Looking at a 96 Bronco

[endobear]

Twins get their licenses soon.
Been looking for something 4x4 for them for the snow and to get themselves to the ski area. Something for me to drive , tinker with and teach them in for the next year.
Been looking at Broncos, Jeep Cherokees, s10 Blazers and 4Runners.
I'm torn between a 4runner and a Bronco
Most Broncos are beat to crap in my price range. This is the nicest one I've found in my price range. Completely stock down to the shocks.
Any opinions on a Bronco versus a 4runner for a mountain kids 1st rig?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/921533862927481/?ref=browse_tab&__n=K

 

[Big B Hova]

You can jump a stock bronco. But the plastic dash mount tabs don't like it

 

[Runs2rch]

4 Runner or an XJ for sure.

 

[toto]

Twins get their licenses soon.
Been looking for something 4x4 for them for the snow and to get themselves to the ski area. Something for me to drive , tinker with and teach them in for the next year.
Been looking at Broncos, Jeep Cherokees, s10 Blazers and 4Runners.
I'm torn between a 4runner and a Bronco
Most Broncos are beat to crap in my price range. This is the nicest one I've found in my price range. Completely stock down to the shocks.
Any opinions on a Bronco versus a 4runner for a mountain kids 1st rig?

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/921533862927481/?ref=browse_tab&__n=K

I would say the Bronco. We had a 96 on 33's and it never left us stuck from the snow to the dunes. That thing was awesome and one of the biggest regret sale ever.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Coming from Colorado, I would want to see underneath it.

 

[endobear]

I would say the Bronco. We had a 96 on 33's and it never left us stuck from the snow to the dunes. That thing was awesome and one of the biggest regret sale ever.

33" on stock suspension height?

 

[endobear]

Any opinions on the one in the Facebook add?
Going to look at it tomorrow morning.

 

[endobear]

Coming from Colorado, I would want to see underneath it.

I'll definitely be climbing all over and under it.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Check all the hvac controls, and look for cracked plastic vacuum lines under the hood. The 5.8's will idle and run fine with them cracked, but the fuel pressure regulator will run it fat. Check the transfer case control, and make sure the actuator is engaging everything...real simple motors, easy to replace. Pretty sure that one still has the steel gas tank guard. Look for dirt/rocks stuck in between the tank and shield. Will let you know if it's been abused and stovepiped,, or if it really is a creampuff.

It looks really nice. I had a 90, and beat the tar out of it. 5.0 and a 5spd. Even took it mud bogging and it did pretty good on 33's.

 

[rivermobster]

14mpg sound appealing to you? On a good day?

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I'm a huge bronco fan, but for your intended use case a 4runner all day.

Bronco pricing is jacked up because of their potential as a prerunner. A bronco prerunner would be a blast, but sounds like it's not what you're looking for.

 

[endobear]

I'm a huge bronco fan, but for your intended use case a 4runner all day.

Bronco pricing is jacked up because of their potential as a prerunner. A bronco prerunner would be a blast, but sounds like it's not what you're looking for.

I'd love a Bronco pre runner.
Kids aren't in to tinkering like I was in high school though.
I like the idea of a Bronco over a 4runner for them for the safety aspect. Stock Bronco seems safer to me. Can't find any decent 4Runners that don't have over 200k miles for less than 9k either. The Bronco I linked seems like a good deal. One that we won't loose to much money on if we decide to dump it after highschool.
Or I keep it and build something for myself out of it later.

 

[endobear]

14mpg sound appealing to you? On a good day?

Lol. Nope. But im kinda dumb like that.
My daily is lucky to see 13. Usually gets 11.
I'd gladly pay the fuel cost difference for them if I had to.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Just gonna play on option now that i have one but 2011-2015 nissan xterra pro 4x
It can be “titan swapped” suspension to increase travel, track width, and lift very cost effective with using mostly factory parts from nissan or rock auto.
Very reliable 4.0l v6 with timing chains not belts so longer service life compared to the belt engines plenty pf parts and easily go over 300k miles.
Pro4x has electric locker and better diff gear ratios among the trim levels
I have 35s on mine toyo mts most guys online run 33s some have stuff 37s somehowi will say fuel mileage is in that 12-14mpg range and is smaller than a bronco. I would say closer to a bronco 2.

 

[endobear]

We live about 5 miles from their school.
2 of it are dirt. The climb is from about 8k to 8700ft. There are lots of slick sections 6 months of the year and steep drop-offs.

 

[brgrcru]

I’m partial to the Bronco
After the twins are done with it
You can enjoy it While doing little mods

 

[endobear]

Just gonna play on option now that i have one but 2011-2015 nissan xterra pro 4x
It can be “titan swapped” suspension to increase travel, track width, and lift very cost effective with using mostly factory parts from nissan or rock auto.
Very reliable 4.0l v6 with timing chains not belts so longer service life compared to the belt engines plenty pf parts and easily go over 300k miles.
Pro4x has electric locker and better diff gear ratios among the trim levels
I have 35s on mine toyo mts most guys online run 33s some have stuff 37s somehowi will say fuel mileage is in that 12-14mpg range and is smaller than a bronco. I would say closer to a bronco 2.

