Hello, I have an '89 bronco with a 302 and the 4eod transmission. It was suggested that acquiring a donor truck may be a good idea. My question is, what year range would work? I possibly have the opportunity to purchase an '85 and don't wanna waste my time or especially money! Thanks in advance!
A question of donor trucks...
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donor for what exactly?
An 85 will be carb motor, and also a c6. Not sure what your trying to do.
An 85 will be carb motor, and also a c6. Not sure what your trying to do.
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An 85 would be a waste of your money.
an 89-91 with an e4od transmission would be ideal. a 96 5.8 would be perfect for the drivetrain. Really a lot of different years would be ideal. Body and brick nose interior parts 87-91. Drivetrain 96. Zf5 manual transmission 94+ f250/f350. 1 ton axles 1978-79; 85+. Depends what you're doing are you bring it back to OEM specs and replacing damaged or missing parts. Are you modifying it with stronger or better design parts. Are you fixing rust or wreck damage. etc
an 89-91 with an e4od transmission would be ideal. a 96 5.8 would be perfect for the drivetrain. Really a lot of different years would be ideal. Body and brick nose interior parts 87-91. Drivetrain 96. Zf5 manual transmission 94+ f250/f350. 1 ton axles 1978-79; 85+. Depends what you're doing are you bring it back to OEM specs and replacing damaged or missing parts. Are you modifying it with stronger or better design parts. Are you fixing rust or wreck damage. etc
85 Bronco, 309ci I6 w/4bbl, np435, 4" lift, 37" Irok NDs, 4.56 w/ Detroit Locker and tru trac
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Depend on what the donor is for...
Replacement parts: best would be an 89-91 bronco or 87-91 if the trans is not required to be e4od.
For upgrades, like manual trans, beefy axles, etc: a supercab f350 from 87-97 would be best.
Replacement parts: best would be an 89-91 bronco or 87-91 if the trans is not required to be e4od.
For upgrades, like manual trans, beefy axles, etc: a supercab f350 from 87-97 would be best.
AS stated above it really depends on what you are looking for in donor parts. If the 85 was reasonable (read cheap) enough, I wouldn't see any harm in picking it up. The 5.0 in 85 would be EFI and an AOD was also available. Rear and front ends essentially the same, body parts, meh, depends. Interior obviously no.
If it was me, and it has been me in the past, I would primarily search within your generation. That will give you interior and body parts. Like stated above engine/transmission donor of 94-96 5.8/E4OD would be most ideal. If you pursue this route just know there may/will be some wiring differences.
A positive for the 85 donor is it MAY have the older style steering knuckles which would allow for a T-Bird caliper brake upgrade on the cheap as you'd have the only "hard" part and all the other you'd be buying new anyway.
hth and welcome aboard.
tim
If it was me, and it has been me in the past, I would primarily search within your generation. That will give you interior and body parts. Like stated above engine/transmission donor of 94-96 5.8/E4OD would be most ideal. If you pursue this route just know there may/will be some wiring differences.
A positive for the 85 donor is it MAY have the older style steering knuckles which would allow for a T-Bird caliper brake upgrade on the cheap as you'd have the only "hard" part and all the other you'd be buying new anyway.
hth and welcome aboard.
tim
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