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1980-1986 Ford BroncoThird-Generation Bronco (Bullnose)

1980–1986 60+ on the wall 250 documents ↓

The third-generation Ford Bronco ran from 1980 to 1986 on Ford's redesigned 1980-1986 F-series chassis, the body enthusiasts call the "Bullnose" for its flat, forward-leaning front end and recessed grille. Ford rebodied the full-size Bronco to cut weight and improve fuel economy after the 1979 energy crisis, and the headline chassis change was the Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension, an independent setup using a Dana 44 front axle split into two swinging beams. The engine roster covered the 300 cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six and the 302 (5.0L) V8, plus an optional 5.8L V8 that changed identity early in the run: for 1980-1981 it was the 351M, a member of Ford's 335-series ("Cleveland"/M-block) family carried over from the prior generation, replaced by the lighter 351 Windsor for 1982, which then served as the top V8 for the rest of the generation. The early years leaned on smaller, economy-tuned options. Trims spanned the base Custom and the XLT, with the Eddie Bauer package joining for 1985. Around the 1985 model year the 5.0L (302) V8 picked up Ford electronic fuel injection (EFI), while the 5.8L (351 Windsor) stayed carbureted through the end of this generation. All seven model years used the same 104.7-inch wheelbase and removable rear hardtop.

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

Other Ford Bronco generations

1966-1977 Ford Bronco 1978-1979 Ford Bronco 1987-1991 Ford Bronco 1992-1996 Ford Bronco 2021-2026 Ford Bronco

At a glance

  • Years: 1980-1986 (third generation, "Bullnose")
  • Body: two-door full-size SUV on the 1980-1986 F-series chassis, removable fiberglass rear hardtop
  • Engines: 300 cu in (4.9L) inline-six; 302 (5.0L) V8; optional 5.8L V8 (351M (335-series) for 1980-1981, replaced by the 351 Windsor for 1982)
  • Front suspension: Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) independent, Dana 44 front axle
  • Rear axle: Ford 9-inch semi-floating live axle, leaf-sprung (Ford 8.8-inch phased in toward the end of the generation, about 1986, and standard for 1987)
  • Transmissions: 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic; transfer case for four-wheel drive
  • Trims: Custom, XLT; Eddie Bauer from 1985
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 inches (all years)

Year-by-year changes

YearEnginesDrivetrain & suspensionNotable changes
1980300 cu in (4.9L) six; 302 (5.0L) V8 (returns as base V8); optional 351M (335-series) (5.8L) V8New Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension with Dana 44 axle; rear leaf-sprung live axleFull redesign onto the Bullnose F-series body; lighter structure aimed at fuel economy after the 1979 fuel crisis; 400 V8 dropped after 1979, optional big V8 is the carried-over 351M
1981300 six; 302 V8; optional 351M (335-series) (5.8L) V8TTB front, Dana 44 front axle; 4-speed manual or automaticCarryover year refining the 1980 redesign, continued economy focus; optional big V8 still the 351M
1982300 six; 302 V8; 351 (5.8L) Windsor V8 (replacing the 351M)TTB front; four-wheel-drive transfer caseOptional 5.8L switches from the discontinued 351M (335-series) to the lighter 351 Windsor, which becomes the top engine option for the rest of the generation; revised Ford front-end styling and the Blue Oval grille emblem era
1983300 six; 302 V8; 351 (5.8L) Windsor V8TTB front, Dana 44; manual and automatic transmissionsMid-generation engine availability; a 351 High Output (HO) version of the 5.8L Windsor appeared around the mid-1980s
1984300 six; 302 V8; 351 V8TTB front; four-wheel driveCarryover year; the separate compact Bronco II launched alongside but is a different Ranger-based model, not this full-size Bronco
1985300 six; 302 (5.0L) V8 with electronic fuel injection (EFI); 351 (5.8L) carbureted V8TTB front, Dana 44; automatic and manual optionsEddie Bauer trim package introduced; the 5.0L V8 adopted Ford electronic fuel injection (EFI) while the 5.8L stayed carbureted
1986300 six; 302 (5.0L) V8 with electronic fuel injection (EFI); 351 (5.8L) carbureted V8TTB front; four-wheel-drive transfer caseFinal year of the Bullnose body before the 1987 Bricknose redesign; the 5.0L V8 ran EFI, the 5.8L remained carbureted; Ford began phasing in the lighter Ford 8.8-inch rear axle around 1986, which became standard for 1987

