Throttle

[Grey owl]

Why did Ford install a throttle button on my 1969 Bronco. It doesn't have a PTO. It does have manual choke. The throttle is connected to the gas pedal but I don't see a purpose for it. I am not sure maybe it was an option the original purchaser wanted. Thoughts!!

 

[DirtDonk]

They were installed on many Broncos. It was for using a PTO, as you suspect, but PTO drives didn’t always leave the factory with the vehicle. In fact, weren’t they a dealer installed item always?
Either way, they were often installed later.
Maybe the original owner, or original selling dealer, thought it would be a good option to have.
If I’m not mistaken too, sometimes the manual throttle cable was included with certain other options. Perhaps lower gearing, perhaps heavier duty tires, or alternator, or whatever.
Or maybe not!
My 71 had the throttle knob. No PTO option was chosen originally.

 

[chuckji]

Cruise control

 

[Broncobowsher]

Manual throttle. Not a good cruise. But would let you set an idle you want. Can be useful trying to get an engine running when cold. It is not tied into the PTO. Running a trail and the ideal speed is a little above idle, just dial it in and roll and not have to hold it with your foot. Trying to jump start someone, fast idle for a boost in charging output. These were more of a farm and ranch vehicle that was nice enough to take to town.

 

[Grey owl]

Cruise control

Thats what its new purpose will be.

 

[DirtDonk]

You'll probably have to tighten it up somehow. If yours is like most, it won't hold a steady speed on the road. The bouncing and vibration of driving will quickly render it useless.

Paul

 

[Broncobowsher]

You'll probably have to tighten it up somehow. If yours is like most, it won't hold a steady speed on the road. The bouncing and vibration of driving will quickly render it useless.

Paul

And the slightest of hills

 

[DirtDonk]

Haha! Yep, kind of a "dumb" cruise control, with no idea of what's going on around it in the real world.
But hey, on the flatlands, it's ease of use and initial cost of installation is a winner!
As long as you don't mind your left arm stretched all the way out, your body leaning forward, and your hand on the knob at all times, that is.

Paul