Getting started

[Atari]

I have always wanted a Bronco but have always been talked out of getting one when I had the chance. Now my wife to be is giving me the green light to get one! I have a 03 Buick Rendezvous and it does ok in the snow out here in Denver but we want something more. Of cores I have a few questions before I dive in. The Bronco will be my daily driver.

What should I pay for one?

What are signs of bad things to come when looking at one?

What kind of work do should I expect to have had done to the truck by previous owners?

I was thinking i want a manual transmission is that wrong? My fence wants the Eddie Bauer stuff.

Thoughts on Ex-police Cars?

Any thing else I should be asking?

Thanks for the help,

-Andrew

 

[muddrivermike]

Well I dont know about price but,rust is common on the rear wheel wells,and underneath on floor areas.And if your Fiancee plans on driving it hope she can drive a stick.Eddie bauer is just a trim? package I think.Mechanically the truck is the same.Ex police cars,forget it.They are fleet vehicles that basically idles 24 hrs a day and when they are not ideling they are getting the balls beaten out of them.Even with low miles that doesnt show you how many hours are on the vehicle.Just ask 50Joe he works on police cars all the time.I would say depends on what you want in a bronco,An older one,a newer one?Just try to get low miles.And as much mechanically sound as you can get.

 

[Atari]

Thanks for the Replay.

I'm about to call the guy about this one and set up a meeting.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1615486952.html

Thoughts on it any one?

 

[muddrivermike]

Doesnt look bad.If you go to see it make sure the hubs lock in since they are manual and make sure the 4wd shifts into all gears and works.You dont want to buy it then go to use it in the snow and find out one or the other doesnt work.I do like that dark blue color though.

 

[Atari]

Doesnt look bad.If you go to see it make sure the hubs lock in since they are manual and make sure the 4wd shifts into all gears and works.You dont want to buy it then go to use it in the snow and find out one or the other doesnt work.I do like that dark blue color though.

does they have 4WD high that you can put it in inside the cab?

 

[muddrivermike]

Yes with the push button on the dash.Its electric on this one.Electric motor on the transfer case that switches it between 2 hi 4 hi and 4 low ,depending on what you push on the button.For 4 low you have to be in neutral with your foot on the brake to switch into and out of it.2 Hi and 4 hi usually can be switched back and forth either sitting still or moving AS LONG as the hubs are locked in.

 

[Atari]

So if say I was driving home for snowboarding and hit a snowstorm. I have to get out and lock the hubs befor I shift into 4WD?

 

[muddrivermike]

Exactly,Otherwise you would be spinning the axles in 4wd but they wont do anything cause they wouldnt be locked into the front wheels.

 

[Atari]

I'm a bit confused. why would you want your hubs unlocked?

 

[muddrivermike]

So your not always turning the gears for no reason putting wear and tear on them,Also its less drag on the truck freeing up power and fuel milage.Besides if your locked in,You cant turn the wheels all the way to either side with out the steering wheel fighting you because of the axles trying to spin.Youll get used to it.

 

[Atari]

But nothing happens if i hat the switch without the hubs locked?

 

[muddrivermike]

Nope ,,No 4wd with out the hubs locked and the switch in 4wd.

 

[Atari]

Thank you for the help. Good things to know.

 

[muddrivermike]

That what this site is for,,Anytime

 

[50joe]

Ex police cars,forget it.They are fleet vehicles that basically idles 24 hrs a day and when they are not ideling they are getting the balls beaten out of them.Even with low miles that doesnt show you how many hours are on the vehicle.Just ask 50Joe he works on police cars all the time.

Cops NEVER beat on their cars. EVER. Just ask them. Check engine light on and a rev limiter code? computer glitch. Exhaust ripped off? Must have been unavoidable debris in the road. Bald tires? It was the other shift. Suspension ripped off? Massive *** hole. They were lucky to get out alive. And my personal favorite, the gouges in the subframe spaced the same difference apart as railroad tracks? They are casting marks because the whole fleet has them. LOL

 

[Atari]

Cops NEVER beat on their cars. EVER. Just ask them. Check engine light on and a rev limiter code? computer glitch. Exhaust ripped off? Must have been unavoidable debris in the road. Bald tires? It was the other shift. Suspension ripped off? Massive *** hole. They were lucky to get out alive. And my personal favorite, the gouges in the subframe spaced the same difference apart as railroad tracks? They are casting marks because the whole fleet has them. LOL

lol

 

[Atari]

I just found this one!

Thoughts please...

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1614780307.html

 

[AdamDude04]

I've seen that blue 95 bronco (the first cl link you posted) on the highway before. I remember it because of the spotlight. It looked good in person!

You'll find a great bronco out here for around 3-3500. More money..eh it's gotta have some nice toys. Anything less..probably some rust or slight motor issues.

Really depends. I've found quite a few for $500-1000 cash that look horrible but run like a champ. I'm about to buy a 2nd bronco as ugly as I can get, with a good motor for my offroad project.

Where abouts in Denver are you? I'm located in Aurora by I-70 and Tower. I'm always down for some beer and wrench turnin!

 

[muddrivermike]

I just found this one!

Thoughts please...

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1614780307.html

I like this one better,Body looks in better conditon,plus the tube bumper on the front looks good.