Engines and drivetrain

The third-generation Bronco (1980-1986) offered three engine families across its run. The base engine was the 300 cubic-inch (4.9L) Ford inline-six, a long-stroke, torque-oriented motor known for durability rather than power. Above it sat the 302 (5.0L) Windsor V8 and an optional 5.8L V8 whose identity changed early in the run. For 1980-1981 the optional 5.8L was the 351M, a member of Ford's 335-series ("Cleveland"/M-block) family carried over from the prior generation; the 400 V8 was dropped after 1979 and the 302 returned as the base V8 for 1980. The 335-series 351M was discontinued around 1982, with the Bronco and F-series among its last homes, and the lighter 351 Windsor (5.8L) replaced it for 1982, continuing as the top V8 for the rest of the generation. Ford tuned the early 1980-1981 trucks for fuel economy in the wake of the 1979 energy crisis. Around the mid-1980s Ford offered a 351 High Output (HO) version of the 5.8L Windsor. Around the 1985 model year the 5.0L (302) gained Ford electronic fuel injection (EFI), the same direction the F-series trucks were heading, while the 5.8L (351 Windsor) stayed carbureted through the end of this generation and did not get EFI until the following 1987-1991 trucks. Transmissions were 4-speed manuals and 3-speed automatics depending on engine and year, feeding a transfer case for four-wheel drive.

What is Twin-Traction Beam, and why does it matter?

Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) was the defining chassis change of the 1980-1986 Bronco. Earlier full-size Broncos (1978-1979) used a solid front axle on leaf springs; for the 1980 redesign Ford split the front Dana 44 into two long swinging beams, each pivoting independently, with coil springs and radius arms. The result is an independent-front-suspension feel that improves on-road ride and handling compared with a solid axle, while still using axle-style hardware. TTB comes with tradeoffs that enthusiasts still debate: it rides better than a solid axle but complicates lift kits and alignment because camber changes as each beam travels. The system carried forward into later Ford trucks, so the 1980-1986 Bronco is where this distinctive Ford geometry first appeared under the full-size Bronco.

Axles, suspension, and four-wheel drive

The 1980-1986 Bronco used a Dana 44 front axle within the Twin-Traction Beam layout, with coil springs and radius arms locating the front beams. The rear was a Ford 9-inch semi-floating live axle on leaf springs for most of the generation, though around 1986 Ford began phasing in the smaller, lighter Ford 8.8-inch rear axle across its half-ton trucks, and the 8.8-inch became the standard rear axle for the following 1987 generation. Four-wheel drive was handled through a transfer case, with manual locking front hubs typical of the era. Because the front is independent rather than a single solid tube, the third-generation Bronco behaves differently off-road and on the lift-kit market than the solid-axle first- and second-generation trucks. Buyers cross-shopping vintage Broncos should know that the 1980-1986 TTB front end is the dividing line between the older solid-axle full-size Broncos (1978-1979) and this redesigned chassis.

Body, trims, and identifying the Bullnose

The third-generation Bronco (1980-1986) shares its cab and front sheet metal with the 1980-1986 F-series pickups, the styling generation enthusiasts call "Bullnose" for its flat, slightly forward-leaning nose and recessed grille. It remained a two-door full-size SUV with a removable fiberglass rear hardtop over the cargo area and a single 104.7-inch wheelbase. Trim levels ran from the base Custom up through XLT, and Ford added the Eddie Bauer package for 1985, bringing two-tone paint and upgraded interior trim. Do not confuse this truck with the compact Bronco II that launched for 1984: the Bronco II is a separate, smaller model built on the Ranger platform with a V6, not a full-size Bronco.

What to know when buying a 1980-1986 Bronco

Shoppers looking at a third-generation Bronco (1980-1986) should verify the engine, since the 300 six, 302, and 351 differ greatly in power, and confirm whether a 5.0L example is carbureted or one of the later fuel-injected (EFI) trucks, since the 5.8L stayed carbureted throughout, which affects parts and tuning. The Twin-Traction Beam front end is the key inspection item: check for worn radius-arm bushings, ball joints, and the camber/alignment behavior that TTB introduces, and be aware that lift kits for TTB trucks differ from solid-axle kits. As with most full-size Fords of the era, body and frame rust around the rear quarters, rockers, and tailgate is the common structural concern. The removable hardtop and its seals are worth checking for leaks and corrosion.

