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1968 Ford Bronco with hood open, showing engine bay. Red paint, black fender flares
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1966-1977 Ford BroncoFirst-Generation Bronco (Early Bronco)

1966–1977 60+ on the wall 87 documents ↓

The first-generation Ford Bronco, built for the 1966 through 1977 model years, was a compact body-on-frame four-wheel-drive on a 92-inch wheelbase, sold in three body codes: the U13 open roadster with no doors or top, the U14 half-cab pickup, and the U15 wagon. Ford launched it with a 170-cubic-inch inline-six and added the 289-cubic-inch V8 during 1966. The 302 V8 replaced the 289 for 1969, and the base six grew from 170 to 200 cubic inches for 1973. Suspension used coil springs at the front Dana 30 axle and leaf springs at the Ford 9-inch rear, a combination Ford kept for the whole generation. The Dana 30 front axle was replaced by the heavier-duty Dana 44 for 1971. Front drum brakes carried through 1975 before power front disc brakes arrived for 1976. The open U13 roadster was dropped after 1968, and the U14 half-cab pickup continued through 1972; the U15 wagon became the only body style for 1973 and carried the model to its 1977 finish.

📋 See the full year-by-year change log ↓

Other Ford Bronco generations

1978-1979 Ford Bronco 1980-1986 Ford Bronco 1987-1991 Ford Bronco 1992-1996 Ford Bronco 2021-2026 Ford Bronco

At a glance

  • Years: 1966-1977 (first generation, the "early Bronco")
  • Body styles: U13 open roadster (1966-1968), U14 half-cab pickup (1966-1972), U15 wagon (1966-1977, the only body style from 1973)
  • Engines: 170 then 200 cubic-inch inline-six; 289 then 302 cubic-inch V8
  • Front axle: Dana 30 (1966-1970), Dana 44 (1971-1977)
  • Rear axle: Ford 9-inch (all years)
  • Suspension: front coil springs, rear leaf springs
  • Brakes: front drums 1966-1975, power front discs 1976-1977
  • Wheelbase: 92 inches throughout

Year-by-year changes

YearEnginesDrivetrain & brakesNotable changes
1966170 I6 standard; 289 V8 added during the yearDana 30 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drums, 3-speed manualLaunch year of the compact Bronco on a 92-inch wheelbase; U13 roadster, U14 half-cab, U15 wagon all offered
1967170 I6; 289 V8Dana 30 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsSport appearance and trim package debuts; federal safety equipment such as a dual-circuit brake master cylinder added across Ford lines for 1967
1968170 I6; 289 V8Dana 30 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsSide marker lights added for federal rules; final year for the open U13 roadster body
1969170 I6; 302 V8Dana 30 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsRoadster dropped; range narrows to the U14 half-cab and U15 wagon; 302 V8 replaces the 289
1970170 I6; 302 V8Dana 30 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsLast model year for the Dana 30 front axle
1971170 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsHeavier-duty Dana 44 front axle replaces the Dana 30
1972170 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsFinal model year for the U14 half-cab pickup; industry shift to SAE net power ratings, so published outputs drop versus the earlier gross figures
1973200 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drums, C4 automatic now availableU15 wagon becomes the only body style after the half-cab is dropped; 200 six replaces the 170; C4 3-speed automatic and power steering become available; larger bumpers and detail changes during the early-1970s federal updates
1974200 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsContinued wagon-only production with the Dana 44 front axle
1975200 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, front drumsLast model year for front drum brakes; the V8 gains a catalytic converter and requires unleaded fuel
1976200 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, power front discsPower front disc brakes introduced, the major running change of the late first generation
1977200 I6; 302 V8Dana 44 front, Ford 9-inch rear, power front discsFinal year of the compact first-generation Bronco before the full-size 1978 redesign

Engines and drivetrain

The first-generation Ford Bronco (1966-1977) started with a 170-cubic-inch inline-six as the base engine, with the 289-cubic-inch V8 added as an option during the 1966 model year. The 302-cubic-inch Windsor V8 replaced the 289 for 1969, and the base six grew from 170 to 200 cubic inches for the 1973 model year. A 3-speed manual was standard for most of the run, and both the C4 3-speed automatic transmission and power steering became available for 1973. Power was sent through the transmission to a gear-driven Dana 20 transfer case, mounted to the gearbox by an adapter rather than divorced, which split drive to both axles. One point of caution when comparing figures: ratings published before 1972 are SAE gross, while 1972 and later figures are SAE net, so a 302 in a 1976 Bronco shows a lower number than an earlier one even though the basic engine family is the same.