Hadn't considered an Xterra. Good call.

 

[monkeyswrench]

We live about 5 miles from their school.
2 of it are dirt. The climb is from about 8k to 8700ft. There are lots of slick sections 6 months of the year and steep drop-offs.

For most kids I'd say Subaru or Land Rover...older one, like an LR2. All wheel drive deal.The good thing is, your kids have been around snow and ice growing up, and their hobbies require it.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Hadn't considered an Xterra. Good call.

Love me a bronco dont get me wrong. Just couldnt afford one like how i wanted.
For now this thing is cheap to run and fix and crawls like a goat, shares parts with pathfinders, frontiers, armadas, titans etc. also like its still a body on frame vehicle and no toyota tax lol, Factory fosgate stereo rocks good i will say its whippy driving around town but i also don’t have any sway bars on right now

 

[rivermobster]

Lol. Nope. But im kinda dumb like that.
My daily is lucky to see 13. Usually gets 11.
I'd gladly pay the fuel cost difference for them if I had to.

It's not dumb, if you know what you're getting into.

Gonna be a great ride for them.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Lexus GX470. Same as a 4th gen 4Runner but way better value. Bulletproof V8 engines and fulltime AWD for the snow. Absolute tanks. You can find them all day for under 10k, and they will go 300k+. Look for rust underneath, make sure the timing belt/ water pump have been done, and expect 10-14 MPG depending on tire size and driving habits.

 

[DoughBallin14]

Lexus GX470. Same as a 4th gen 4Runner but way better value. Bulletproof V8 engines and fulltime AWD for the snow. Absolute tanks. You can find them all day for under 10k, and they will go 300k+. Look for rust underneath, make sure the timing belt/ water pump have been done, and expect 10-14 MPG depending on tire size and driving habits.

I can agree on a gx470! They were on my list for sure! But everyone around me wanted 15k plus for 200k miles or more haha damn socal people

 

[Scott4593]

Lexus GX470. Same as a 4th gen 4Runner but way better value. Bulletproof V8 engines and fulltime AWD for the snow. Absolute tanks. You can find them all day for under 10k, and they will go 300k+. Look for rust underneath, make sure the timing belt/ water pump have been done, and expect 10-14 MPG depending on tire size and driving habits.

Love the gx

 

[Voodoo GT350]

I have been personally looking out for a Bronco and from what I can see that looks like about the best deal I have seen (from what I can tell from the pictures and description). Go for it!

 

[c_land]

I'll definitely be climbing all over and under it.

Those trucks are awesome. Looks like she’s got a rust spot on the rear quarter panel. Hope it’s clean otherwise

 

[endobear]

Those trucks are awesome. Looks like she’s got a rust spot on the rear quarter panel. Hope it’s clean otherwise

View attachment 1458338

Great catch. The owner mentioned that spot to me. I couldn't see it on my phone.

 

[endobear]

4 Runner or an XJ for sure.

4 Runner or an XJ for sure.

Thought serious about a few XJs. There's alot in my area to pic from.

 

[chvynhra]

99-01 cherokee.

 

[endobear]

99-01 cherokee.

So? Those are the good years?
I've never driven or been around one. Seen a few nice ones in my price range.

 

[chvynhra]

So? Those are the good years?
I've never driven or been around one. Seen a few nice ones my price range.

I've been looking and I believe that is the newest generation. Engines are bullet proof and suspension is unlimited. I would also look at i-beam explorers from 91-94.

 

[FCT]

You can jump a stock bronco. But the plastic dash mount tabs don't like it

Solo motorsports makes reinforcement tabs for that! problem solved

 

[endobear]

Found the Craigslist add. Has a few more pics

1996 ford bronco xlt 4x4 for sale by owner - Aurora, CO - craigslist

Hello there up for sale is a 1996 Ford bronco XLT Sport 4x4 the iconic Colorado mountain vehicle runs and drives amazing no problems at all one owner. I have all the documents and service records in...

denver.craigslist.org

 

[boatpi]

Or a clean 2000 or so Land Cruiser and a retain value if you could find something with about 150,000 miles on it or less you’re in good shape because they’re good for close to 300,000 miles. Or a 2008 FJ.

 

[Gelcoater]

14mpg sound appealing to you? On a good day?

I’d imagine less.
Altitude. Climbing up will be all in on throttle, going down will be coasting.
They will be using to go to ski also. Carpool with the ski team.

The road going up to their place is winding dirt and a significant elevation change. Add snow...sometimes lots of it.
Lots of throttle!