Frequently asked questions

What years is the third-generation Ford Bronco?

The third-generation Ford Bronco was built from 1980 to 1986. It rode on Ford's redesigned 1980-1986 F-series chassis, the body enthusiasts call "Bullnose," and it replaced the 1978-1979 second-generation "Dentside" Bronco. It was succeeded by the 1987-1991 fourth-generation "Bricknose" Bronco.

What is the Twin-Traction Beam front suspension on the 1980-1986 Bronco?

Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) is the independent front suspension Ford introduced on the 1980 Bronco. It splits a Dana 44 front axle into two long swinging beams that pivot independently, sprung by coils and located by radius arms. It improves on-road ride over a solid axle but changes camber through suspension travel, which complicates alignment and lift kits.

What engines did the third-generation Bronco use?

The 1980-1986 Bronco offered the 300 cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six as the base engine, plus the 302 (5.0L) V8 and an optional 5.8L V8. For 1980-1981 the optional 5.8L was the 351M (335-series), carried over from the prior generation; it was replaced by the lighter 351 Windsor (5.8L) for 1982, which served as the top V8 for the rest of the run. A 351 High Output version of the Windsor appeared around the mid-1980s, and around the 1985 model year the 5.0L V8 adopted Ford electronic fuel injection (EFI) while the 5.8L stayed carbureted through this generation.

Is the Bronco II the same as the 1980-1986 Bronco?

No. The Bronco II (1984-1990) is a separate compact SUV built on the Ford Ranger platform with a Cologne V6, not the full-size Bronco. The third-generation full-size Bronco (1980-1986) is a larger, two-door truck sharing its body with the F-series pickups.

What is the difference between the Bullnose Bronco and the earlier full-size Broncos?

The 1980-1986 "Bullnose" Bronco uses a redesigned, lighter F-series body and a Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension. The earlier 1978-1979 "Dentside" full-size Bronco used a solid front axle on leaf springs. The TTB front end is the clearest mechanical dividing line between the two.

Sources

  • Ford factory shop manuals and parts catalogs for the 1980-1986 F-series and Bronco
  • VIN and door data-plate decoding for engine, axle, and trim verification
  • Established full-size Bronco reference works, registries, and owner community documentation
  • Period road tests and Ford sales literature of the 1980-1986 model years
By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

What years is the third-generation Ford Bronco?

The third-generation Ford Bronco was built from 1980 to 1986. It rode on Ford's redesigned 1980-1986 F-series chassis, the body enthusiasts call "Bullnose," and it replaced the 1978-1979 second-generation "Dentside" Bronco. It was succeeded by the 1987-1991 fourth-generation "Bricknose" Bronco.

What is the Twin-Traction Beam front suspension on the 1980-1986 Bronco?

Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) is the independent front suspension Ford introduced on the 1980 Bronco. It splits a Dana 44 front axle into two long swinging beams that pivot independently, sprung by coils and located by radius arms. It improves on-road ride over a solid axle but changes camber through suspension travel, which complicates alignment and lift kits.

What engines did the third-generation Bronco use?

The 1980-1986 Bronco offered the 300 cubic-inch (4.9L) inline-six as the base engine, plus the 302 (5.0L) V8 and an optional 5.8L V8. For 1980-1981 the optional 5.8L was the 351M (335-series), carried over from the prior generation; it was replaced by the lighter 351 Windsor (5.8L) for 1982, which served as the top V8 for the rest of the run. A 351 High Output version of the Windsor appeared around the mid-1980s, and around the 1985 model year the 5.0L V8 adopted Ford electronic fuel injection (EFI) while the 5.8L stayed carbureted through this generation.

Is the Bronco II the same as the 1980-1986 Bronco?

No. The Bronco II (1984-1990) is a separate compact SUV built on the Ford Ranger platform with a Cologne V6, not the full-size Bronco. The third-generation full-size Bronco (1980-1986) is a larger, two-door truck sharing its body with the F-series pickups.

What is the difference between the Bullnose Bronco and the earlier full-size Broncos?

The 1980-1986 "Bullnose" Bronco uses a redesigned, lighter F-series body and a Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension. The earlier 1978-1979 "Dentside" full-size Bronco used a solid front axle on leaf springs. The TTB front end is the clearest mechanical dividing line between the two.