Axles and suspension

Every first-generation Bronco from 1966 to 1977 used coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear, an unusual layout for a 4x4 of the period and part of why the early Bronco rides and articulates the way it does. The front axle was a Dana 30 from 1966 through 1970, then Ford introduced the stronger Dana 44 front axle as a running change during the 1971 model year and kept it through the end of the run, so some early-build 1971 trucks can still carry the Dana 30. The rear axle was the Ford 9-inch for the entire generation, so the 9-inch is not a late addition; it was there from the first 1966 trucks.

When did the early Bronco get disc brakes?

The first-generation Ford Bronco used front drum brakes from 1966 through 1975. Power front disc brakes were introduced for the 1976 model year and carried into the final 1977 model year. This means a 1976 or 1977 early Bronco stops noticeably better than a drum-braked 1966 through 1975 truck, and it is one of the clearest ways to tell a late first-generation Bronco apart mechanically.

Body styles and trims

The first-generation Bronco was sold under three body codes on the same 92-inch wheelbase. The U13 was the open roadster with no doors and no fixed top, the most stripped-down version, offered only from 1966 through 1968. The U14 was the half-cab pickup with an enclosed cab and a short pickup bed, offered from 1966 through 1972, and the U15 was the full-length wagon with a removable hardtop. The roadster was dropped after 1968 and the half-cab after 1972, leaving the U15 wagon as the only body style from 1973 through the 1977 finish. Ford offered factory and dealer options including the Sport appearance and trim package (introduced for 1967), larger engines, and a variety of axle ratios. Beginning around 1971 and continuing into 1975, Ford also offered the Bill Stroppe-built Baja Bronco, a limited factory-blessed package of roughly 650 units honoring Stroppe's Baja 1000 racing Broncos, fitted with an automatic transmission, power steering, fender flares, dual shocks, and a padded roll bar in a distinctive red, white, blue, and black paint scheme; it is the truck the 2025 Stroppe Edition honors.

What to know when buying a first-generation Bronco

Because the first-generation Bronco (1966-1977) used a body-on-frame design with steel body panels over a separate frame, rust is the dominant concern: check the floors, rear quarters, the rocker areas, and the frame itself, especially around the rear spring hangers. Confirm which front axle is fitted, since a 1971-1977 truck should have the Dana 44 and a 1966-1970 truck the Dana 30, and mismatches indicate a swap. The 1976-1977 trucks bring factory power front discs, while earlier trucks have front drums that many owners convert. The open U13 roadster (1966-1968) is the rarest body and commands the most attention, so verify the body code on the data plate rather than trusting appearance alone.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Ford Bronco get the Dana 44 front axle?

The first-generation Ford Bronco received the heavier-duty Dana 44 front axle as a running change during the 1971 model year, replacing the Dana 30 used from 1966 through 1970. Because it arrived as a running change, some early-build 1971 Broncos can still carry the Dana 30, and the Dana 44 continued through the end of the generation in 1977.

What rear axle does the first-generation Bronco use?

The first-generation Ford Bronco used the Ford 9-inch rear axle for every model year from 1966 through 1977. It was not a late addition; the 9-inch was present from the original 1966 trucks all the way to the final 1977 model year.

When did the early Bronco get front disc brakes?

The first-generation Ford Bronco used front drum brakes from 1966 through 1975, then gained power front disc brakes for the 1976 model year. The 1976 and 1977 early Broncos are the only first-generation trucks with factory front discs.

