1986 Ford Bronco II

Summary:

Cannot find a tougher vehicle

Faults:

Have two of these vehicles; one with an automatic, one with a manual transmission. One with over 400,000 miles on it and the other between 360,000 and 400,000 miles.

The manual transmission unit had to have a water pump and valve cover gaskets replaced. Also replaced the radiator and a few heater cores. Transmission synchronizer went out at a third of a million miles.

Due to a lot of off highway use, front U-joints were considered a service item.

The unit with an automatic had the transmission rebuilt twice and gaskets replaced on the motor. Also had a radiator, heater cores and water pump.

Unfortunately I have been disappointed with most other vehicles when compared to these.

General Comments:

Cannot find any other vehicle that is as reliable as these, nor as sturdy and tough as these.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2019

1986 Ford Bronco II XLT 2.9 V6

Summary:

I will own a Bronco II till I die

Faults:

Drive shaft broke from over sized tires and too much throttle; cheaper style CV drive shaft replaced with much tougher joint style from a junk yard for about $20.

Clutch went out 3 times, again from way too much throttle. Pretty easy fixes for a do it your-self-er.

Front window leaked during heavy rains, just poured silicone in it and sealed it up.

A/C had a hole in one of the lines before I got it, so I ripped it out to help with the engine temperature. Bronco IIs are known for over heating.

Had some rust in the firewall.

At 350,000 miles I had a spark plug fall apart and blow a hole in one of the pistons, and scraped up the cylinder wall.

General Comments:

I love this truck, handled great on the road and off. Cheap to fix and easy to work on.

Tons of modifications to make it even better. Bigger and better parts can be installed with ease, such as a 4.0L engine's clutch and flywheel; bolts right up and offers a lot more gripping power, bigger axles swap in.

This truck was an awesome all around small SUV. I will own one till I can't drive it any more.

The Bronco IIs don't go without their own faults, but I feel that with the ease of working on them, the availability and cheapness of parts, both stock and more off-road specific, they make an excellent choice for a smaller SUV that is rugged enough for mud/sand/snow/rocks/etc... but still comfortable enough to travel long distances.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2009

13th Mar 2010, 21:58

Just wondering what Ford vehicle would have the mentioned 4.0 liter engine to acquire the beefier clutch and flywheel. I have a 86 Bronco II with 2.9 4 speed. Thanks.

22nd Mar 2010, 12:39

The first generation Explorer 4.0 OHV engine will fit right into a BII or Ranger. I have upgraded my 86 BII with an Explorer 5spd transmission that is stronger and bolts right in.

1986 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer 2.9

Summary:

The Bronco II is reliable

Faults:

When I purchased my Bronco II it needed an new water pump as well as a battery. I drove it around for approx. 2 months when the engine blew. Here is a list of the following work that I have done to it...

Bored out to.035

Installed larger pistons and rings

Installed competition head and cam

New rings and bearings

New high volume oil pump.

New radiator

New ignition coil

Replaced fuel sending unit

New map sensor

New throttle position sensor

New idle air control valve

Drained transmission and installed new filter

New blower motor

New shocks

New tires

New tires.

General Comments:

So after all of the work that I have done to my little bronco, its basically a new truck. It runs great and now has plenty of power. The small wheel base gets me in and out of tight areas as to where the larger trucks can't go. It doesn't have the best fuel economy

17 city / 21 hwy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th October, 2008