I've been needing a good excuse for years to buy a 4wd vehicle. Since there is a possibility that I might have to get way out of town next year I bought a '87 Bronco. Can anyone recommend web sites where I might seek council on bringing this fixer-upper up to speed. Have elbow grease, need knowledge!

-- Herb F. (HF@in.case), February 07, 1999

Answers

Herb: An excellent site we have found is: www.off-road.com/toc We have a 1980 Toyota 4x4 mini truck which is geared 108:1. We recently went 4-wheeling with a group on a pretty tough trail. There were two Broncos and 6 Toyota mini trucks. When we made it to the bottom of the canyon to the river, two mini trucks decided not to cross the river. The mini trucks made it with no problem, 1 Bronco made it but the other got to the middle of the river and sank up past the windows. We winched him out and it took a couple hours to get the Bronco running. We drained the oil and lucikly we had enough oil to refill it. Always be prepared, you just never know what's going to happen. Good Luck!

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), February 07, 1999.

Here's one more sight that is good: www.pirate4x4.com/index2.html Ever heard of the famous Rubicon here in California? This group helps maintain the trail and others. Their website is an excellent source for information. They have a chat room, links, etc.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), February 07, 1999.

bardou,

Thanks for the leads. They are just what I was looking for. I need to learn a lot about repairing 4WD's but also about off-road driving and you have definitely primed the pump so I can get on with it.

Best regards to you and your loved ones, Herb

-- Herb F. (HF@in.case), February 07, 1999.

Herb: Keep an eye out for a Bronco "parts" truck. You'll soon find out which parts break easily and which one's you can beef up. With a parts truck you will have spare parts and you can sell off ones that you don't really need. On the trail things break. Through the websites I gave you, you can connect with other Bronco owners. Wheeling is fun, and EXPENSIVE! But if you plan on hunting and getting out of a bad situation, a trail ready rig is a must. Good Luck.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), February 07, 1999.

bardou,

Good idea about the parts truck. Thanks again.

-- Herb (HF@in.case), February 07, 1999.