What engines came in the 1966-1977 Bronco?

The first-generation Ford Bronco offered an inline-six and a V8. The six started at 170 cubic inches and later grew to 200 cubic inches, while the V8 started as the 289 and became the 302. Remember that pre-1972 outputs are quoted as SAE gross and 1972-and-later outputs as SAE net, so later figures read lower for the same engine family.

What is the difference between the U13, U14, and U15 Bronco?

On the first-generation Bronco, the U13 is the open roadster with no doors or top, offered only from 1966 through 1968; the U14 is the half-cab pickup with an enclosed cab and short bed, offered from 1966 through 1972; and the U15 is the full-length wagon with a removable hardtop, which became the only body style from 1973 through 1977. All three share the same 92-inch wheelbase.

Sources

  • Ford factory shop manuals and parts catalogs for the 1966-1977 Bronco
  • VIN and door data-plate decoding for body codes (U13, U14, U15) and axle identification
  • Established early-Bronco reference works and owner registries
  • Period road tests and factory specification sheets
By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated June 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

When did the Ford Bronco get the Dana 44 front axle?

The first-generation Ford Bronco received the heavier-duty Dana 44 front axle as a running change during the 1971 model year, replacing the Dana 30 used from 1966 through 1970. Because it arrived as a running change, some early-build 1971 Broncos can still carry the Dana 30, and the Dana 44 continued through the end of the generation in 1977.

What rear axle does the first-generation Bronco use?

The first-generation Ford Bronco used the Ford 9-inch rear axle for every model year from 1966 through 1977. It was not a late addition; the 9-inch was present from the original 1966 trucks all the way to the final 1977 model year.

When did the early Bronco get front disc brakes?

The first-generation Ford Bronco used front drum brakes from 1966 through 1975, then gained power front disc brakes for the 1976 model year. The 1976 and 1977 early Broncos are the only first-generation trucks with factory front discs.

What engines came in the 1966-1977 Bronco?

The first-generation Ford Bronco offered an inline-six and a V8. The six started at 170 cubic inches and later grew to 200 cubic inches, while the V8 started as the 289 and became the 302. Remember that pre-1972 outputs are quoted as SAE gross and 1972-and-later outputs as SAE net, so later figures read lower for the same engine family.

What is the difference between the U13, U14, and U15 Bronco?

On the first-generation Bronco, the U13 is the open roadster with no doors or top, offered only from 1966 through 1968; the U14 is the half-cab pickup with an enclosed cab and short bed, offered from 1966 through 1972; and the U15 is the full-length wagon with a removable hardtop, which became the only body style from 1973 through 1977. All three share the same 92-inch wheelbase.

Technical Reference

Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.

Wiring Diagrams (7)

Brochures & Literature (2)

Exploded Parts (54)

Schematics (4)

Blueprints (2)

Torque Specs (1)

Service Procedures (6)

Fuse & Relay Charts (1)

Manual Pages (10)

The wall · registered 1966–1977 Broncos

Sorted by depth of documentation. Click any vehicle to open its permanent record.