Technical Reference

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

Wiring Diagrams (56)

Exploded Parts (42)

Service Procedures (21)

Schematics (12)

Blueprints (15)

Manual Pages (8)

Data/Spec Plates (24)

Brochures & Literature (15)

Vacuum Routing (4)

Fuse & Relay Charts (1)

Torque Specs (2)

The wall · registered 1980–1986 Broncos

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

Black Ford Bronco with aftermarket bull bar and winch“That dirty old truck”1983 Bronco · Steve836,963 photos Blue Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires on a gravel road. Another vehicle is partially visible to the left“Blue”1985 Bronco · Chris Bradley4,915 photos Red and white 1984 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view“Project Alpha Bronco”1984 Bronco · johnnyk82,747 photos White 1986 Ford Bronco diecast model with black top, sitting on a wooden surface“BajaBronco13”1986 Bronco · BajaBronco132,695 photos Red 1985 Ford Bronco driving over a burnt-out car in a desert landscape“RED WAGON”1985 Bronco · TIM OLIVA2,405 photos Underside view of leaf spring U-bolts and rusted suspension with red highlight box“Jezebel”1983 Bronco · michael collins2,333 photos Red two-door Ford Bronco SUV at 3q-front view parked on rocky riverbank“Spartan”1981 Bronco · AbandonedBronco1,604 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, dark blue with tan top and trim, spare tire mounted on rear door“Blue”1986 Bronco · chemfrk1,520 photos Black 1985 Ford Bronco navigating rocky terrain“Erika”1985 Bronco · Chris Chu1,419 photos 1986 Ford Bronco partially buried in snow, tires visible“war pony”1986 Bronco · Lisa Heck1,211 photos 1986 Ford Bronco driving on a dusty mountain road“nalgona”1986 Bronco · underconstruction1,178 photos Black Ford Bronco, 3q-front view, with four women on hood. "STATE COUNTRY" sticker on rear window“Ma Hunt Truck”1986 Bronco · WilliamsSportsEntertainment1,175 photos 1986 Ford Bronco with camper shell, front-mounted spare tire“Eddie Bauer”1986 Bronco · Sixlitre1,167 photos Blue Ford Bronco SUV with brush guard climbing a rocky dirt trail in pine forest“Old Desert Goat”1986 Bronco · BigNorm1,028 photos 1986 Ford Bronco lifted with large tires, parked on grass“The Mall-Crawler”1986 Bronco · Gacknar984 photos Guy next to dark blue Ford Bronco with a soft top. It has off-road tires and a brush guard“The Beast”1982 Bronco · oubeast34886 photos Dark green 1986 Ford Bronco, rear 3/4 view, with a child in front of the tire“Da Bonco - (from my 3yr old son)”1986 Bronco · Damager884 photos White 1986 Ford Bronco on rocks, front 3/4 view“Swamp Donkey”1986 Bronco · John Brown720 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on grass with trees in background“THE DESTROYER”1986 Bronco · Ragged_Ol_86703 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco, lifted with off-road tires, aftermarket bumper, and auxiliary lights. Visible sticker on rear window“Midnight Thunder”1984 Bronco · Daniel Perkins672 photos Mud-covered 1981 Ford Bronco parked in a garage with a woman crouching in front of the tire“1BadBronco”1981 Bronco · Matt Kenney625 photos Silver 1980s Ford Bronco with off-road tires in a snowy landscape.“Wild Cayuse”1985 Bronco · BigBlue94607 photos Blue Ford Bronco with aftermarket lights on front bumper parked on a sand dune1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · steveG601 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked in a driveway, two-tone blue and grey paint, lifted suspension, chrome wheels1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · xris597 photos Two-tone 1983 Ford Bronco parked on grass“Tank”1983 Bronco · lightnin522 photos Lifted 1980s SUV front 3/4 view with brush guard and large tires1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · loudpyps508 photos Lifted camouflage Ford Bronco with bull bar and large tires“Olga”1982 Bronco · 20sNaRanger487 photos Brown 1982 Ford Bronco with aftermarket bumper and large tires parked in a sandy desert landscape“navynuke”1982 Bronco · navynuke480 photos Red 1984 Ford Bronco with black top off-roading1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · 84x4bronco460 photos Red and white 1985 Ford Bronco navigating a muddy trail1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Phillip Hemphill455 photos Black 1980s Ford Bronco driving on a dirt path through foliage1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Dunk04454 photos Lifted 1980 Ford Bronco with flame decals and brush guard“tainted love”1981 