Hello, I'm new to the club and live in Highlands Ranch, CO. I've owned an Expedition and an F150 (king cab, long bed!) and am thinking of a Bronco for my son. I'm looking for a 96, but just thought I'd ping ya'll for any suggestions. Does he 96 XLT have a removeable top? I did a brief search, but didn't find a post for such a basic question! Anyone have any thoughts on the 351 versus the 302? Do I need the Eddie Bower to get the bigger motor or removable top? Thanks much in advance!!!

My personal vehicles are an 06 Avalanche and an 04 Denali XL, so going back to Ford is a big step for me, lol....

Every Bronco has a removable top - despite any seller telling you it's a factory option... it's standard on every Bronco ever made

Find a 5.8L - I've always been with the belief that there's no replacement, for displacement

Good luck!

The only problem with the later year models is the rear stop light is at the top of the roof, and the rear seat belts attach to the top. Other wise you could pull the top off. The 351 is nice but a gas guzzler. The 302 is ok if you find one that aint been ragged out. It may be a bit weak for the hills around here, not sure (I have a 351 and somedays it doesnt like the hills)

Other wise like the insurance folks told me (I have a 15 YO daughter fixin to drive) they said to get Big, Old, and Slow for the cheapest rates....

RevT

I have a 96 with the 302 and 5 speed and have been very pleased with the power. I'm sure the larger engine is more powerful, but I have not had any issues with the 302 being underpowered.

I have a 302 in mine and at 220k miles it still runs pretty good. A bit slow on the passes but then with my vehicle weight, gears and tires that is to be expected.

A few things to look for, if you get an auto-tranny make sure it was maintained very well, put a secondary cooler and filter on it ASAP. I have alway prefered an auto in a truck this size.

To get a manual shift T-case (really what you will want) then you will have to look for the base model XL. All of the 96's that I looked at in the XLT or EB package were electric shift T-Case and auto hubs. Both prone to failure when you really need the 4x to work.

All of the tops will remove, T-50 tamper proof torx if I remember correctly. You will loose the outside two rear seat belt mounts and the third eye brake light.

Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions, with the snow the past few weeks I am sure that the prices on these dinosaurs will stay high for a while longer

FWIW here is a link to my super motors page.
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/1493

dc

Thanks All, that is good to know about the XL. We'll probably check out a couple tomorrow...

Well, we struck out, more lookin will happen this weekend....

WELCOME!

Make sure to check for real bad rust under the wheel wells and on the underside of the tailgate, even with CO weather..they are still prone to rust. A little rust won't kill these beasts, but makes for good bargining ;-) Brian

I would also sugesst the manual hubs, had to replace the autos on my 88 XLT TWICE, before finally getting smart and converting.

Ive got a $400.00 89 full size bronco. Need transmission. :chili: [




QUOTE=woof;1108097]Hello, I'm new to the club and live in Highlands Ranch, CO. I've owned an Expedition and an F150 (king cab, long bed!) and am thinking of a Bronco for my son. I'm looking for a 96, but just thought I'd ping ya'll for any suggestions. Does he 96 XLT have a removeable top? I did a brief search, but didn't find a post for such a basic question! Anyone have any thoughts on the 351 versus the 302? Do I need the Eddie Bower to get the bigger motor or removable top? Thanks much in advance!!!

My personal vehicles are an 06 Avalanche and an 04 Denali XL, so going back to Ford is a big step for me, lol....[/QUOTE]

To get a manual shift T-case (really what you will want) then you will have to look for the base model XL. All of the 96's that I looked at in the XLT or EB package were electric shift T-Case and auto hubs. Both prone to failure when you really need the 4x to work.





Hello all, new to forums and Broncos as of Saturday, picked up a 95 XLT here in Denver and just for the info, it has the manual x-case and manual hubs, just have to look to find them.

Hello all, new to forums and Broncos as of Saturday, picked up a 95 XLT here in Denver and just for the info, it has the manual x-case and manual hubs, just have to look to find them.

Welcome!

Any Luck Woof? I'll let mine go for $30,000!

Welcome!

Any Luck Woof? I'll let mine go for $30,000!
I'll let mine go for 20K, but there isn't much Bronco left :toothless

Good luck on your search Woof, there are a boatload of Broncos around here.

If your willing to go 100 mi, there's a 95 and 94 for about $3k in the Pueblo area.

Woof check out
www.craigslist.org
http://www.autotrader.com
http://cars.com/go/index.jsp
http://www.motors.ebay.com/

and www.kbb.com To check the blue book. I wouldn't pay over blue book for a bronco.
Dont forget to search on this site and pick up a haynes manual if you end up getting a bronco.

By the way, eddie bauer, xlt doesnt determine the engine size.

Try to get a 94-96 because sometime in 94 e40d transmissions got the updates that made them more dependable.

Thought, that might be helpful even though it has been awhile since you posted.

Hi All, thank you for your help. As it turns out, my son went for a Nissan pathfinder. I know, I know, he went over my better judgement. I still believe the bronco to be a unique, life vehicle which goes beyond the rice burners. Maybe next time, I have a 13 year old turning 14 and I may be switching out my Avalanche....

:shocked :doh0715: :banghead a nissan...he will hate it when the tranny goes out..thats all i got to say.....nothing like a good ford truck:rockon :drinkbud