1968 Ford Bronco with hood open, showing engine bay. Red paint, black fender flares1968 Bronco1968 Bronco · CaliforniaMonkey966 photos Dark early Ford Bronco SUV front view on a rocky forest trail with lights on“EB eB SOLD”1975 Bronco · Steve83673 photos 1966 Ford Bronco with roof rack and off-road tires navigating rocky terrain1966 Bronco1966 Bronco · ALLAXCS519 photos 1971 Ford Bronco with orange grille and front bumper, undergoing restoration. Large off-road tires are installed“Land Shark”1971 Bronco · David Blue409 photos Rusty 1972 Ford Bronco body, missing engine and top, with a person working on the rear tire1972 Bronco1972 Bronco · Kenny Bradshaw391 photos White lifted Ford Bronco climbing a sand dune, front wheels airborne, with a whip flag.“Bronchole (the hole that all my $ & time goes in)”1967 Bronco · Dan Eger290 photos Rusty bare truck/SUV frame with leaf springs sitting in leaves and brush“SOLD Apr22 Bare Frame”1976 Bronco · Steve83270 photos Light blue 1967 Ford Bronco with people in the back, parked in a wooded area“Flat-tabulous”1967 Bronco · Fordfilly263 photos 1974 Ford Bronco parked on grass next to a house1974 Bronco1974 Bronco · Indybronco206 photos Blue 1974 Ford Bronco with aftermarket front bumper and a dog in the driver's seat1974 Bronco1974 Bronco · Tiko433183 photos Blue and white lifted early Ford Bronco with black roof parked on grass at a Bronco meet“locopny”1966 Bronco · locopny183 photos Front fender and wheel of a black vehicle, possibly a Ford Bronco“blue”1967 Bronco · thomasstemmle154 photos Lifted blue open-top Ford Bronco with white roll cage, winch bumper and mud tires“OX”1977 Bronco · DJ Jacobsen154 photos 1971 Ford Bronco with large off-road tires and roll cage in a garage1971 Bronco1971 Bronco · welndmn150 photos red and white Ford Bronco parked outside, side view1974 Bronco1974 Bronco · michael cann142 photos Blue early Ford Bronco SUV with white hardtop, lifted on off-road tires, parked on grass.“BlueSky GONE”1974 Bronco · Steve83138 photos Green 1974 Ford Bronco with no doors or top, sitting in a garage1974 Bronco1974 Bronco · Sean hall121 photos Red Mitsubishi Pajero parked on rocky terrain under a cloudy sky“Broncster”1974 Bronco · Oscar Hardarson121 photos 1969 Ford Bronco climbing rocky terrain in snow, turquoise and white paint, roll cage“Isabell”1969 Bronco · Bill McFann114 photos Faded yellow early Ford Bronco wagon with white hardtop parked in a driveway“over-haulin' (sold)”1966 Bronco · locopny105 photos Red early Ford Bronco with tube bumper and mud tires flexed on wet forest trail“Dirty Dreams”1968 Bronco · 91Sploder101 photos Red and white Ford Bronco with a roof rack and winch“Pop's 73”1973 Bronco · Eric Dreher101 photos Engine bay detail with blue paint, hoses, and wires. Supermotors.net logo visible“Ol' Blue”1973 Bronco · Bigbeardbiii100 photos Blue and white lifted early Ford Bronco SUV on grass, 3/4 front view“old bronc”1974 Bronco · bobby100 photos Teal 1973 Ford Bronco with spare tire and gas can on rear bumper“Romping_Bronco”1973 Bronco · Ted Glover98 photos 1976 Ford Bronco body, primer gray, with roll cage, large tires, and engine exposed1976 Bronco1976 Bronco · Rlemon96 photos 1973 Ford Bronco front 3/4 view with custom bumper and hood scoop“Early Bronco”1973 Bronco · ElKabong95 photos 1974 Ford Bronco, lifted with large off-road tires and custom front bumper with winch1974 Bronco1974 Bronco · Greg Rice85 photos Tan 1976 Ford Bronco with aftermarket hood scoop and large tires“Wagon”1976 Bronco · markperry84 photos Blue 1976 Ford Bronco navigating rocks on an off-road trail. A man stands nearby“Dark Cloud”1976 Bronco · Adam Tutwiler76 photos Orange 1973 Ford Bronco with doors open, parked outside“ginger”1973 Bronco · miikee7373 photos Red 1977 Ford Bronco with winch and spare tire1977 Bronco1977 Bronco · PBR80373 photos Red 1970 Ford Bronco with black hardtop parked in driveway1970 Bronco1970 Bronco · Joe Young71 photos Rusty stripped