20th Sep 2004, 08:55
My brother has an 87 ford bronco 2 it is nothing, but reliable. He bought it for $1200 at a used car lot in Monroe LOuisina. He plans to put dual exhaust from the motor. But overal, it kicks butt. He has a loud tapping in it. He has done replaced the gaskets in it. while the valve covers were off we checked the clearance of them and its where its supoposed to be. The only thing we can figure is that it has a loose rod cap. and a piston trying to stick. Because when he puts it in gear and gives it fuel it tries to die out. he also done changed the spark plugs and wires. He had the gap in the plug set at.50. it would move then! Don't expect much on the fuel mileage. average is about 15 MPG. Please help us figure out what is wrong with his truck! My e-mail is vector123456@yahoo.com thanks Kyle.
12th Jan 2006, 16:14
In 1999, my wife and I bought an '87 XLT equipped with the 5.0 V8, manual hub-locking 4WD, tow package and the T-18 4-speed ("granny" first gear) transmission - not many made with this combination - that had 103k miles on it to haul her two-horse trailer. By choice (mostly) we've sunk a lot of money into it, most notably both a re-manufactured Jasper engine and Jasper tranny at about 152K miles. Thankfully, the original owner bought the Rusty Jones or Ziebart rustproofing option (Remember them?) and, save for some minor rear wheel well rust, the body has held up remarkably well, which is what convinced us to invest as much as we have into the truck.
A couple of years ago, we replaced the rear springs and augmented the rear suspension with inflatable spring support bags to keep the back end level when there's an additional two-plus tons of horse/trailer weight on the bumper. After the rebuilt engine and tranny (plus a heavy-duty clutch), as funds became available we've had a custom, over-sized, low-noise performance exhaust system (3" pipes leading to dual tailpipes, along with a K&N air filter), roller rockers, a throttle body spacer and a high-voltage ignition, distributor and plug wires installed; you wouldn't believe the difference in pickup and mid-range horsepower - even with the T-18's gearing that creates its considerable low-end torque. The result has improved gas consumption to 15-16 mpg when hauling at turnpike speeds - nothing to write home about, but better than the 11 mpg I was getting before. In fact, the speed shop owner that did the exhaust and engine performance upgrade work says that he sets up his towing own vehicles the same way and that, as a hauler, this Bronco is better than just about any other gasoline tow vehicle out there.
Although it's inconvenient to manually lock up the hubs, we've been happy to have the 4WD option when hauling through unplowed back roads in the winter and through mud bogs at summer horse shows which go on despite torrential rains. This truck could walk up the side of a mountain, if necessary.
The captains chairs are comfortable and supportive, vision is great and there's more than enough power (it cranks out an additional 50-or-more horsepower now, up from the OEM 185 hp rating) ; the only very minor drawback is the truck's short wheelbase, which can require some corrective steering when hauling at turnpike speeds and being passed by a tour bus or semi. Since the initial three or four trips, both my wife and I have adjusted just fine.
It's a kick to drive, even for my wife who, despite a bad left knee, puts up with the discomfort at the end of the day for the enjoyment of driving it. Given the amount we've spent on our Bronco, we're keeping it until it literally falls apart. Besides, if we were to get rid of it, the neighbors' chocolate lab and collie would never speak to us again, since they love riding in the back and, regardless of temperature, sticking their heads out the roll-down (I don't think anyone makes these anymore) tailgate window.
30th Dec 2008, 20:02
I have a 89 Ford Bronco (Eddie Bauer) with a automatic and 351C. It drives still strong (third owner) 250,678 miles. All I had to put in was a driveline because the previous owner (dad) loved to go four wheeling as well as my step brother.
Had it for a year now and I am going to get a engine rebuild on it, and new body work to it because of WY weather.
I will never get rid of it. No matter what price some one asks for it.
Ford, please make more.
Ps with second wife and she wants one of her own.
13th Jun 2003, 01:13
My wife and I were die hard Chevy fans, however three years ago we purchased a 1987 Ford Bronco (Eddie Bauer).
In the years we have owned this vehicle it has been nothing but reliable. I would make the suggestion that if your replacing brakes ever 4000 to 5000 miles you should probably buy a small car, it would in all liklihood fit your driving habits.
As for my wife and I we love our "little mule" and are now Ford fans!
Fred and Maggy (Both A.S.E. certfied mechanics)