New to the Zone and New to owning

[SleeperStyle]

well as stated i am new and soon to be the new (but 3rd) owner of an '88 XLT. Body is in great shape minus one small rust spot (smaller then a dime) over each of the rear wheel. previous owner already replaced the tail gate and front quater panel (just need to have the truck sprayed). it has only seen 120,000 miles. engine still starts up and all seems sound, although it seems a little slugglish on the start (probably just used to newer fuel injection systems). guy was asking only $1400 so i figured it would be a great oppertunity to having something "fun" to play with. i am mainly used to small imports and performance upgrades so i figured this would be a great place to start looking for tips and tricks when it comes to building a truck that doesn't mind getting a little dirty and loves to have its top off. I guess the first advice i would ask is what first? i know when it comes to performence i always go Intake exhaust headers (i-e-h) would the same apply here? also looking into a lift. i already have a guy that works for a local custom shop so he is going to fabricate a front guard for me so that one is a check. well thanks in advance for the many questions i am sure to be asking.

 

[rebelyelltex]

always start off with your intake and exhaust. the headers are up to you. you can go ecu if you want, there are alot of different upgrades you can make.

 

[Justshootme84]

Welcome to Bronco Zone!!! What engine does your Bronco have? Transmission (auto or manual)?? IT may not make much difference, but will narrow down specific upgrades for each engine type. THere's several topics in the forums if you search on performance mods. And if you plan to add a lift kit and larger tires, seriously look into re-gearing the axles, perhaps adding a locker or limited slip to both. A stock Bronco on 31" tires can go places you wouldn't expect it to, as it's quite a capable rig for offroad in general.

Good Luck, Randy JSM84 /

 

[SleeperStyle]

unfortunatly (not sure if it is good or bad yet) it is an auto, but later down the line i might grab a manual tranny and cut it in. i am used to driving a stick...this is my first auto. as for the actual tranny code i am not sure yet. the engine is a 302 5.0 and there is a guy that is willing to give me the 5.7? if i want it. it is the larger engine that came that year he has one sitting in his shop. I am a manger for a auto parts retailer so i tend to walk into some very nice deals from my clients (which is how i found this truck). it is already on 31's BFG's which i know to be a optional tire size for the stock set up.

i sort of know what it is capable of, but won't actually know until i take it out there and actually get the feel for it.

the lift might come next year or later this one. thinking about a 6" lift , then a 3" body lift. i don't need to to be overly big. I do know that i will need to play with the gears though in the front and the back. and if i am not mistaken it looks like you can frankenstien the engine a little with other 302 parts, just not sure if it would be worth the time.

as for the posts...since i am new i have been browsing through a lot of them today. I just figured and brief intro and a small post might turn up a few things too since i can't just type in '88 into the search field. Well i pick it up tomorrow and finalize all the tag work so i guess i will be posting again soon. thanks for the welcome and i hope to be around more soon.

 

[Justshootme84]

Great!!! IT helps to know what your plans are and what you want to use the Bronco for. While a fullsize Bronco seems like a sled compared to a sports car, it has enough power to tow with and pull itself through and over obstacles. SOme of the other members here may be more informed on the EFI motors liek your 88, but I do feel like you should limit the internal mods due to the limited ability of the ECM to compensate for the changes. More airflow through the intake and exhaust is a common upgrade that doesn't affect the ECM too much. A website called fordfuelinjection.com has more detailed info on swapping ECM's, injectors, MAF conversions, etc. if you want to go further. Main thing is keep the engine tuned and chekc fluid levels. A common problem on the 80's Ford 302's with high mileage (over 150K) is worn main bearings. Low oil pressure or oil loss can indicate that. It makes little sense to me to spend hundreds of $$$ for mods on a motor that needs to be rebuilt first. IF that's the case, a swap to the 351W (5.8L) may be worthwhile. There's very little difference in power between the two V8's, and there are specs on those in the pinned topics in this forum.

When you get your Bronco and have time to check it over, post up with any questions you have. There are no "stupid" questions!!! JSM84

 

[Broncosaurus!]

There's very little difference in power between the two V8's, and there are specs on those in the pinned topics in this forum.

I find that hard to believe, but really? I guess the 4.6 made more power with better efficiency than the 5.0 so I am willing to believe it. But naturally the 351w has more potential right?

 

[Justshootme84]

For the 1988 model Bronco motors, 185 HP for the 302-V8 and 210 HP for the 351W. What's that, like 25 HP difference??? Intake and exhaust mods might add 10-15 HP to either motor, but it takes better heads and a camshaft change to approach 300HP. Either motor can be upgraded with a stroker kit, and I think one of the Ford Racing crate 302-strokers is close to 400HP. Then there's the "Horsepower per Dollar" factor to consider, as it can run into several thousand $$$ to get to that level. JSM84

 

[SleeperStyle]

eh i don't matter what it takes, this truck is getting some TLC. I just picked her up this evening and took her to my shop. all i had to do was adjust the back brakes since who ever he took to had one side over and the other side under adjusted. other then that i can't complain. I love it. Very clean for her year since no one was restoring her. plus in the glove box i found the original build sheet. minus the brown panel and new green tailgate this truck looks great. as for the tranny...i beleive it to be a c6. atleast that is what i was told. its was dark and i really wasn't trying to read the fine print. will repost when i get more details and pics.

 

[Justshootme84]

Sounds great!!! A little maintenance and you're set to conquer the Baja, or at least the local hills!!! JSM84

 

[SleeperStyle]

Sounds great!!! A little maintenance and you're set to conquer the Baja, or at least the local hills!!! JSM84

haha....around hear...the local streets can be enough sometimes. THANK YOU PENNDOT! big creaters in some roads...might even swallow the bronco.

 

[Seabronc]

Welcome to the Zone > . Sounds like you are about to have some fun. Post some pictures we'd like to :-B at them. There are lots of resons for being sluggish, one of them is having oversized tires with no gearing changes.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Big Country]

welcome to the zone these guys know what they are talking about and have been a big help to me. good luck

 

[SleeperStyle]

posted some pics in the intro forum

click here