Comments: 1-15, 16-18
The head gasket blew at 60,000 miles - $500.00 to fix.
The oil pump went out at 72,000 miles.
Crankshaft had to be replaced - $1300.00.
The cylinder head cracked at 80,000 miles - $600.00 to fix.
The oil pump went out at 88,000 miles - 900.00 to repair (the engine must be pulled).
The camshaft bearings went out and the motor started knocking badly. Replaced the engine with a rebuilt one. 3300.00 to replace.
The oil and filters were changed every 3000 miles and the vehicle was maintained properly. My mechanic says the 2.9L engines are junk. I can't afford to buy new vehicle or I would junk this heap!!
The only positive thing I will say is it is comfortable and is easy to drive.
If you have over 50000 miles on one you are driving a time bomb.
I will go back Japanese (Nissan) as my 200SX had over 175000 miles and the valve covers were never pulled on it.
I've got 199,000 on my 87.
I have 143,000 on mine, and it's an auto. How did you drive your Bronco?
From what I heard the 2.9 is a German engine and quite reliable.???
Man... I bought my Bronco back in March... it has 155,000 on it and the motor is in terrific shape... just the transmission in mine went bad and I had to rebuild it, and just a few small things, but other than that, it's a perfect little truck.
I have 2 Bronco IIs. Best thing I ever did is buy one, would like to have 2 more. One of them has 199,864 on it and one has 156,834. I don't know what you are doing with yours, but I have not had to do any work on my two for so long now I don't know what, if anything, has been done to it.
I noticed that your truck had 35,000 miles on it when you got it. It is very possible that your rig was severely abused and/or poorly maintained by the previous owner(s).
I have to disagree with your mechanic about the reliability of the 2.9 liter. I have much experience with the German V-6's and very high trouble free mileage is the norm. The most common complaint is that, like most German engines, they tend to leak when they get some miles on them. My current rig is an '88 with 171,000 on the original running gear (5 speed 4x4) - the wrist pins are rattling a little bit, but it still uses very little oil and runs like a top.
HB in NC
I constantly beat the hell out of my 86 b2 4x4 2.9/auto offroad, and it has 151k...however the transmission is slippin.
Well I bought my 88 Bronco II a couple of weeks ago and it was fine. Last weekend, my wife and I were taking the 15 Fwy from Los Angeles to Las Vegas when the head gasket blew and left me high and dry in the middle of the desert!
Nevermind, though, it's only a head gasket right?!
Could the problem have been a lack of knowledge of the vehicle and the correct way to drive it???
May 9th 2003 I bought a 89 Bronco 2.9 engine with 80,000 miles on it when the right side head cracked, had it replaced for 926.00, drove it for a week noticed heat gage going up, checked the dipstick, saw water mixed with oil. Bad news, now the left engine head cracked, more repair money. Two cracked heads, repairman told me 2.9 had a lot of problems with cracked heads or gaskets with this motor. Buyer beware!
I have 1989 Bronco II. it runs last at 144,900 miles on 2.9L engine worn out. put new 4.0L engine into bronco II it works great, better, and more power. transmission and chassis are stock. still work hard and stronger. if anyone drive like hell or abused on bronco II, ya or previous owners are putting bomb timer in it and creates more problems occurs. I still love my Bronco II. I have purchased three different of bronco II, only one i have 1989 Brocno II than 1986. the reason is the interior designs and comforts
Well I guess you all have got some messed up B-2's...i have a 89 Bronco II... got it in 92...second owner...203K on everything and still running strong... no rebuilds or anything!
Hey guys. I have an 89 as well with a 2.9L, 5 speed transmission, 239,600 miles and it is still kicking hard. I just came back from taking on Deer Valley in California from South to North and back and I had no problems. It has the original engine. The only “repair” I have done to it was removing the valve covers to put in new gaskets at 150,000. I have rebuilt the transmission and transfer case one time, but that’s because it was due for it (at 200,000 miles and after much abuse on various trails throughout California). Beside the aforementioned, I have only performed expected maintenance typical of any car or SUV. The only modifications I have are—3 inch body lift, 2 inch suspension, Rancho 9000s, and a center-force clutch. I guess it’s just the luck of the pick—every maker has it’s lemons.
I have an 89 bronco ii and it only has 108,000 orig on it and recently I have noticed a noise coming from undernieth, but I'm no sure. what it's doin is when I hit the gas it will go, but there is this unk kind of noise if you know what this is please contact me. chef_jray@msn.com
thanx
Justin.
I have a 1989 XLT Bronco 2 with 208,000 miles on it and have only had to do other than routine maintenance on it is: change radiator, heater core, and valve cover caskets. Runs great, but is starting to get lower end noise. Maybe time for rebuild.