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111 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hey guys,

I'm not quite an official owner of a Bronco quite yet, but soon will be. I have been looking around for one for a month now and I think this weekend is when I'll make up my mind.

A little background on myself.
Born and raised an Iowa Farm boy. Age 19 joined the Marines, did my time as well as much time spent overseas, got out stayed in CA.

I was a dumbass back in the day and my Ford Ranger was repoed. So for the last 3 years I've just been riding an old motorcycle to and from and work and everywhere really. I was a diesel mechanic for a few years and gave up due to lack of mechanic jobs around, plus just tired of that routine.

Bronco Talk:
My choices are; 1989 5.8 Dark Green, issues-needs a new window motor for the driver's side, and it leaks a little oil. small amount of rust under tailgate. 150K
or
1990 5.0 "OJ style" white. 170K no mechanical issues, body is great shape, new tires, but it's missing the rear bench seat.

They only want $1100 for them, not for both, one or the other.

So since mechanical issues are really not a problem for me for the most part I think I'm going to go for the Green one. It's my fav color first of all.

What do you guys think between the years and the models?

Jon
 

· Roll Tide!
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2,821 Posts
Welcome to FSB! Personally, my favorites are the 1992-1996 years (seeing as that is the model that I have) but the 87-91 year models can look good, though there are few that I have seen and liked. Everyone has their own opinion though so go for which ever Bronco you want and just have fun with it!

There is alot of information on this site and it would be to your benefit to familiarize yourself with the "Search" function. Otherwise, the "search police" will hound you. But other than that.... Welcome! :thumbup
 

· Driving Stuff Henry Built
*90xlt,351w,e4od,1356m*79,400,C6,205,19donors*73,400,np435,d20j twin
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12,289 Posts
Hey, Jon. Welcome! It's always good to see another Bronco in So Cal (Soon anyway :thumbup). Here in "Introductions", they usually just say hi. You'll have better response if you ask these questions in "1980-'96 Bronco Tech" or "Have a bronco question? We have an answer!" forums. Include the main point of your question in the title.

My choices are; 1989 5.8 Dark Green, issues-needs a new window motor for the driver's side, and it leaks a little oil. small amount of rust under tailgate. 150K
or
1990 5.0 "OJ style" white. 170K no mechanical issues, body is great shape, new tires, but it's missing the rear bench seat.

They only want $1100 for them, not for both, one or the other.

So since mechanical issues are really not a problem for me for the most part I think I'm going to go for the Green one. It's my fav color first of all.

What do you guys think between the years and the models?

Jon
Take a good look at the green one for other rust (Tailgate, over the rear wheels, & under the doors are typical locations). The window motor isn't usually a big deal, the most common problem is three plastic pins that give it up after so many years. There's several write-ups on window motors. You'll have to check out the oil leak when you look it over. Power steering leaks aren't unusual at this age, & there's some good upgrades available. I agree, the green ones look sharp.

For the white one, you could probably find a seat in the junkyard. I see them there from time to time, & the rears are usually in pretty good shape (If you get to them before someone greasy crawls on them). A rust free body is always nice.

I think in 89 the 5.8 had a C-6 trans (No overdrive), while in 90 the 5.0 probably has an AOD or an E4OD (Both overdrive). Check the Bronco Tranny and T-Case Info sticky for more specific info. The 5.0/overdrive combo will get better gas mileage on the highway. The 5.8 has more power & the C-6 is a strong trans that is cheaper to rebuild than an E4OD, so if it's going to be used primarily off road, that might be what you want.

Are either of them manual transfer cases? Some guys like the electronic shift, but most find the manual t-cases more reliable. Manual hubs on the front axle are more reliable too, but if it comes with auto hubs, they can be converted pretty easily. There's codes on the door sticker that can help determine trans, gear ratios, & if the axles came stock open or limited slip.

Take a look around the site, there's a ton of good info on these trucks. Check out the stickies at the top of each forum. Keep an eye on the "West Coast Chapter" forum for upcoming local events. And again, welcome. :thumbup
 
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