Heard it's a tank but who has one? - The Hull Truth

ShyFlyGuy · 10-12-2009, 07:20 PM

I'm supposed to take delivery of a '92 Ford Bronco w/ 5.0L V8 later this week to tow my '85 Stratos (2500lbs w/ fuel & gear). I don't think I'll have any problems, as I've read places that this thing is a tank. Does anyone have a full size Bronco they use for towing?

TeamBadFish · 10-12-2009, 07:37 PM

i tow my 1976 23ft seacraft with a 93 5.0l 110k miles. i def. know its back there prolly gonna kill it one day. but u should be fine with ur boat

newbeematt · 10-12-2009, 07:38 PM

did alot of towing with one had the 5.8 in it never passed a gas station that is forsure

Matt

bamaboy473 · 10-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Shy...It's possible that your question is lacking information that's important to getting worthwhile opinions, but welcome to the THT brotherhood.

What part of the country will the towing be used in? Hilly...or flat. How many miles on the Bronco and what condition is it in? What does "take delivery" mean with a truck like that...did you buy it sight unseen?

ryan faulk · 10-12-2009, 07:49 PM

I had a roommate back in college that had one years ago, man was it fun! He always had the top off. We used it to tow my hewes a couple of times and never knew it was back there. It was also a 16 Hewes Bayfisher so I doubt this will help you much. Very fun truck! His got about 8 to 10 mpg, but it had a 4'' lift and 35's.

cowdogs · 10-12-2009, 08:14 PM

I think that truck is rated for about 5K lbs. with the 5.0. Short wheelbase can make sway a problem, but with a 2.5K boat, it should be a good match.

nautiduck · 10-12-2009, 08:14 PM

The Bronco is a F150 with a shortened chassis. Tow capacity on the Bronco is 7800lbs, so even adding another 1000lbs or so for the trailer you'll be safe. Its not a power monster with the 302 or the the 351. In 92 the 302 (5.0) is around 180hp the 351(5.8) is only around 200hp. It will still pull your boat pretty well.

Back-in-Black · 10-12-2009, 08:50 PM

Don't think it will bother you, towing only 2500 lbs, but the short wheel base and horrible suspension on those old Broncos makes a terrible towing combo. My cousin used to use his to tow his 21 Mako. I ended up driving one day. Going down an interstate exchange ramp from one interstate to another, good curve at about 50 mph.... the truck refused to turn...just wanted to keep going straight. I had one hand on the door handle and was ready to bail. Thankfully got it under control. Never rode in that POS again while it was towing. Scared the crap out of me.

reelapeelin · 10-13-2009, 04:40 AM

Wait a minute...stop the train...'92 BRONCO???...are ya sure that's not an EXPLORER?

ShyFlyGuy · 10-13-2009, 05:24 AM

Truck has 160k w/ rebuilt tranny and xfer case. Taking delivery as in he didn't have the top on or cleaned up to sell when I viewed the truck. Towing mostly rolling hills, but do have one or two around here that actually have a grade and I will have to drive them.

nautiduck · 10-13-2009, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

Wait a minute...stop the train...'92 BRONCO???...are ya sure that's not an EXPLORER?

They made the full size Bronco till 1996 when it was replaced with the Expedition. Your thinking of the Bronco II, the little one.

Chingator · 10-13-2009, 08:16 AM

They are good old SUVs. Awesome for offroad and will be fine for your towing needs. You would be well within the tow ratings on it, just make sure the suspension system is in good shape. Some springs had a tendency to weaken after that many years depending on the prior use.

I would start off by changing all the fluids that way you know exactly where you stand on the condition of the drivetrain.

If it only has the step bumper ball, I would suggest putting a frame mounted tow hitch on it. I believe the step bumper is a limited Class III rated somewhere around 4000lbs, but personally I would not trust it to tow with. Most Broncos seem to have a slightly tweeked rear bumper from either four-wheeling and getting hung up or someone running into it. Mounting a frame mounted hitch can be a little tricky due to the position of the gas tank and where the bolt holes are located on the frame rails but it can be done at home with a little patience and your basic garage tools.

Is is auto or manual? I can not remember if that year has the AOD and the E4OD as options, but if it has the AOD you should tow in the Drive position, not the Overdrive.

pfb1769 · 10-13-2009, 10:42 AM

I towed a 22' Grady White 120 miles round trip 10+ times a year for 10 years with a 1996 Bronco with a 351. Even though the trailer had surge brakes I still went through brakes every 6 months. I live in a very mountainous area and on the ride to & from the shore it did OK on most hills but on steep hills it wound out the engine at 35 MPH. More bounce than sway. Ended up blowing the trans @ about 180,000 miles