Bronco · BigMikeC449 photos Blue and white Ford Bronco with aftermarket wheels and tires. It has a lift kit and a brush guard on the front“Casual Mudder”1984 Bronco · Randy Zrubek448 photos 1984 Ford Bronco rear bumper with chrome trim and black rubber strip, showing a license plate and part of a tire1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · seawalkersee447 photos Brown 1982 Ford Bronco towing a blue and white trailer on a grassy hill1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · kiwibronco441 photos White Ford Bronco driving through a snowy ditch. License plate RCU-229“Odey”1980 Bronco · Ryan Pope440 photos 1980s red and tan Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road with mountains in the background.“Phoenix”1985 Bronco · AbandonedBronco429 photos 1984 Ford Bronco navigating a steep, rocky forest trail with people nearby“Ol Bronk”1984 Bronco · Elliott000421 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, front quarter view, light blue paint, chrome bumper and trim“blue dragon”1986 Bronco · thedon420 photos Tan and red Ford Bronco with lifted suspension driving over a large rock“dusty”1984 Bronco · andrewu6417 photos 1982 Ford Bronco two-tone brown and white1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · socal82bronco416 photos Blue Ford Bronco with chrome grille and bumper, parked on grass“Rosie”1983 Bronco · Fred Willson391 photos 1981 Ford Bronco climbing over rocks on a trail, driver visible“The Bronc”1981 Bronco · Lars915380 photos Lifted 1980s Ford Bronco with off-road tires and brush guard on dirt lot.1981 Bronco1981 Bronco · 91FordGuy366 photos Brown and white 1985 Ford Bronco parked outdoors“Big Buck”1985 Bronco · ford_munky_man365 photos Blue lifted Ford Bronco crawling over granite rock with a second truck behind1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · project86337 photos White 1980 Ford Bronco with American flags on side1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · A1Fiddler305 photos Blue 1984 Ford Bronco with off-road modifications navigating rocky terrain1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · 3rd_Petal299 photos Dark blue and white 1984 Ford Bronco parked in a field“Excursion”1984 Bronco · Joe Young290 photos Side view of a black and white 1985 Ford Bronco on a lift in a garage“Big Freak'N Machine”1985 Bronco · Bronco_85279 photos Maroon and tan lifted early-80s Ford Bronco in a driveway, FORD lettering on grille, 'The Beast' caption“The Beast / Big Bertha”1980 Bronco · Herbert Vining Jr275 photos Black 1983 Ford Bronco navigating rocks on an off-road trail“donkey/ big ugly”1983 Bronco · loganjabrams268 photos Silver 1984 Ford Bronco side view with off-road tires1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Matthew Connolly267 photos 1986 Ford Bronco in a garage, hood open, showing engine bay and interior. Some parts removed1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · chris_wei17253 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on dirt with a person leaning on it1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Rodolfo Mario Novo250 photos Red and white 1986 Ford Bronco, 3q-front view“Dylans 86 XLT”1986 Bronco · Dylan Corbett248 photos Gray 1986 Ford Bronco lifted with hood open, showing suspension and large tires1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · stevenravenscroft229 photos White 1985 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Nathaniel Strawn226 photos Red and white 1983 Ford Bronco stuck in mud, viewed from the 3/4 front“SpareParts”1983 Bronco · David Lindemeyer219 photos Green 1985 Ford Bronco with "FullSizeBronco.com" sticker on rear window, parked on dirt and rocks“Big Blue Beast”1985 Bronco · Josh Benfield218 photos
More of the wall →

Full year-by-year change log: 1980-1986 Ford Bronco

This log tracks the model-year changes to the third-generation "Bullnose" full-size Ford Bronco (1980-1986) at the level of body, engine, fuel system, drivetrain, suspension, axle, and trim. It is assembled from Ford factory shop manuals and parts catalogs for the 1980-1986 F-series and Bronco, VIN and door data-plate decoding for engine, axle, and trim verification, period road tests and Ford sales literature, and established full-size Bronco reference works and owner registries. Where a date is genuinely uncertain, it is stated as approximate rather than pinned to a specific year.

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

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