Muddytruckn
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2014
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 0
- Vehicle Year
- 1991
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 4.0
- Transmission
- Manual
OK here's the deal. I currently have an 88 Bronco with a 3" BL & I had originally just thought about keeping 31x10.50s & the stock axles, maybe going up another 2-3" in suspension lift at the most. It serves me fine for most places I go with the occasional hanging up on the rear bumper. I was thrown a curveball yesterday when I found a nearly complete 90 Bronco while searching for a replacement transmission. I can probably pick up the whole truck for $5-600. Also ran across another 88 with a 3" suspension lift & good FM146 that I need.
Here's the dilemma I am having. My current gear ratio is 4.10 so it feels pretty good to drive, but with a D28 up front I'm limited to 31s, MAYBE 32x11.50s if I'm easy on the throttle from what I've been reading. The 90, although having a D35 front, has 3.45 open gears. It would allow me to jump to 33x12.50s or bigger if I wanted BUT I'm afraid the gearing would make driving it unbearable. I have no experience with gear swaps nor do I really have the extra money to have someone set up a set. Already looked & finding 4.10s seems impossible anyways.
If I bought the entire Bronco, I would use the manual doors and better center console for sure. I could buy just the M5OD for $200 in unknown condition from him. The engine is missing & not much else that I need. I also found an 88 Bronco with a good FM146, new clutch, stock axles, & a 3" suspension lift for $500 so if I passed on the 90, there's always that one too. Both are an hour drive from me. I have a budget of about $600 this week so what would you do?
Swap to D35 with open 3.45 gears
Keep D28 with 4.10 gears & worn out LS
I'm open to any suggestions, just know my input shaft is going out so a transmission is needed ASAP. I'd also like to buy new tires in the next month so matching to my drivetrain setup would be nice. Would 3.45s, 5 speed, 2.9, & 33s be that horrible, or would losing that inch of ground clearance & front end strength to keep the 4.10 gears be a smarter move?
So my poll is, buy the 88 parts truck or the 90. Both are similar condition & price. 88 has 3" lift, good transmission, new clutch. 90 has stronger front axle, better (IMHO) gen 2 door panels & console, untested transmission.
Here's the dilemma I am having. My current gear ratio is 4.10 so it feels pretty good to drive, but with a D28 up front I'm limited to 31s, MAYBE 32x11.50s if I'm easy on the throttle from what I've been reading. The 90, although having a D35 front, has 3.45 open gears. It would allow me to jump to 33x12.50s or bigger if I wanted BUT I'm afraid the gearing would make driving it unbearable. I have no experience with gear swaps nor do I really have the extra money to have someone set up a set. Already looked & finding 4.10s seems impossible anyways.
If I bought the entire Bronco, I would use the manual doors and better center console for sure. I could buy just the M5OD for $200 in unknown condition from him. The engine is missing & not much else that I need. I also found an 88 Bronco with a good FM146, new clutch, stock axles, & a 3" suspension lift for $500 so if I passed on the 90, there's always that one too. Both are an hour drive from me. I have a budget of about $600 this week so what would you do?
Swap to D35 with open 3.45 gears
Keep D28 with 4.10 gears & worn out LS
I'm open to any suggestions, just know my input shaft is going out so a transmission is needed ASAP. I'd also like to buy new tires in the next month so matching to my drivetrain setup would be nice. Would 3.45s, 5 speed, 2.9, & 33s be that horrible, or would losing that inch of ground clearance & front end strength to keep the 4.10 gears be a smarter move?
So my poll is, buy the 88 parts truck or the 90. Both are similar condition & price. 88 has 3" lift, good transmission, new clutch. 90 has stronger front axle, better (IMHO) gen 2 door panels & console, untested transmission.