explorer VS bronco?

[auto alchemist]

so im not sure if this is the right place to put this thread, and i know your opinions may be a little bias since this is an explorer forum but heres my question.


basicly i want something i can have fun with on the weekends at trails but if i start modding it still retain somewhat decent street manners (the closest trails to me are 3 hours away)

so ive been looking at first gen explorers and 87 and newer broncos, they both have the same basic suspension setup but i was wondering if anyone knew which one is better for offroading in stock form?

and also which one would be better after modding? which one is cheaper to mod?

 

[eXcali]

I think you wanted the 1st Gen Explorer section.

It largely depends on what kind of trails your going to be tackling. The explorer can handle many of the starter trails, but in it's stock form you may run into problems. As I said on the other forums the Bronco is going to give you the best out of the box off-road worthiness.

 

[section525]

The bronco has tiny little axles and a miniature motor!

 

[Stic-o]

I think both have pros and cons. Probally the biggest difference is size.

but just for giigles lets take 94 Bronco and Explorer

EX
4.0 (160hp)
TTB D35 front
8.8 rear
102" wb or 112" wb
70.2" wide
4400 lbs

Bronco
5.0 (205hp) or 5.8 (255hp)
TTB D44 front
8.8 rear
105"wb
79.1" wide
4600 lbs

 

[explorerguy89]

bronco seems better out of the gate but explorers are nicer looking when you clean em up

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Size DOES matter!

I think both have pros and cons. Probally the biggest difference is size.

but just for giigles lets take 94 Bronco and Explorer

EX
4.0 (160hp)
TTB D35 front
8.8 rear
102" wb or 112" wb
70.2" wide
4400 lbs

Bronco
5.0 (205hp) or 5.8 (255hp)
TTB D44 front
8.8 rear
105"wb
79.1" wide
4600 lbs

Up here in the Great NW, the trees are only 74" apart A FS Bronco will get beat up real quick like, where as an X can weave around the trees all the live long day.

Better gas mileage too!:

 

[crazyflights]

bronco 2's or fullsize bronco? for what your considering?

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

your 87+ on the broncos also covers alot intearms of what kind of engine management will be in place, also something to consider.

both have alot of pros and cons as have been said, you have to decide what works for you.

broncos are cool because theyre a heavier built truck, but lack from their large size. top coming off is cool, but keep in mind you can flex the frame enough to not be able to open the doors when its off

exploders give you a choice of wheelbases, and the narower width thats good for some trails. mechanically things are a bit tighter to work on in the x then they would be in an old bronco

could prolly go on like this all day

 

[rookieshooter]

Pros and cons for both, and I've had both. But bias I am. And since I live in the East the little B2/302 with it's smaller WB works great for me. It's your choice and check out the EX. and B2 builds. They have some great builds here on both types.

 

[auto alchemist]

Pros and cons for both, and I've had both. But bias I am. And since I live in the East the little B2/302 with it's smaller WB works great for me. It's your choice and check out the EX. and B2 builds. They have some great builds here on both types.

ive read on some other sites that 302 swapping the B2's and explorers is a big PITA and kind of expensive because of the swap mounts and headers you have to buy, do you have a build thread for your swap?

im assuming you probably have to use a different tranny tcase and drive shafts too right?

 

[LBarr2002]

If I had it to do again, I'd get a Bronco II and swap in a complete Explorer drivetrain. Preferably manual.

I ran my '92 4 door X for a while, but it was too big and heavy for what I wanted. A BII with the 4.0 and D35 front axle would have been perfect. I even had a good condition stock X sitting around I could have used....

 

[auto alchemist]

If I had it to do again, I'd get a Bronco II and swap in a complete Explorer drivetrain. Preferably manual.

I ran my '92 4 door X for a while, but it was too big and heavy for what I wanted. A BII with the 4.0 and D35 front axle would have been perfect. I even had a good condition stock X sitting around I could have used....

are the 2 door explorers about the same weight as a B2?

 

[LBarr2002]

Probably a little wider and little heavier, not sure though.

 

[auto alchemist]

im guessing the B2 has about the same suspension as the explorer?

i dont know much about the 2.9 but is the bolt pattern for the bell housing the same as other V6's like the 3.8?

because the only reason i was staying away from the b2 is because it doesnt seem like there are many 2.9 motors around my area in case something happened

 

[Four0Sport]

BroncoIIs use the TTB D28 front end which is a smaller axle, smaller/weaker u-joints. The rear end is also a 7.5? i think, again smaller and weaker. A D35 and 8.8 from an Explorer really is a great bolt in swap. As far as the motor situation, yes it is harder to find a 2.9, luckily for people like us the 4.0 is from the same 2.9L family and takes very little wiring and modification to swap into a BroncoII.

Ive said this before and I'll say it again.. I love my Explorer, its been a great truck and done things I would have never expected it to do, But if I had to do it all over again, I would have built a BroncoII for the narrower body, shorter wheelbase, and lighter weight.

 

[auto alchemist]

well if it makes any difference heres the two trails that are closest too me, anyone been to either? just wondering if i could have fun on either of these trails with a stock bronco or explorer before i start modding?

http://www.harlancountytrails.com/blackmountain.php

http://www.haspinacres.com/

 

[LBarr2002]

Harlan main access trails you can run in two wheel drive on street tires. You can see most of the good stuff from the two main access trails. You won't be able to do much else than those with a stock 4x4 with mud tires though. You need lift, lockers, and no worries for body damage to do much else there.

 

[auto alchemist]

anyone have some good sites for explorer suspension parts so i can compare prices?

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

www.rockymountainsusp.com