[Horizon]

I've done a lot of reading on this forum and just casually noticed that there are a LOT of '89 broncos and just began to wonder why. Coincidence or is there a reason why the '89s are so popular? Here are my thoughts:

1) If I am correct, 89 was the first full year with the first generation EFI. Is first generation EFI less trouble or easier to fix than later years?

2) Were there were more production numbers in 89 meaning the likelihood of owning one is higher?

3) The body style of the 89 might be more appealing, but there are other years that look identical...and that is all personal preference. I like the mid-80's, but the 89 has big wheel wells, EFI, and I got this one cheap all things considered and is in excellent condition.

4) Is there is a drivetrain advantage to the 89?

5) Sheer coincidence.

Now, since I own an 89 XLT, I'm just curious.

~Jeff

 

[slaga]

1. I beleive that 89 was the first year for EFI on the 351. The 302 had it earlier.
2. I don't know if more were produced in 1989 or not.
3. Whether the 1987-1991 is the most appealing would be a personnal preference. I own a 1989 FSB. I believe the 1980-1986 had the largest and most rounded wheel wells.
4. I don't think so. The drive train is similar from 1980 to 1996.
5. It probably is sheer coincidence.

 

[Big_Sean]

80-86 wheel wells arnt round the are flat topped

 

[SSgtTEX]

1. I beleive that 89 was the first year for EFI on the 351. The 302 had it earlier.
2. I don't know if more were produced in 1989 or not.
3. Whether the 1987-1991 is the most appealing would be a personnal preference. I own a 1989 FSB. I believe the 1980-1986 had the largest and most rounded wheel wells.
4. I don't think so. The drive train is similar from 1980 to 1996.
5. It probably is sheer coincidence.

My 88 351W is EFI

80-86 does have the biggest wheel wells...maybe not to the 78-9s but of the 80s.

its coincidence

 

[bluesquirrel]

Might be reading into something thats not there. Maybe most '89 owners just happen to also be computer geeks?

 

[marv]

Detroit used to build in three-year cycles, like '52, '53, '54 Fords, then '55, '56 and '57 models. Bugs always crop up and get fixed with engineering changes. So the rule of thumb was to never buy the first year of a new model.

Same applies today except that I think it's a four year cycle. Anyway, stay away from the early years of a production cycle. The '89 Bronco was the third year into a four year cycle, '87-'90.

 

[slaga]

My 88 351W is EFI

I stand corrected. I missed it by one year.
"1988: Two 5spd manuals, M5OD and M5OD-HD(?) were available. The overdrive was .8 and the HD tranny had a 5.72 first gear. The 351 CID V-8 was treated to MPI. HP increased from [email protected]@3800. Torque increased form [email protected]@2800. The entire engine line was now fuel injected and also serpentine belt equipped. Transfer case skid plate was now standard. " from this web site (History of the Ford Bronco):
http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbroncos/faq.html

 

[SSgtTEX]

Detroit used to build in three-year cycles, like '52, '53, '54 Fords, then '55, '56 and '57 models. Bugs always crop up and get fixed with engineering changes. So the rule of thumb was to never buy the first year of a new model.

Same applies today except that I think it's a four year cycle. Anyway, stay away from the early years of a production cycle. The '89 Bronco was the third year into a four year cycle, '87-'90.

87-91 Marv:twak