The 1989 Ford Bronco II stands as a testament to Ford’s foray into the compact SUV market during the 1980s. Built on the Ford Ranger platform, this model offered a blend of ruggedness and versatility that appealed to a broad range of drivers.
Design and Features
The 1989 model year introduced a refreshed exterior, featuring updated front bodywork with a new hood, front fenders, and a closer-fitting front bumper. Inside, the dashboard was redesigned to enhance driver ergonomics and instrument visibility
Under the hood, the Bronco II was equipped with a 2.9-liter V6 engine, delivering 140 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers with options to suit their driving preferences.
Performance and Capabilities
The Bronco II’s compact dimensions, with a length of approximately 161.9 inches and a wheelbase of 94 inches, made it adept at navigating both urban environments and off-road trails. Its four-wheel-drive system, combined with a curb weight of around 3,317 pounds, offered a balance between agility and stability.
Fuel efficiency was respectable for its class, with EPA ratings of 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, averaging a combined 17 mpg
Legacy
While the Bronco II was eventually succeeded by the larger Ford Explorer in 1990, it remains a notable chapter in Ford’s SUV history. Its blend of compact size, off-road capability, and distinctive styling continues to attract enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This Ford Bronco II
This Bronco II has a two-tone White and Medium Cabernet paint job but according to the sticker in the door jamb it was originally Silver (9Z) and Medium Cabernet (2H) from the factory.
It’s been modified with a Rough Country 4-Inch Suspension Lift and American Racing Outlaw wheels with 31×10.50×14 Mudstar Radial M/T tires.
The grill guard was a Ford Accessories option and houses an X-Bull 10,000lb winch with a synthetic rope, hawse fairlead and a pair of KC 6-inch off-road lights. The exterior also features a swing out tire carrier equipped with a CB antenna, but it doesn’t appear to be hooked up and there isn’t a CB in the interior.
The drivetrain consists of a 2.9L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission with a Dana 28 front and Ford 7.5-inch rear axle. It still has the original automatic locking hubs on the front. The ‘D4’ axle code indicates that this Bronco II came with 3.73 gears and a limited slip differential.
The interior is finished in Scarlet Red and features cloth reclining captain’s chairs, power windows, power locks, and air conditioning. The factory radio was replaced with a Dual Electronics XDM 17BT media receiver.
The center console was salvaged out of a 1995-2001 Ford Explorer and is missing the armrest. The dash is cracked, and someone has laid a cover over it, but for as nice as this Bronco II is, someone should fix it properly with a new molded Coverlay Dash Cover from LMC truck.
Overall, it’s an exceptional Bronco II aside from a few interior issues. Hopefully it will inspire you and your own Bronco II build.
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