1988 Ford Bronco II 2.9liter

Summary:

Inexpensive beginners four wheel drive

Faults:

When I first bought it the clutch fan wasn't working as it was supposed to.

Two months after I purchased it the transfer case shattered, it did not leave me stranded though.

There is a small leak at each of the valve covers.

The rear CV Shaft needs to be replaced.

The stock stereo was only allowing sound to go to the right side of the vehicle.

General Comments:

I really enjoy this mini SUV.

The four wheel drive comes in handy some times.

I also like the looks on peoples faces when I drive up to put gas in it after I have been mud riding, and only the center of the hood is showing the truck color of the vehicle, its marvelous.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2002

1988 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer 2.9 V6

Summary:

The best car I have ever owned

Faults:

A cylinder detonated at 159,000. It jumped time at 168,000.

General Comments:

It has been a really great vehicle. It has its fair share of problems, but I haven't run into anything expensive yet.

It runs great, drives great, and handles magnificent. The interior is very clean. For a 1988, it looks like a brand new truck.

Overall, it has been a wonderful truck with excellent performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2002

1988 Ford Bronco II XLT 4x4 2.9L

Summary:

Great running little offroader with endurance to go on

Faults:

Alternator died -- my fault, probably not a good idea putting a 700 watt strain on an old battery and original alternator after 120,000 miles.

Transmission - Planetary destroyed, I ran it to death after normal expected transmission problems. I replaced the tranny with one from a junkyard, now all is well.

Battery - I just got a bigger one, stock is too small.

Exhaust - I hate NC too much rust, replacing soon, BTW get rid of the DUAL CATS and just get one CAT easy done.

O2 sensor - my fault cut the wire when replacing transmission.

Starter - after 120,000 acceptable.

Full Tune up - go for premium parts, not only will it run better it will last you longer.

Overall most of the seriousness was my fault, but for any old bronco II owner... go buy ZMAX system additive... the stuff really works.

General Comments:

This is my second Ford Bronco II first being an 85 2.8 liter carborated, they are easy to work on, and no matter what you do to them they will run forever with exception of the tranny.

I'm 6'2 240 and the seats are comfortable and more than enough headroom.

They drive like a car with a turning radius of most residential streets.

When kept with regular maintenance these vehicles will go on for a long time.

Be wary of seals and the transmission, pay attention to these and you will never have any major problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2002

12th Oct 2002, 13:22

Thank you for your views on the 1988 Bronco II. I also am an owner of the same car and am very satisfied with its performance and durability. We just replaced the starter at 196,000 and have not yet had any problems with the transmission (although it seems to skip every once in a while. I like to hear about positive reports on Bronco's because often enough people that are uneducated about the vehicle mock it. If they only knew what a fine piece of machinery it is, they would have more respect for the beloved Bronco II. If you would like to contact me to talk about our cars, feel free to E-mail me at Stephladyb@aol.com. Thank you.

1988 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer 2.9 V6

Summary:

Excellent all around car

Faults:

The drive-shaft broke beating a bus out of school.

Battery died, but a jump fixed all that.

General Comments:

I love this car.

All the times I've taken it off roading I've never gotten stuck.

Preparing for a engine swap from the 2.9 V6 to a 302 or a 351.

Because of lack of money have to down size tires from 31" to huge 29" off road tires because of rubbing on inside wheel wells.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2002

9th Jul 2002, 10:21

A simple 2" body lift is a cheap and easy way to stop tire rubbing. I put a 3" on mine. I now have 32's and it doesn't rub at all.

19th Apr 2004, 16:20

One word of advice. Don't put a 351 in it. You will have to get a stronger frame, and the 351 will not fit that well between the fender wells.