Re: Diggin\' for info--help
My 3 and 1/2 cents worth. 1980 to 1986 years all had the same body style. The style was changed in 1987. The front clip had rounded corners and different grille stylings. The interior got the major change. This body style lasted through 1991 and was changed again in 1992, again with the major styling changes being in the interior and front clip. Starting in 1987 a High Output 5.0 Litre (302 CID) engine was used that was very reliable, efficient, and powerful. It seemed to have more spunk that the 5.8 Litre engine. The manual 5 speed transmissions were good with no major faults. Up until 1986, the automatic transmissions were a 3 speed (no overdrive) and were very solid. The 4 speed automatic (with overdrive) was smooth shifting, but seemed to be a weaker link than the 3 speed. They were still quite reliable as long as the transmission fluid was changed every now and then. All the Bronco's had the same basic suspension system from 1980 to 1996 and proved quite rugged, though some say that the off road steering characteristics were less than desired due the the design of the front suspension. I personally don't see the problem, that will be up to you. Most of the 1980 to 1985 Broncos that you find will be nickle and dimers, mainly due to carburation and emission designs in these years. I guess if it were up to me (and its not) I would choose a Bronco from 1987 and up with the High Output, Fuel Injected 5.0 Litre engine. Add on the 5 speed manual transmission and a nice looking set of wheels and tires and you will have a nice looking rig to have fun in.
Good luck, Eric.