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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.

Dark Ford SUV climbing dirt mound on wooded off-road trail, front wheel lifted“Rockin' Bronco”1986 Bronco · stoorssarg21 photos Gray and dark green 1986 Ford Bronco rear quarter view with black top1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · mobyguzzer21 photos Engine parts on concrete: carburetor, distributor, wiring harness, hoses, and brackets laid out for a Ford Bronco project“Andrea's Ride”1986 Bronco · HKopp20 photos Blue engine on stand with "POWER-V 8" text“Purple People Eater”1983 Bronco · kevinseven_201020 photos 1980 Ford Bronco parked in a wooded area, front 3/4 view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · blaklbl8820 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, orange with white top, parked outdoors1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · excentric19 photos 1980 Ford Bronco, two-tone brown and tan, parked outdoors“XLT”1986 Bronco · JamesLukeMondy19 photos Black Ford Bronco with red and black seat covers, driver's door open, parked on gravel“Bob”1985 Bronco · Deftanker19 photos 1986 Ford Bronco rear view, primer finish, black hardtop“ole grey”1986 Bronco · bronc_1711319 photos Black Ford Bronco with taped rear window, parked outdoors1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · chris lallo19 photos Red vehicle interior floor with tools, plastic bags, and a white roll of paper. Another white vehicle is visible through the open door1981 Bronco1981 Bronco · noot7419 photos Orange-red Ford Bronco with white top and chrome grille parked on grass, person leaning on fender“ole leaky”1986 Bronco · Joe Derusha19 photos Blue Ford SUV blasting through a mud pit, mud spraying, helmeted driver, number 443 on windshield.“Lab Hab”1985 Bronco · WD4019 photos White Ford Bronco in a garage with hood open, primer spots on fender, orange cone and bike wheel in front1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · devildog9318 photos Maroon and white 1980s Ford Bronco with off-road tires parked on a rocky hillside.1981 Bronco1981 Bronco · 9inchfordguy18 photos Front view of a lifted black Ford Bronco with tube grille guard, yellow Daylighter covers, and diamond-plate skid plate“Iron Horse”1984 Bronco · BABRONCO18 photos Woman standing on front of disassembled Ford Bronco in driveway“Anger Issues”1985 Bronco · angerissues18 photos Black 1984 Ford Bronco 3q-front view1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · joekiser18 photos Two-tone brown and white 1982 Ford Bronco, 3q-front view1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · Ted Wade18 photos Dark Ford Bronco SUV tilted while climbing dirt hill off-road, side and undercarriage visible on Cooper tires“Rooster”1981 Bronco · Jonathan Shannon-Garvey18 photos Side view of a two-tone brown and tan Ford Bronco with the hood open. Spare tire mounted on the rear“The Bomb”1982 Bronco · grandpa17 photos White vehicle rear quarter panel with rust along trim and a red taillight“The big ugly”1985 Bronco · Rigman17 photos 1985 Ford Bronco covered in mud, hood open, parked in a wooded area“bullford”1985 Bronco · bullford17 photos 1980 Ford Bronco driving up a rocky incline with trees in the background“Beast (Redbeast9)”1980 Bronco · REDBEAST917 photos Brown and tan Ford Bronco parked in a driveway with a dog nearby1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · jkorbes17 photos 1985 Ford Bronco in a garage, hood up, side view1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · scott351wins17 photos Red two-door SUV with white roof, chrome grille, parked on grass near brick house1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · AFitzgerald6617 photos 1986 Ford Bronco with engine being lifted out by an engine hoist“Buckster”1986 Bronco · Chad Faldyn17 photos Dark gray Ford Bronco climbing a dirt hill. Black wheels, off-road tires“torque”1981 Bronco · watch49217 photos Rear view of a 1985 Ford Bronco stuck in snow, with exhaust smoke visible“Leaker”1985 Bronco · broncodriver30217 photos Red and tan Ford Bronco with a lift kit parked outdoors1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Nick PK17 photos 1984 Ford Bronco parked by a lake with tall grass in the foreground“Buck”1984 Bronco · CowboyBuck17 photos Two-tone blue and white 1981 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view“maniac”1981 Bronco · fordbroncofamily17 photos Light blue Ford Bronco SUV with white top and hood up in a dark garage“Little Mule”1981 Bronco · Alex Hill17 photos Gray Ford Bronco SUV flexing on rocks, front tire lifted, with brush guard and roof lights1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Rick Jones17 photos Ford ECU unit with part number visible, mounted under seat“'83 Bronco”1983 Bronco · alfie62316 photos Rear axle and suspension of a vehicle on jack stands, undergoing maintenance“dr jekyll”1986 Bronco · greasemonger16 photos 1985 Ford Bronco on a rocky hill under a blue sky“Bullford”1985 Bronco · bullford16 photos White 1985 Ford Bronco with blue pinstripes parked in a driveway1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · 79_explorer16 photos Red Ford Bronco SUV with white top driving through mud on a forest trail1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · mosskie16 photos Front of a brown 1990s Ford F-series truck with black brush guard1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Vampiricwerewolf16 photos Three lifted Ford Broncos parked in a lot. Tan, dark blue, and black.1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · jcaetano6116 photos Silver Mercedes G-Wagen driving over rocks in a stream“Bronco”1986 Bronco · tylerc16 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, silver with blue trim, snorkel, roof lights, and brush guard“Frankenbronc”1986 Bronco · johnorama16 photos Dark gray 1980s Ford Bronco side view, showing rear wheel well and door handle1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · 1978mudweiser16 photos Brown two-tone Ford Bronco with hood up in a driveway1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · TechMike16 photos 1981 Ford Bronco side view, red, white, and blue paint, roll cage visible“Gus”1981 Bronco · cl10racer16 photos 1985 Ford Bronco XLT, blue and white two-tone paint, side view1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · colin rooney16 photos Dark blue lifted Ford Bronco with door removed, mud tires, no front bumper, on grass1981 Bronco1981 Bronco · PwrStnd16 photos Tan 1985 Ford Bronco front view, hood open“Backwoods Limo”1985 Bronco · Patrick Keller16 photos White 1985 Ford Bronco covered in mud, 3/4 front view1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · fomoco8815 photos Dark blue 1985 Ford Bronco parked outside1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · laborrega15 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked in a forest with large off-road tires and a winch.“Thing2”1986 Bronco · Tim Bevers15 photos Four Fox shocks and two custom suspension arms laid out on a floor“parts”1980 Bronco · mkiefer15 photos Tan Ford Bronco stuck in mud with a person standing nearby1983 Bronco1983 Bronco · stock8315 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco with white top and spare tire on back, lifted suspension“Franks Tank”1986 Bronco · FrankTheTank15 photos Tan Ford Bronco with a chrome grille, overgrown with weeds1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Eric Valli15 photos Flat black primered full-size SUV on jack stands in a driveway, side view on steel wheels1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Harry Metropol15 photos Two-tone Ford Bronco, front 3/4 view. Black hood and top, grey body“tim84bronc”1984 Bronco · Tim Dawson15 photos Blue 1980 Ford Bronco lifted with large off-road tires, parked on a street“El Burro”1980 Bronco · TheBuffalo14 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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