88 Bronco II

[Dixie Design]

Hey folks, I'm going to look at a Bronco II for sale today. (Sorry wasn't really a perfect thread for this make/model/engine)

From the photos the body is mint, interior mint, but they say it will overheat and die. Could be a fix as easy as a thermostat, but I'm worried about the overheating having cracked a cylinder head, they say it's also leaking oil.

Any advise on what to look for, where to look when I check this out this afternoon? They're only asking $750 for it, thinking it might be a fun project truck. What y'all think?

[Dixie Design]

Alright, I got some more info on the truck.

Says after he drives it for 5 or 6 miles it starts acting like it's missing and eventually cuts off. Says it's leaking oil from the valve covers. Replaced the ignition control, the pickup in the distributor, and the O2 sensors, but still runs hot.

Y'all think it's something as simple as a radiator, thrmostat, or maybe a clogged cat?

I want a "project 4x4" but I'm trying to decide if it'd be too big of a project for me. What you guys think?

[Jackpine]

I wonder what the coolant looks like? Has he ever had it power flushed? And, I don't like valve cover leaks - that could be minor, or, major, couldn't it?

You don't say anything about the fuel filter - maybe?

Still, $750 - offer $500.

- Jack

[soutthpaw]

what bothers me about that is the fact it dies.. could be a spun crank or rod bearing. cold there is enough clearance to let it run normally but as the engine warms up and the metal parts expand it will actually cause the engine to freeze up due to friction... had the identical problem with a buddy's small block chevy...
personally that bronco II was one of the worst ford vehicle they ever made... for creating a 4x4 project you would do better with a full size bronco or a jeep cherokee or something like that ... they can also be had in running condition for that money

[Buckeyes903]

If you have time, you may want to check out
http://www.therangerstation.com

A lot of guys on there with B2's and could def help you out with ANY problem you run into with it.

[Dixie Design]

Cool, appreciate all the feedback guys. The more I've researched, the more I think I'll pass on this one.

[Extreme Justice]

Originally Posted by Dixie Design

They're only asking $750 for it, thinking it might be a fun project truck. What y'all think?

Dixie,
I had the same Truck. One of the major problems is lack of aftermarket parts for the Bronco II. Also with the 2.8 or 2.9 V6 not a powerhouse. Also we had lot's of transmission problems. Ford replaced ours 3 times. If you want a project vehicle, go with a Jeep or even a Suzuki Samurai. Of course this is only my opinion.

[Dixie Design]

Yeah, I talked him down to $500, I'd MUCH rather a Jeep, but good luck finding one with wheels and a motor for $500 down here. My wife wasn't too keen on the idea from the start, guess I'll keep saving and wait on that Jeep to come around. Sold my 72 CJ7 over a year ago, desperate times call for desperate measures. Wish I could have gotten by without selling that one!

[88Racing]

The only way I would buy it would be the 2.9 with a manual. But the 2.9 is known for piston slap over 100K.
High center roll over potential also. Better off with a jeep yj or zj, xj more parts to chose from.
$350 would be my offer for a mt.
Might be a thermostat.

Might be a head gasket.

Might be a cracked head. The miss sounds more like a cracked head.

Look at the coolant.

Look at exhaust both smoke and tail pipe.

Might be intake gaskets if no oil in coolant.

Sorry to give bad news.

Lars