Universal Spares — All Vehicles
These spares belong in any trail rig. The Bronco II additions below are layered on top of this baseline.
Fluids
- Engine oil — 2 extra quarts, correct viscosity for your engine
- Gear oil — 1 quart, correct grade for your axles and transfer case
- Brake fluid — 1 small bottle DOT 3
- Power steering fluid — 1 quart
- Coolant 50/50 — 1 gallon
Electrical
- Fuse assortment — blade 5A–40A, full set
- Spare belts — serpentine or V-belt matched to your engine
- Spare bulbs — headlight, brake, turn
- Battery terminals — top-post pair
Drivetrain & Suspension
- U-bolts — matched to your leaf spring pack
- Cotter pins — assortment
- Grade-8 hardware — 3/8", 1/2" bolts and nuts, 6-pack each
Fuel & Hoses
- Fuel filter — inline matched to your setup
- Hose clamps — 4-pack assortment
- Radiator hose repair tape
- Spare section of fuel line — 2 feet, rubber, 5/16" ID
Bronco II Specific Spares
The Bronco II's specific failure modes are concentrated in the TTB front suspension and the undersized rear axle. Address those two areas and you've covered the failures that actually strand people.
TTB upper ball joints (Moog K8695T)
Upper TTB ball joint failure causes immediate loss of steering. The upper joint is field-replaceable with a C-clamp press setup. The lower requires a hydraulic press — that's not a trail repair. Inspect torque on every pre-trip. Carry upper ball joints as an emergency stop.
Distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires (2.8L Cologne V6, 1984–1985)
The 2.8L Cologne V6 needs extra attention to the ignition system. Carry distributor cap and rotor. The 2.8L also consumes oil — carry 2 extra quarts minimum on any trail run.
Seafoam injector cleaner + extra oil (2.9L, 1986–1990)
The 2.9L is a meaningful improvement over the 2.8L but prone to sticking injectors on trucks that sit between runs. Carry Seafoam and check oil level pre-trip — the 2.9L is not as oil-hungry as the 2.8L but still worth watching.
Thermostat, upper radiator hose, 1 gallon coolant (2.8L)
The 2.8L overheats. This is not a maybe — it's a tendency baked into the engine. Carry these three items on any serious run. The thermostat is a $10 fix that prevents a tow.
BW1350 ATF level check
The BW1350 transfer case is chain-driven and uses ATF, not gear oil. A slipping transfer case on a Bronco II almost always means low fluid rather than a failed unit. Carry the correct ATF and check the level before you leave. Mercon ATF is the spec.
Rear axle shaft (Dana 35) — write part number before you go
Dana 35 rear axle shafts snap under load. The Bronco II's rear axle is undersized for aggressive trail use — Ford knew it, and the forums have confirmed it for 30 years. If you're wheeling hard, carry a shaft. Look up the part number before you leave and write it on the bag.
Fluids — Bronco II Specific
2.8L and 2.9L: 5W-30. Dana 28 front TTB: 75W-90 GL-5. Dana 35 rear: 75W-90 GL-5. BW1350 transfer case: Mercon ATF. Do not substitute gear oil in the transfer case — it will damage the chain.
Bronco II Field Verdict
The TTB upper ball joints are safety-critical. Upper joint failure causes immediate loss of steering. Inspect them on every pre-trip — not occasionally, every time. The Dana 35 rear shaft is the second most likely mechanical strand. Those two items define the Bronco II's parts list. Everything else is maintenance.