vehicle chassis with engine and axles in a garage, spare tires against wood wall“Punisher”1967 Bronco · DESTROYER70 photos Black 1972 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view, covered in mud“sinwagon”1972 Bronco · Ken Foster70 photos Red and white 1966 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view1966 Bronco1966 Bronco · Idhawkdrvr66 photos Red 1969 Ford Bronco with aftermarket front bumper and large tires parked on a residential street“Red Rocket”1969 Bronco · dbmcd66 photos Blue 1969 Ford Bronco with a tan top parked on a grassy area“CHERRY”1969 Bronco · drajj556 photos 1976 Ford Bronco under repair, front quarter view, showing disassembled front end and engine bay“My EB”1976 Bronco · BigDel55 photos Green 1976 Ford Bronco with a white roof and black grille1976 Bronco1976 Bronco · BrooksAuto50 photos Rusty orange first gen Ford Bronco parked in a dry, dusty landscape. Two people are inside1969 Bronco1969 Bronco · 3rd_Petal49 photos Red Ford Bronco with flame decals driving through mud and water“Bearcat”1974 Bronco · Dennis Nelson46 photos Green Ford Bronco with white hardtop parked on driveway by a white garage“1973 Bronco - FOR SALE!”1973 Bronco · NJ2000R46 photos Old Ford Bronco with a hood scoop and some rust. It's parked outside next to some trees“The Thing”1967 Bronco · Shane Durham46 photos Black Ford Bronco with white top, lifted, at street car show1975 Bronco1975 Bronco · browngr545 photos 1972 Ford Bronco parked on gravel with trees in background“1972 Ford Bronco - SOLD!”1972 Bronco · NJ2000R43 photos White 1970 Ford Bronco with rusty hood, off-road tires, and roll cage1970 Bronco1970 Bronco · redmt7942 photos Dark gray Ford Bronco with blue flames, lifted suspension, and large off-road tires. It has a custom blue front bumper and a hood scoop1971 Bronco1971 Bronco · BrOnCo967242 photos 1968 Ford Bronco, dark color, in garage with hood open“Beer Guzzlin Bronco”1968 Bronco · Tom Pugh42 photos Green 1977 Ford Bronco with white hardtop, side view1977 Bronco1977 Bronco · JimR38 photos Blue 1971 Ford Bronco convertible parked in a driveway, top down“EB”1971 Bronco · Matt Rivera38 photos Yellow lifted Ford Bronco on big off-road tires in a driveway, doors and top removed.1970 Bronco1970 Bronco · dnevins35 photos Silver 1973 Ford Bronco with a winch on the front bumper and a black hood scoop“Alex's Silver Stallion”1973 Bronco · muddybronco34 photos 1976 Ford Bronco on a lift with hood open, dark green body, white top1976 Bronco1976 Bronco · EddieBauer9133 photos Red 1970s Ford Bronco in a cluttered garage with an American flag and a "For Sale" sign.“Honey Bear”1974 Bronco · Daniel Perkins33 photos Green 1976 Ford Bronco with a person driving, parked on a grassy field with trees in the background1976 Bronco1976 Bronco · Chris Kleban32 photos Yellow 1971 Ford Bronco with white stripe and roll cage, parked on a dirt incline“Boss 170 Bronco”1971 Bronco · Nevadasmith31 photos Yellow 1973 Ford Bronco with black hood, roll cage, and off-road tires“P.O.P.'s "Pieces of Parts"”1973 Bronco · hojhauler31 photos Orange buggy with huge tires on rocks, trees in background“Orange pile”1973 Bronco · defecater31 photos Red 1970 Ford Bronco with custom roll cage and large tires, climbing a metal ramp1970 Bronco1970 Bronco · helbnd130 photos
More of the wall →

Full year-by-year change log: 1966-1977 Ford Bronco

This log tracks the running and model-year changes to the first-generation Ford Bronco (1966-1977) at the level of body code, engine, drivetrain, axle, brakes, and federally driven equipment. It is assembled from Ford factory shop manuals and parts catalogs, VIN and door data-plate decoding for body codes (U13, U14, U15) and axle identification, period factory specification sheets and road tests, and established early-Bronco reference works and owner registries.

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

1976

1977

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