1986 bronco help

[Boughtmyhubbyabronco]

I bought my husband a 1986 ford bronco tonight as a suprise. I got a really good deal $400.00.

It even runs lol.

Anyways I took it out on the road for abit I noticed the steering is slightly hard to control especially when you brake it likes to really pull.

Even trying to stay on a straight away take considerable concentration.

Because of the price I got it for I was well aware it would need some work I am just curious of what might need to be replaced to make it comfortable to drive.

Thanks for any help you could give

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[Seabronc]

Welcome to the Zone.

Looks like the breaks definately need attention, could be pads, or calipers, or fluid with air in it on one side, or all of the above. Hard to say for sure without actually looking at it.

The steering is most likely due to worn ball joints. You can check them by raising the tires one at a time and check for loosness by grabbing them and trying to wiggle them. With good ball joints they will not have any up/down motion. If all the components are good they shouldn't move at all.

Poor ball joints and alignment causes what is sometimes called slot car steering. In other words it will make sudden swerves sort of like a slot car, especially when up to highway speed and catching a crack in the road, kinda exciting :wacko: .

You probably need to do a lot of work on the front end, so if you are not up to it, be prepared for a a big bill. All it is doable by the backyard mechanic but can be hazardous. Make sure the front is properly supported by jack stands and the rear wheels are chocked if you decide to work on it. This is also a good time to check out the front axles, bearings, calipers, break pads, etc. You can put a lot of money into the front end but it is well worth it.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Boughtmyhubbyabronco]

What you said about the slot car thing thats definatly what it is like and exciting enough for me to slow way down and roll home lol.

I bought this because my husband always wanted one he doesn't know yet.

It looks like someone had some fun off roading in it could a bent frame cause this swerving problem ?

 

[Justshootme84]

That sounds like a fun family project vehicle!!! IF you are not real familiar with the Ford Bronco steering system, you can find some great info and repair help in a HAynes or Chilton repair manual. Either of these books are under $20 at any auto parts store.

AS for the sloppy steering, it is very common due to worn linkage somewhere bewteen the steering wheel and the front tires. The best way to find out what item or items are worn out is to raise the front end with a jack and place jack stands under the frame rails. Then, you can check each wheel and the steering linkage for wear. A wandering or hard-to-control condition is often due to a worn drag link or tie rod ends, but there may also be wear in the steering shaft and gearbox.

Try moving each wheel horizontally and watch for any movement in the wheel mount due to worn bearings and movement in the linkage. Also, move each wheel up-and-down to check for wear in the balljoints. (My 'new' 86 has a worn balljoint on the right side, and the tire leans way out at the bottom). There should be virtually NO movement or slack. Have someone turn the steering wheel and watch the linkage. There should also be no delay or slack.

Many or most of these items can be replaced by the weekend mechanic, but an alignment is needed after repairs. Good luck with your gift, and post any results of your examination and if you need more help. JSM84

 

[Boughtmyhubbyabronco]

Thank you guys very much I am copy and pasteing everything I did get the chilton manual off ebay because I figured it was going to come in handy.

Family project ( father & son was definatly what I was thinking )

I figure I will be spending alot of time in the future browsing these boards since he drives a big rig otr I will get to be in charge of all the research B)

 

[Justshootme84]

If you don't find all of the info you need by searching the forums here, there are some good links in the "Tech Articles" section on Bronco repairs. Most of the front end/steering parts are not expensive, but the labor to repair them is. If you have the basic garage tools or a friend that can help, you can avoid the costly shop bill. IF you need to go to a shop to get something checked out, beware, as some will want to replace EVERYTHING up front. The steering and brakes are definitely a safety issue when driving, so if you're not sure about how to fix something it may be worth it to have a professional garage mechanic do the work. But at least you will know what is going on with the Bronco by reading the forums here at Bronco Zone!!! Welcome and Good LUck!!! &lt

 

[Seabronc]

If it has been hammered off road a lot, the steering components are most likely the problem. You should be able to see a frame problem by standing square behind it and looking at how the wheels line up front to back. With the front wheels strait, they should be hidden by the back wheels. If you can see both wheels and one looks offset but strait, you probably have a frame problem. It sort of looks like the truck is going down the road sort of sideways.

Also, with a bent frame it will want to steer off in one direction all the time. Be careful with this symptom, because pulling to one side can also be caused by other problems such as alignment.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Broncoholics]

Some rigs are wider up front depending on what conversions are on it. I run Chevy Blazer knuckles, spindles, disc brakes on my 68 and its much wider up front.

Anyway, like everyone said, save the cash and have your hubsand and son learn together. My dad taught me alot and was fun learning. Its easier than you are probably invisioning. These are all standard maintanence problems that need to be taken care of.

If the frame is bent, most times having somone drive behind you can see if its dog tailing. Make sure the body isn't twisted slightly on the frame, thats an easy weekend fix. Buying abused off road rigs will need some extra TLC if you plan on keeping it a reliable truck. For the price you paid it will help offset repairs and you might get a decent rig out of the whole deal.