SuperMotors SuperMotors SUPERMOTORS Search — try “orange Bronco on 35s”
Join
Black Ford Bronco SUV with front brush guard and winch bumper in a driveway
Home/Registry/Ford/Bronco/1980–1986supermotors.net/registry/ford/bronco/1980-1986

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.

Brown and tan 1984 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view“headache”1984 Bronco · NO4NJNK33 photos Brown cloth bucket seat inside vehicle viewed through open door with yellow frame“Dixie Bronco”1986 Bronco · Rob Fetters33 photos Front view of a blue Ford pickup truck, possibly from the early 1980s1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · thepossumface32 photos Black two-door Ford SUV parked on driveway, front 3-quarter view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · repo_man32 photos 1983 Ford Bronco front end with large off-road tires and red suspension components“The BEAST”1983 Bronco · Khris Rantz32 photos Blue Ford Bronco parked in a garage. Some items are on the hood1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Matt Boutilier32 photos 1983 Ford Bronco stuck in mud with person trying to dig it out“DitchWitch”1983 Bronco · Hans Anderson32 photos 1984 Ford Bronco, gray and white, parked on wet asphalt1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Streetjesus31 photos Blue 1984 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · highphructose31 photos 1986 Ford Bronco climbing a muddy, wooded hill“frits 2012”1986 Bronco · greasemonger31 photos 1986 Ford Bronco side view, dark blue with tan trim and spare tire on rear“Garage Bunny”1986 Bronco · ashworth31 photos close-up of a vehicle's rear bumper, tire, and suspension components1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · arcane30 photos White two-door SUV side view at night on grass“Dad's Toy”1983 Bronco · Glenn Neff30 photos Lifted black 1980s Ford Bronco on mud tires with chrome brush guard, driveway“The Widow”1984 Bronco · Lee McNiel30 photos Dark blue rusted Ford pickup in tall grass beside a white camper trailer“A-Work-In-Progress”1980 Bronco · offxroad29 photos Dark full-size Ford Bronco parked in tall dry grass on a hillside among bare winter trees“Blackjack”1986 Bronco · Jeromy Storman29 photos Gray 1980 Ford Bronco driving on a snowy slope, partially obscured by trees“80 Ford Bronco”1980 Bronco · Remke vandam29 photos Red two-door Ford Bronco SUV, passenger side, parked under carport on gravel1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · psychprof28 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on a driveway1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · fyll28 photos Black two-door Ford Bronco SUV parked in profile on a driveway in a residential area.“BroncoRail”1986 Bronco · BroncoRail28 photos Mud-covered 1980 Ford Bronco, right side view, with a driver inside, on a muddy terrain1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · jollykreiger27 photos 1984 Ford Bronco parked in driveway with a white pickup truck in the background1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · LTP199627 photos 1985 Ford Bronco lifted with aftermarket wheels, parked in driveway1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · mechanic4227 photos 1982 Ford Bronco front suspension with red shocks and large tires, jack stand supporting vehicle“JunkYard dawg”1982 Bronco · randy211227 photos Black and white Ford Bronco crossing muddy water between snowbanks with loaded roof rack1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Jakes85bronco27 photos Silver lifted Ford Bronco with bull bar parked on grass1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · nhawki0027 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, two-tone paint, lifted suspension, 3/4 front view“Horse”1986 Bronco · LUX27 photos Brown and tan Ford Bronco SUV parked in profile on grass near a yellow hose and white bucket.“Ferby”1984 Bronco · SyntheticD27 photos Red and white 1985 Ford Bronco rear quarter view with spare tire“Big Red”1985 Bronco · Pat P27 photos Vehicle underbody exhaust pipe joint with flange clamp, stainless muffler and driveshaft1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Harmful_if_swollowed26 photos White 1986 Ford Bronco side view with three occupants“XLT”1986 Bronco · John Henderson26 photos 1984 Ford Bronco driving on a muddy, rocky off-road trail through a forest“BUCKIN' GA DAWG”1984 Bronco · DENNIS ALBRIGHT26 photos Lifted two-tone red and white Ford Bronco with front tire on a large rock outdoors“smoothcharlene”1982 Bronco · Jason Fantone26 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked in snow with a basketball hoop in the background“Unbroken”1986 Bronco · Ben Rockatansky26 photos 1984 Ford Bronco, blue and white, side view“Blue Pony”1984 Bronco · Blue84Pony25 photos White 1980s Ford Bronco with a black grille guard and off-road tires parked on a driveway“Patches”1983 Bronco · MrF25 photos Red 1985 Ford Bronco with a white top parked on grass“THE BEAST”1985 Bronco · fathead25 photos Tan two-door SUV with hardtop, lifted on large tires, parked on muddy ground.“Dirty Blonde”1983 Bronco · Matt Lentz25 photos 1984 Ford Bronco, two-tone blue and white, parked in gravel driveway next to house1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · fred wilks25 photos Close-up of a wheel center with a Superwinch locking hub marked LOCK and FREE.“Converted”1985 Bronco · David Lithgow25 photos White Ford Bronco SUV jumping over dirt on an off-road trail“R.I.P Bronchole 1985 to 2003”1985 Bronco · Dan Eger25 photos Brown two-tone 1980s Ford Bronco with brush guard, BRONCO plate, front“Bullnose”1984 Bronco · Jimmyz24 photos Orange 1983 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires parked outdoors“Great Pumpkin”1983 Bronco · mosskie24 photos Two-tone Ford Bronco with a pop-up camper trailer attached, side view“The Otherone...”1984 Bronco · aquileus23 photos 1985 Ford Bronco stuck in mud on a trail with trees in the background“more mud fun”1985 Bronco · bullford23 photos Red early 1980s Ford Bronco with two dogs and person in bed on a lawn“Bucky”1986 Bronco · Doc H.23 photos White 1985 Ford Bronco parked in a garage with a lawnmower and spare tire nearby1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Jeff Randolph23 photos Faded red Ford Bronco with driver's door removed and leaning against a spare tire“TuffBronc”1986 Bronco · Randy Zrubek23 photos 1986 Ford Bronco with red and tan two-tone paint, parked on cracked asphalt1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · BroncoBandit7822 photos Brown and tan two-door Ford Bronco SUV parked, front three-quarter view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Sloride7522 photos Alignment specification document for a Ford truck, SUV, and rear wheel drive van, Bronco 4X4: 1984-871985 Bronco1985 Bronco · george_c22 photos 1986 Ford Bronco front end with aftermarket grille and large tires“Big Bertha”1986 Bronco · ScreaminZ22 photos Faded red Ford pickup, side view, on muddy lot with worn paint and rust“Bronx”1984 Bronco · Erik Lake22 photos Dark blue 1980s Ford Bronco with white hardtop and rusty tailgate parked in a driveway“Canadian Bronco”1981 Bronco · Tyler Trauet22 photos Blue/white and red/white lifted Ford trucks on red dirt lot1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Dwayne Hartzo22 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on a wet, muddy dirt road with trees and fog in the background“Tray Mtn 12/2012”1986 Bronco · greasemonger21 photos Engine bay close-up with pulley, black hoses, belt and wiring, all dusty“Wombat”1986 Bronco · pantsman21 photos 1980 Ford Bronco with white exterior, side view, emitting large cloud of smoke“krusty”1980 Bronco · Eddy Moeller21 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked under a carport with hood open1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · mrit21 photos Red and black Ford Bronco with large tires, front 3/4 view1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Shane Duke21 photos
← PreviousMore 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

↑ Back to top