Tempting ‘86 project Bronco

[grumpin]

Rembrant wrote

Ford F834 wrote

In my case, I want a diesel conversion. It is going to be a project regardless. (You do see already converted ones but they have a steep novelty fee added into the asking price).

Have you seen this one in your online travels? 8-Lug Cummins Bronco.

https://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/d/portland-12v-cummins-bronco/6841946636.html

I wonder how that drives with that heavy Cummins up front. Broncos are a little squirrelly as is.

Maybe that weight would help when you are wheeling, but not when your stuck, I would think.

[Ford F834]

The 6.9/7.3 swapped Bronco’s handle just fine, I am told. The extra weight is no doubt a liability in soft mud, but any FSB is already a heavy brick in that situation.

[Gary Lewis]

My note to the person on Craigslist said:

I either called or emailed you last time you had this listed, but no response.  Now it is back, but more expensive.  Can you reply to this so we can discuss it?


Thanks,
Gary

He just responded with:

What would you like to know?

So, help me.  What would I reasonably like to know?  Here are some thoughts:

Why was it taken off CL and the price raised?  (Probably not reasonable to expect him to answer?)

You said "It runs", but does it run well enough to get on a trailer easily?

Why was it parked?

Beyond a tuneup, is the engine solid?  Does it use oil?

You said "Need it gone."  But I'm in Oklahoma, so how soon would I need to pick it up?

Do you have a clear title?  (Probably the most important question.)

[1986F150Six]

Start with the listed questions and just go from there. The seller's initial responses will provide more insight and prepare you for further questions.

[Gary Lewis]

Here's what I sent him:

Lots of questions. But first, I'm in Oklahoma. I saw the Bronco posted for sale about 10 days ago for $1000 and thought about what it would cost me to pull my trailer out there to get it. But, now at $1,500 I'm further in the hole with a 2,000 mile round trip. I'm still thinking about it. However, before getting very interested I thought I'd better ask a few questions:

1. Do you have a clear title to it?
2. Why was it taken off CL and the price raised?
3. You said "It runs", but does it run well enough to get on a trailer easily?
4. Why was it parked?
5. Beyond a tuneup, is the engine solid? Does it use oil? In other words, will it have to be rebuilt soon?
6. You said "Need it gone." But I'm in Oklahoma, so how soon would I need to pick it up?
7. You say "some rust". What is rusted? Can you provide pics of the rusted areas?
8. I see that some of the body panels are a different color to others. Do you know what happened and what was done?
9. Where are you in the chain of owners and where was the truck used most of its life?

Thanks,

Gary

[salans7]

Rembrant wrote

Ford F834 wrote

In my case, I want a diesel conversion. It is going to be a project regardless. (You do see already converted ones but they have a steep novelty fee added into the asking price).

Have you seen this one in your online travels? 8-Lug Cummins Bronco.

https://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/d/portland-12v-cummins-bronco/6841946636.html

I hope he's mistaken on what the axles came from, a TTB D44HD from an F250 isn't exactly a bolt in swap on a Bronco...

[Ford F834]

Gary, good and fair questions. Hopefully he can provide some decent answers. Regarding the rust etc., it would probably be best for me to go look at it for you and check it over. It would have been fine to mention you know someone local who could work the deal, since out-of-town inquiries often get the cold shoulder.

[Ford F834]

salans7 wrote

I hope he's mistaken on what the axles came from, a TTB D44HD from an F250 isn't exactly a bolt in swap on a Bronco...

Indeed. Although I have seen it done.... just most of the time if they go to that much trouble it is a SAS of some kind. Some people modify the spindles to accept 8 lug hubs, but requires a lot of grinding and Chevy brake parts and other Tom foolery that I wouldn’t want anything to do with. That’s why I am really leery of other people’s conversions. Their version of acceptable might be quite different from mine... 🤨

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks for volunteering, Jonathan.  I wrote back saying "By the way, I have a friend that lives near you and would like to stop by and look the Bronco over once you've answered my questions."

[Ford F834]

Let me know what you find out Gary. If I can help I will 😉

[Steve83]

Ford F834 wrote

I know for really rough wheeling the F250/F350 axles are probably the way to go...

Just more weight to drag around, and less ground clearance.  The tires will always limit how much torque the axles actually get - an axle that can handle 1,000 lb-ft is overkill under a lightweight truck whose tires can never grip more than 200 lb-ft off-road, no matter what the engine can put out.

[Gary Lewis]

The seller got back with me, twice.  Here are the answer to my questions:

1. Do you have a clear title to it?  Yes
2. Why was it taken off CL and the price raised?  3' of snow and 6' of mud, I verified that runs
3. You said "It runs", but does it run well enough to get on a trailer easily?  once you get the front rotors free
4. Why was it parked?  I got a new truck
5. Beyond a tuneup, is the engine solid? Does it use oil? In other words, will it have to be rebuilt soon?
 rear main seal leaked
6. You said "Need it gone." But I'm in Oklahoma, so how soon would I need to pick it up?  the same day as I have your money
7. You say "some rust". What is rusted? Can you provide pics of the rusted areas?  the ad pics show all, the back of the front right fender, right and left b-pillars, the right rear wheel arch, tailgate bottom edge
8. I see that some of the body panels are a different color to others. Do you know what happened and what was done?  don't know 
9. Where are you in the chain of owners and where was the truck used most of its life?  I am the current owner, don't know

Then, in answer to my email that I have a friend in the area that would like to look at it for me, he responded "If you are going to buy the Bronco, you need to look at it. If he wants to buy the Bronco, he needs to contact me. I do not deal with third parties. A prospective buyer half way across the country is suspisious enough for me to not waste my time, but here I am wasting my time."

I'm slow, but I think I'm starting to figure out why the Bronco hasn't sold?  

Thoughts, y'all?

[1986F150Six]

My gut feeling is to let this one pass. You already have quite a bit on your plate!

[Ford F834]

Wow. What an A-hole. I’m sorry Gary. With an attitude like that it’s hard to want to work a deal with him at any price...

[Rembrant]

1986F150Six wrote

My gut feeling is to let this one pass. You already have quite a bit on your plate!

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks guys.  I think that's four out of four as my gut says the same thing.  

I'll write him a nice not and apologize for taking his time.  I'm tempted to share a link to this thread so he can see how he comes across, but I guess I'd better not.  

[1986F150Six]

Gary, I would simply write back saying, "Thank you for your time."

[Ford F834]

1986F150Six wrote

Gary, I would simply write back saying, "Thank you for your time."

^^^Gold^^^

[Gary Lewis]

Good idea.  Done.