Looking of 4X4 for the wife

[javaman34]

Well, the wife's Geo Metro died and was sold. Now I'm looking for a 4x4 for her. She likes my Bronco, but says it is intimidating for her to drive. She really doesn't like driving the Ranger. She told me she would like a Bronco II. We are looking on maybe buying something after tax time so if anyone has a lead, let me know. I suggested an Explorer and she said she would like to have a Bronco II. I don't know what the difference is, but I'm a firm believer in getting something you want. Since her birthday is the 26th of this month, I was thinking of making it a late Birthday gift. Let me know. Thanks.

[ExplorerTom]

Well a Bronco II and the Ranger/Explorer are loosely related. I believe the frames are similar and the drive lines may be similar- at least with the first gen Explorer.

the problem I have with the BII is that the newest one you'd find is like 25 years old (don't quote me on that) so finding one that hasn't been beat to death and neglected will be tough.

[BLOODBANE]

The BII will have the D28 and 7.5 rear. The Explorer and later model Rangers will have a D35 and 8.8 rear (the ranger 8.8 is 28 spline while the Explorer is 31). Same basic design on the axles, just the later models are stronger. I do have a lifter 94 Explorer for sale (the 8500 is just a starting point, cheaper price for members here)(the one in my avatar), but it has lockers and really isnt a DD rig (can be used that way if you know how to drive a locked vehicle). The BII is a good all around vehicle, but like has been said the newest on is gonna be around 25 years old....

[Jackie]

Will it be a DD or does she want to wheel it?

[Fordguy77]

The newest Bronco II you will find is going to be a 1990. They are fairly cheap cars, and parts are relatively inexpensive. If its only for DDing the axles dont make much of a difference. But if you do end up wanting to wheel It, I have a spare set of Dana 35's and 8.8s that more or less "bolt in".

I personally would look for a 91-94 Ford Explorer Sport or Mazda Navajo, If I was looking at RBV. More room than a Bronco II with a better drive-train all the way around.

My old Bronco II, I picked up for $800 and interior wise it was beautiful, just had some ignition wiring I had to straighten out.

[javaman34]

I realize the newest BII I can find will be 25 years old. She has her heart set on one. It would be used as a DD but also some offroad. I will keep looking for something that will work. I suggested an Explorer, but she said she wants the BII. So be it.

[Hypoid]

I used to know a guy who had a herd of BIIs. Those are fun little trucks!

http://broncoii.org/techpages/index.html

[Fordguy77]

javaman34 previously posted:

[javaman34]

Fordboy77 previously posted:

[Funrover]

Found this while cruising CL: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4173955413.html

[javaman34]

Yeah, I saw that one. I was told it was already sold. Amazing how some people don't bother taking down their ads after they sell.