I’d feel much better them in a full size Ford vs the lil Toyota 4 runner one of them wants. And I’m not much of a Ford fan

 

[Gelcoater]

I’m partial to the Bronco
After the twins are done with it
You can enjoy it While doing little mods View attachment 1458306

That’s pretty sweet

 

[ltbaney1]

You can jump a stock bronco. But the plastic dash mount tabs don't like it

hell ive jumped a stock civic before. anything is a prerunner when you are 16 and dumb.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I'd love a Bronco pre runner.
Kids aren't in to tinkering like I was in high school though.
I like the idea of a Bronco over a 4runner for them for the safety aspect. Stock Bronco seems safer to me. Can't find any decent 4Runners that don't have over 200k miles for less than 9k either. The Bronco I linked seems like a good deal. One that we won't loose to much money on if we decide to dump it after highschool.
Or I keep it and build something for myself out of it later.

I'd take a 200k mile 4runner with the 3.4 V6 all day over a 200k mile bronco. The E4OD trans on the bronco isn't known for its reliability. Living in a mountain town, take a look around at what other folks are driving. My guess is that you'll see 5:1 old tacomas/4runners compared to old f150/broncos.

However, that one you sent looks sano clean. Shit assuming the frame isn't rusted to shit you could probably ship that thing down to socal and flip it for 15-20

 

[brgrcru]

Probably the best car for snow, would be an old 4x4 Subaru station wagon with snow tires . Don’t even need chains .
You could teach them to drift around corners
While everyone is sliding out or installing chains .

 

[brgrcru]

These

 

[coolchange]

Pre 95 V6 forerunners don’t like head gaskets.
Post are a little better. Stock exhaust makes #6 run hot and beat up the piston.
Subaru don’t like them either.. Suby has a good fix but better have a guru do it.

 

[FCT]

hell ive jumped a stock civic before. anything is a prerunner when you are 16 and dumb.

Hell yeah. My first truck was a super crew f150 with a fabtech “ long travel “ kit on 37’s. I thought I had a trophy truck and drove it like I was Robby Gordon . Idk how that truck still rolled when I sold it

 

[beerrun]

14mpg sound appealing to you? On a good day?

Don't you mean 8mpgs

 

[ltbaney1]

Hell yeah. My first truck was a super crew f150 with a fabtech “ long travel “ kit on 37’s. I thought I had a trophy truck and drove it like I was Robby Gordon . Idk how that truck still rolled when I sold it

my first "truck" was a 1991 explorer. i thought i was going to win baja when i put lift coils and alingment cams in it, with black wheels and 31" BFG all terrains. the things i did to that poor car.

 

[beerrun]

Get the bronco for you and the 4 runner for them

 

[txmxer1]

Personally, a big steel body Bronco to me is a good option for young teens. My first truck was an 01 dodge ram, and when I dinged it (inevitable) the dents were minor and the bumpers were very solid. I think anything with weaker body panels will be dinged up from teenagers. Sounds like you just need a local cruiser for the kids. Both good options, go for the cleaner vehicle.

I will say I drove like an asshat at that age but luckily my truck was on 35's and undergeared and hitting 80 was a miracle.

 

[JL95]

bronco is a sweet highschool ride

 

[pwerwagn]

XJ or a ZJ with a 4.0. My boys have had a few of each and they get decent mileage, they are pretty bulletproof. They got in a pretty nasty accident in one of the XJ's and it held up really well. I think in all we have owned like 8 or so ZJ/XJ's and one WJ. They are plentiful and cheap, and we have made money selling them after they drive them a while. They run way better than a 22re/3RZ 4 runner, and are more reliable than the 3.0 4 runner (weve had those too).

A lot of people dont like the ZJ's...but they are coil spring rear, ride a little better than an XJ but otherwise very similar. If you get the 4.0, you can either find the 231 or 242 t case. IF you want the V8...they mad the ZJ with a 5.2/5.9, the later ones being the magnum, but all the V8 ones had the 249 T case.

 

[beerrun]

bronco is a sweet highschool ride

Our daughter drove our 93 bronco to school with BEERRUN for a license plate she got pulled over alot

 

[endobear]

I'd take a 200k mile 4runner with the 3.4 V6 all day over a 200k mile bronco. The E4OD trans on the bronco isn't known for its reliability. Living in a mountain town, take a look around at what other folks are driving. My guess is that you'll see 5:1 old tacomas/4runners compared to old f150/broncos.

However, that one you sent looks sano clean. Shit assuming the frame isn't rusted to shit you could probably ship that thing down to socal and flip it for 15-20

Tacomas and 4Runners are definitely popular here. But bring top dollar.

 

[endobear]

Probably the best car for snow, would be an old 4x4 Subaru station wagon with snow tires . Don’t even need chains .
You could teach them to drift around corners
While everyone is sliding out or installing chains .

I grew up in the same county my kids are. Drove the same roads and neighborhoods they will. 50% of the kids in the early 90s were driving their parents old Subies. I've driven many in the snow.
They kick ass. A pair of Subarus was my 1st choice. But the kids hate them. Wife hates them even more.