Looking to buy a bronco

[HAMM3R]

Hey guys.

Im hoping you can help me out with a tough decision. I'm looking to buy a bronco. I'd prefer a 92-96 year because I like the styling best. But I really want a manual transmission. I enjoy driving the manual trans a lot more. There are so few 96-96 broncos that I can find that have them too. I really like the Eddie Bauer versions with the leather bucket seats and what not, but the few manual trans bronco i've seen are all the lower end models with bench seats and no trim. Do they make EB models with man trans? I feel like even if I get a beautiful 96 with everything in it, I'll be disappointed to not have the man trans.

Any suggestions/insight?

 

[Justshootme84]

You're right, most of the manual-tranny 92-96 Bronco's will be a Custom model (plane vanilla) instead of the Eddie Bauer. One option is to buy the Bronco, then swap in the EB upgrades, like leather seats, interior trim, etc. While a manual, 5.0L 92-96 Bronco is hard to find, there are a few out there and you should find one on e-bay or Auto Trader. Other option is to buy an EB edition Bronco, then swap in a ZF 5-sp manual, which is a much better upgrade than the M5OD. www.fordfuleinjection.com has some info on swapping a manual for an auto tranny, and making the computer or ECm work for ya, JSM84

 

[HAMM3R]

Thanks for the reply Justshootme84

I looked all over fordfuelinjection.com and wasn't able to find any information about the auto-man tranny swap. Could you point me in the right direction on that site?

 

[Justshootme84]

Yes, what you're looking for is info on swapping ECM's, or the enigne control module/ computer. IF the Bronco/F-150 has an E40D auto tranny, the ECm will control both the engine functions and tranny shifts. The 'trick' into swapping in a manual tranny is to findd an ECm that will work with a manual tranny, so it will only control the engine functions, like air/fuel ratio. There should be some info on the ECM's like 'fooling' it into being in neutral, and the correct harnesses you will need. IF you don't find what you need on that site, let me know. I or other members may be able to direct you to another site that deals with Mustang engine/ tranny swaps, which are very much the same as the Bronco. My brother is a Mustang bracket racer, and has passed me up a long time ago!!! JSM84

 

[HAMM3R]

Thanks again JSM84!

After thinking about it I decided that the most financially sensible thing to do was to buy a stock Bronco Custom with the manual tranny and install the EB features. I found some good parts dealers that I'm sure you've heard of like broncograveyard.com and I figure that with each paycheck I can get a new addition like chrome trim pieces or bumpers or a grill. Lets just hope now I can find a decent manual Bronco now. One more thing though, when buying a bronco are there any specific things I should look for that would give me a good indication of the kind of shape the vehicle is in? Do Broncos have any tell-tale signs of trouble ahead? Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[Justshootme84]

Good decision, Ithink you'll have better success doing that. you may want to research some of the comon problems of all fullsize Broncos ,as well as the specific year model you're looking for. Numba one is RUST. Not sure where you live, but just about anywhere in the world you have a problem with rusted fenderwells and the bottom of the tailgate. I think you'll be hard-pressed to find a rust-free Bronco anywhere in original condition unless it's been stored inside. That's OK, as you can repair rusted panels. Personally, I think the Kelly Blue Book values are about 2X what a Bronco is worth if it's in average condition with no major problems. AS for the 92-96 Bronco in specific, you'll want to look at mileage in addition to the rust. Over 150K, look at rebuilding the motor. IF it has an auto tranny, it will be the E40D, which was upgraded in 1995. The 302 and 351W V8 common problems are leaking main seals and oil pan gasket leaks. If it has an electric-shift transfer case, that can often be a problem. IF it's a rig from the snow belt up North where they salt the roads in winter, like Michigan or Jersey, you should look closely at the frame for heavy rust. You should be able to find a 94/95 Bronco for about $3500-$5000 with about 150K miles.

 

[HAMM3R]

Well I'm in New Mexico so rust is fairly rare thankfully. What can I expect as far as costs when it comes to rebuilding a motor? I'm on a very limited budget so I can't just go tossing new parts into the truck. Gotta prioritize. I think I may be able to get a decent deal since many people are ditching their gas hogs for smaller cars. Thanks again for your time and help.

 

[Outkast]

Numba one is RUST. Not sure where you live, but just about anywhere in the world you have a problem with rusted fenderwells and the bottom of the tailgate. I think you'll be hard-pressed to find a rust-free Bronco anywhere in original condition unless it's been stored inside.

Im glad they dont salt the roads in california Id hate to have the rust problems that i seen most people going through on this forum.

 

[BB33's]

I hear you OutKast! I live in Southern California and all I have to deal with is looking good amongst a sea of Brand New lifted Wallet Jobs.

 

[Justshootme84]

Well I'm in New Mexico so rust is fairly rare thankfully. What can I expect as far as costs when it comes to rebuilding a motor? I'm on a very limited budget so I can't just go tossing new parts into the truck. Gotta prioritize. I think I may be able to get a decent deal since many people are ditching their gas hogs for smaller cars. Thanks again for your time and help.

To have a shop put in a rebuilt, running motor will cost you around $2500-$3000. Much of that is labor, of course. A replcaement engine from a salvage yard may run about $500-$700, or a rebuilt longblock kit goes for about $800-$1500. Folks are practically giving away Broncos in my area with minor problems, just to get them off the yard if they've been sitting broke down for a while. The local Craig's List is a good place to look for a deal on a bronco, JSM84