which one!!

[Zorm]

Looking at getting Bronco II. I have a line on three right now.

84, 4x4 with 4 speed manual, seller just got it running but it needs gas tank cleaned out, looks to be in good shape but has some small rust areas. A/C but not sure if it works

85 4x4 with 4 speed automatic (3 speed with OD), seller also just go it running, needs tires and has saggy headliner, surface rust on the roof, A/C but not blowing cold

88 4X4 with a 5 speed with recent engine replacement, it needs a "priming pump"? and clutch rod, some other stuff, need to see what that is. A/C belt not on

Not making this a trail rig, mostly commuter and run about, so thoughts welcome

 

[fastpakr]

I’d lean 88 for EFI and avoiding the feedback carb situation on the 2.8’s you would be diving into with the others.

Priming pump sounds like the in tank high volume/low pressure fuel pump.

 

[Uncle Gump]

All of them...

 

[Uncle Gump]

Seriously though...

I would likely look at the 88 first.

Condition would dictate choice in the end.

Why the 88? These trucks got a .little better each year. 88 with a new 2.9L. The old two fuel pump system is easy to update to single pump. Manual trans...

The older ones are likely 2.8L carb engines.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Whichever one has the least amount of rust. Everything else is easy to fix. You're better off with a 2.9 versus a 2.8

 

[gaz]

@Zorm

88, hands down...NO QUESTION. Why, unless you have any intentions of incorporating a different engine family, the 88 is the only choice.

An air conditioning system can always be repaired, later; though I feel for you in that climate/environment without it.

 

[Zorm]

I was kinda leaning towards the 88. So is the clutch a mechanical one?

 

[Zorm]

in the 88, I don't see a transferase shifter but there is a diagram of the Bronco on a over head console thing

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think it was select drive or something. It electronic t case control.

Hydraulic on the clutch

 

[fastpakr]

It will have a hydraulic clutch.

By 88, most had electronic switches for the 4wd control. But I can’t remember what they looked like that year.

 

[Zorm]

OK, here’s a thought. The 88 will crank up but then sputters and dies fuel pump issue?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

OK, here’s a thought. The 88 will crank up but then sputters and dies fuel pump issue?

 

[fastpakr]

I’d put a fuel pressure tester on it.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, probably fuel pump but possibly TFI module issue or something, neither is difficult...

I'd lean to the 2.9, nothing against the 2.8 as it has potential but finding stuff for carb engines anymore is tough...

The push button 4x4 is fine as long as it works, to keep it working cycle it at least every 6 months and if it doesn't work there's a few free things to try before spending money on a shift motor or something...