to bend the strut on a frame machine. But my 2wd with the 4wd caster plates giving me that extra 2 degrees negative caster, that truck was wicked fast with upgraded shocks, 15 x 8 wheels, VR tires, and the a modded spare tire carrier turned into a rear sway bar. Good luck. Turn on the love!

 

[triggerslaps]

With my 2.8 solid lifter V6 hotrot motor W/ 5 speed was crazy fast. the only short comings was the twin I beam front suspension. These need constant maintenance to the tie rods and to alignment them, one has to bend the strut on a frame machine. But my 2wd with the 4wd caster plates giving me that extra 2 degrees negative caster, that truck was wicked fast with upgraded shocks, 15 x 8 wheels, VR tires, and the a modded spare tire carrier turned into a rear sway bar. Good luck. Turn on the love!

Sounds like a ripper!

Thanks for the reply.