1990 Bronco II vs 1985 Bronco II

[tidmarshsmiths5]

Found a nice 1990 Bronco II; reasonably priced; 2 owner...solid to great shape for 24 years - needs nothing even the A/C blows cold.

I've always been more fond of the 85-88 models (goofy I know), but I like their look better on the front. My 85 needs a motor rebuild at some point (not today, but one day) and a paint job at some point (again, not bad for 29 years old). A/C doesn't work - needs an upgrade.

Both have sunroofs, 5 speeds (2.9 vs 2.8) my 85 has 144k vs the 90 188k...

Neither vehicle has rust...could spend about 600 on some oil leaks and a sloppy shifter on my 85 but I love that 85.

Which would you pick? I could sell my 85 and buy the 90 and be about dead even in price point...

 

[PetesPonies]

Engine wise the 90 is much better I hated my 2.8. Transmission wise, you are better with the 85 if auto. Its a little work, but you can put older sheetmetal on the '90 and get the earlier look.

 

[ab_slack]

I like the gen 1 styling more than Gen 2.

Between those years however, I dunno. I like the 2.9L fuel injected. Don't know if the 85 is Carbed.

The 90 I believe has some better drive train too..

Now if you were comparing 87 or 88 vs the 90 I would go for the 87/88

Get the 90 and have two of em!

I've had an 88, 89 and then 87 (in that order). My favorite is the 88. The 87 is close to the 88 though. 89 had some issues that I never entirely resolved. The 89 also had electronic shift transfer case and I didn't like that at all. If I found a 89 or 90 with a manual transfer case and manual trans I probably be pretty happy.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I like the Gen I, but I'm not a fan of the A4LD. The manuals are more reliable.

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

I was looking for an 88 when I ran into the 85 I have now...

Good news - that 90 was PERFECTION for a 24 year old Bronco II...haven't seen one in person better and I've talked to lots of folks.

Bad news - why I was "deciding", he sold it the 1st day...

If I was smart, I would probably find a 4.0 or a 2.9 and be building it now for the swap later, but in the end I'll probably just re-build the 2.8 and leave it as close to stock as possible - I love the little truck!