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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.

Old Ford Bronco, looks like it's from the early 80s1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Dizz6 photos Red interior of a 1980s Ford Bronco showing dashboard, steering wheel, and center console1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · TmartT6 photos Red and blue Ford Bronco stuck in mud at night, driver's side view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · ghettoscrap6 photos 1983 Ford Bronco, two-tone paint, hood up, rear wheel removed1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · cdoutlaw6 photos Black Ford Bronco parked on grass, side view. Another vehicle is partially visible behind it“Vehicular Monstrosity”1986 Bronco · Jackthepirate6 photos Two-tone brown full-size Ford Bronco SUV, driver's side view, with lift and off-road tires.1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · Tim McDonald6 photos 1980 Ford Bronco stuck in muddy water, two men in and around the vehicle1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · pokerplayer926 photos Red and black 1981 Ford Bronco with hood open, showing engine1981 Bronco1981 Bronco · 81bronco446 photos 1980s Ford Bronco with a brush guard and two-tone paint, parked outdoors“Goat II”1984 Bronco · tahoejoecool6 photos Exploded parts drawing of body side trim panels with screws, nuts and pin callouts1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · HawkRdr6 photos Brown 1986 Ford Bronco, rear 3/4 view, parked on suburban street“Brownie”1986 Bronco · wessongroup6 photos Black Ford Bronco with aftermarket grille guard and large tires, front view“beast”1985 Bronco · BRONCENSTIEN6 photos Dark green and tan Ford Bronco SUV, front 3/4 view, lifted with off-road tires1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · jknill6 photos Front view of a white Ford Bronco with aftermarket wheels and tires“The Beast”1984 Bronco · PismoBronco6 photos White Suzuki GSX-R sportbike parked on pavement1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · whc4th6 photos Tan 1981 Ford Bronco, rear view, with spare tire on tailgate“The Beast”1981 Bronco · rvcam6 photos 1980s white Ford Bronco front view with chrome grille and Nebraska license plate“The other woman”1984 Bronco · Lostwages846 photos Red 1986 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires parked in a driveway“SookieII”1986 Bronco · sookieII_866 photos Blue 1983 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires“Blue knight”1983 Bronco · BroncoChet6 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco parked on street, rear quarter view. Visible Ford badge on tailgate“"Big Blue" aka "The Beast"”1986 Bronco · mombo6 photos Rusty white and blue Ford Bronco parked by roadside with two men nearby“Oscar”1985 Bronco · SARBronco6 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, two-tone white and dark blue, side view“my toy”1986 Bronco · mytoy6 photos Tan 1986 Ford Bronco side view with spare tire mounted on rear door“beast”1986 Bronco · xess17x6 photos 1986 Ford Bronco stuck in mud on a dirt track1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · brian white6 photos Brown and tan lifted Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view“Rust Bucket”1984 Bronco · Derrick Raynes6 photos Mud-covered two-tone Ford Bronco driving through dirt and water, front 3/4 view“the time-bomb special”1984 Bronco · bill morales6 photos Dark pickup truck climbing steep dirt slope in woods at an angle“lilmule”1980 Bronco · scott naggatz6 photos Red and white Ford Bronco in profile with top off and two men inside, parked by a log cabin.“No Quarter”1982 Bronco · Preacher6 photos Front of matte-black Ford Bronco with chrome bumper, Ford grille, Bronco plate, and pink bow on hood.1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Rygator5 photos Modified black 1986 Ford Bronco with large off-road tires and blue wheel accents, parked outdoors.1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · cstrike5 photos Engine bay with blue air cleaner and brake booster1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · jkekoolani5 photos Dark green and black Ford Bronco from the front three-quarter angle, parked in a lot1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · Parsedout5 photos Green 1986 Ford Bronco parked on gravel, side view“Greenie”1986 Bronco · Shane Durham5 photos 1985 Ford Bronco, dark blue, parked outdoors with roof rack“Broncenstein”1985 Bronco · rockgrabber5 photos Black 1980 Ford Bronco with hood open, parked in a garage next to a race car“on the cheap”1980 Bronco · dexleo25 photos Ford dashboard HVAC control panel with COOL-WARM slider and mode levers1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · SunWest5 photos Light blue 1980 Ford Bronco with yellow trim parked outside1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · yawnson825 photos 1985 Ford Bronco parked on driveway, side view1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · jamin5 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco with off-road tires and a brush guard, viewed from a low front 3/4 angle“susie”1985 Bronco · liftedbronco855 photos Camouflaged 1985 Ford Bronco driving through a muddy, grassy area with trees in the background“Bullford”1985 Bronco · bullford5 photos Rusty red and white Ford Bronco SUV with brush guard and U.S. Marines plate, parked outdoors.“81 Bronco”1981 Bronco · JonFoster5 photos Gray 1980s Ford Bronco with aftermarket wheels and tires“Dantheduke1”1984 Bronco · dantheduke15 photos Two-tone blue and gray Ford Bronco with chrome grille and bumper, parked on grass1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · blueballer5 photos Engine bay with tangled wires and hoses. A black connector with multiple colored wires is visible1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · spur525 photos White 1978 Ford Bronco with a black bull bar and spare tire on the rear1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · Bigcubinch5 photos Surfer in wetsuit on surfboard riding a wave“Ole Blue Rust Bucket”1986 Bronco · OCsurfrider5 photos 1985 Ford Bronco lifted with oversized tires, parked outdoors1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Broncrog5 photos White Ford SUV, front 3/4 view, chrome grille, big tires, on rocky dirt with brush behind.“Old girl”1983 Bronco · cscdirt5 photos Engine with black Clifford valve covers, chrome air cleaner, and blue spark plug wires1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · broncobronco5 photos Red lifted two-door SUV with black top and off-road tires, side view on driveway1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · jborne5 photos Brown two-tone Ford Bronco SUV in side view at night on a driveway“Old Beater... NOt”1983 Bronco · 351windsorbronco5 photos Dusty V8 engine bay with round chrome air cleaner, blue plug wires and black hoses“brutus”1984 Bronco · whitetrash20055 photos Red 1986 Ford Bronco side view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Eclipzed985 photos Side view of dark blue SUV with tan top and 'For Sale' written on rear window, parked in driveway1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · James DeRocher5 photos Rear view of a 1984 Ford Bronco with a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, a custom bumper, and dual exhaust pipes1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Dennis Cotton5 photos Red lifted Ford truck parked in a garage, 3/4 front view, yellow vehicle in foreground“RedDragon”1984 Bronco · Jim Hervatin5 photos Brown and tan 1983 Ford Bronco on rocky terrain“Rachel”1983 Bronco · Ryan Gorsuch5 photos Black 1980s Ford Bronco SUV, lifted on big tires, parked on grass by trees.“AHorseWithNoName”1986 Bronco · Greg Allison5 photos Removed 5.0L V8 engine and transmission on a pallet with chains, near a Cub Cadet tractor“pile”1984 Bronco · Matt Newman5 photos White lifted Ford Bronco SUV on big mud tires, 3q-front view in a lot1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · Philip Phillips5 photos
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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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