Faults:
Auto transmission Over-Drive Gear non-functional.
Rear shocks are dead.
Passenger-side rear shock bracket rotted off of chassis. Driver-side, rusted on, cannot remove.
Front shocks were replaced.
Front wheel U-joints rusted/seized.
Water leaks in from I don't know where.
Alternator replaced.
Water pump replaced (before I owned it).
Inertia switch blew causing fuel pump power cut-off (currently bypassed).
Fuse-able link wires fried.
Fuel gauge inaccurate.
Battery replaced a few times.
Random stalling.
Random failure to start (especially after shutting the car off).
Thermostat replaced.
Engine gasket leak (onto exhaust headers causing smoke from burning).
Spark plugs and all distributer wires replaced.
Radiator leak.
Driver's side seat rear support bar broken on inner side.
Replaced tires a few times, currently on 235/75 15" A/T Radials.
Random fuses/lights/etc have burnt out.
I'm probably missing some others...
General Comments:
I have a love/hate relationship with this Bronco as of recently. I have optional sun-visor, hood visor, and diamond-plate running boards. Of course, two tone red/beige Eddie Bauer.
Originally I never liked the B2 series, but after purchasing it in 2003, I immediately got hooked.
It's a great little truck, and although it's given me problems and left me hanging a few times (mostly as of recent), I still have a soft spot for it.
It rides pretty bad due to suspension being totally shot.
Any bumps in road causes car to jump and steer in a undesired direction. (Due to the seized u-joints)
Car guzzles through fuel due to being bad on gas in first place and the Overdrive gear not functioning.
It drives very easily, but does not have much power... Although, my power has degraded quite a bit since first owning it 3 years ago.
Steering is VERY LOOSE. Initially a good thing, but when coupled with a shot suspension system and seized u-joints, it = DANGEROUS! I will NEVER drive this on the high-way again(unless I fix the front end and suspension entirely).
Good looking truck.. Has some rust, clear coat is gone. Paint is OK for age. Not embarrassed of driving it. Looks good when washed and polished.
Unique truck, don't see mom's driving their kids around in it! Looks like a truck. Manly.
Handles a sound system great. Completely re-worked the sound system and honestly it sounds killer. Holds the sound exceptionally well and ALWAYS get compliments on how great it sounds.
It has saved me a few times in snow! The 4x4 has been very helpful and fun! Although it's annoying to engage it (getting out of the car to turn the hubs), it definitely got me out of some situations where I was stuck. Cannot use it for normal driving though, with seized front u-joints, I risk busting the front axle.
Over all I like this truck... I loved it up till a few months ago when it started to fall apart... I'm now looking for a replacement daily driver, although plan to keep the B2 as a project car! I'd love to restore it and make it awesome, or into a 4-wheeler!
I can see where it runs for ever, if you are willing to put a little cash in it. It gets by on normal maintenance, but it can benefit from a little extra TLC! Considering it's an American vehicle and 18 years old? I'd say it's doing pretty good... I can see it lasting quite a bit longer if I can just fix what still needs to be fixed.
11th Apr 2014, 22:40
Not once has a Bronco 2 ever gotten 32 MPG, sorry.