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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 1986 Ford Bronco model, side view“Blazin80”1986 Bronco · Kyle Barnett12 photos V-engine suspended from orange hoist chain in a garage with scattered tools and vehicles behind“Monster”1986 Bronco · Adam Buehrens12 photos Black topless full-size Ford Bronco with red interior, lifted on chrome wheels in a driveway“ BLACK MAGIC”1986 Bronco · mark fesko12 photos 1986 Ford Bronco rear view, showing spare tire cover with Ford Bronco logo1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · cooper86bronco11 photos Front corner of a rusty brown pickup truck, possibly 1980s Ford F-Series, with a black car in the background1982 Bronco1982 Bronco · Sauron66711 photos Ford dash gauge cluster viewed through steering wheel with blue Ford emblem1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · RagingCow11 photos Black Ford Bronco with chrome trim and red suspension components, parked curbside“Darth Vader”1984 Bronco · gunit11 photos 1980 Ford Bronco with a person leaning on the driver's door, parked in a grassy, wooded area1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · Maelthra11 photos Black 1980s Ford Bronco parked on dirt, hood up, side view“freebee”1985 Bronco · pacer8822011 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on a street, side view. Blue body with silver trim and a spare tire on the rear1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · nickmyron11 photos Lifted dark Ford Bronco SUV with tan flares on large mud tires, parked by a white house“B.O.B (Big Old Bronco)”1986 Bronco · MaDMaX11 photos Red square-body Ford Bronco in a garage on stacked tires, front wheel off1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Clay Burdette11 photos Underside view of a greasy frame bracket and suspension mount with crack1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · bigdave8511 photos 1985 Ford Bronco stuck in mud with tire tracks leading away1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Eric Reyes11 photos Red and black 1982 Ford Bronco parked in a driveway with the hood up“cheep fun”1982 Bronco · Dan Fridenberg11 photos Side view of a 1984 Ford Bronco with rust and primer“never named her”1984 Bronco · mbatvburg11 photos close-up of rusted door sill and interior of a vehicle“For Sale”1985 Bronco · jeff wilson11 photos Side view of a 1986 Ford Bronco with camouflage paint and a spare tire on the back“dirt dog”1986 Bronco · Chuck Brewer11 photos Front corner of blue Ford Bronco with chrome grille and amber turn signals. Other vehicles visible in background“Diablo”1984 Bronco · Benjamin Spencer11 photos Tan and brown Ford Bronco SUV, front 3/4 view, parked by grassy slope“Itsgonnabreak”1986 Bronco · Evan Rodelius11 photos Rear view of a red Ford Bronco with a bike rack attached. Snow on the ground“Ronco”1982 Bronco · Bullet8210 photos Dark blue and white Ford Bronco parked in a garage. Bike on wall behind it1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · jboy4pres10 photos Front view of a 1980 Ford Bronco with a large grille and bumper1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · Bigun10 photos Gray pickup truck with orange trim, custom shark teeth grille, and various stickers“Misc”1984 Bronco · fsbgav10 photos Primer-gray Bronco with top removed and roll bar, sanded body, in a dirt lot“Black Widow”1986 Bronco · cclary10 photos Gray 1986 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view with aftermarket bumper and large tires1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · BIGcrock10 photos Black 1985 Ford Bronco stuck in a muddy ditch with a person in the back“Bullford”1985 Bronco · bullford10 photos Underside of a vehicle's transfer case assembly with part number C-13683 visible.“Nayeli”1985 Bronco · MrGaddy10 photos White Ford Bronco parked next to a building, side view. "BRONCO" text visible on fender1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Rnanney5610 photos Brown and tan 1980 Ford Bronco with hood open, showing rust1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · Gobinator8810 photos 1986 Ford Bronco, blue, covered in mud, parked on concrete with trees in background“old blue”1986 Bronco · chrys8710 photos Front of white Ford truck with chrome grille and California plate 5PQM2701986 Bronco1986 Bronco · slider10 photos Front view of a 1980 Ford Bronco with a damaged bumper and camouflage paint1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Chris Cote10 photos 1980 Ford Bronco with camouflage paint, custom front bumper, and two spotlights mounted on the grille guard“Chupacabra”1980 Bronco · sotexbirdchaser10 photos Black and white lifted Ford Bronco, 3q-front view“Money PIT”1985 Bronco · sigp22910 photos White 1986 Ford Bronco front view with brush guard and auxiliary lights1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Dragon2210 photos Red 1985 Ford Bronco front 3/4 view with chrome grille and John Deere plate1985 Bronco1985 Bronco · Zac Humphries10 photos Stripped SUV interior from rear cargo area looking toward dash, bare rusty floor with debris and panels1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Bryan Acciani10 photos Gray full-size Ford pickup with doors off climbing a dirt hill, man seated inside“The Bronk”1986 Bronco · tonytech110 photos 1984 Ford Bronco parked outside with a man in the driver's seat1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · Ben Swafford10 photos Black lifted Ford Bronco SUV on large tires, front 3/4 view in a parking lot“SSBronco”1983 Bronco · Dennis & Tracy Todd10 photos Gray lifted Ford Bronco climbing a large boulder in a forest, front wheel lifted“Hoss”1981 Bronco · drueg10 photos Black 1980 Ford Bronco with chrome grille and off-road tires, parked outdoors.1980 Bronco1980 Bronco · WildIslandSeafood9 photos 1986 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt incline, spare tire in bed1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · Gryzzl9 photos Close-up of vehicle pedals and wiring harness in the footwell1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · LeMieux9 photos Rear view of a 1984 Ford Bronco with a Pittsburgh Steelers spare tire cover1984 Bronco1984 Bronco · DIESELMAN659 photos Camouflage-painted two-door Ford Bronco side profile on gravel with square towing mirror“Ole Rebel”1981 Bronco · lafollette25409 photos 1983 Ford Bronco, side view, white exterior, aftermarket wheels“big bertha”1983 Bronco · bigmikeys839 photos Dark Ford Bronco SUV in side view parked on dirt by a tan house.“hornet”1984 Bronco · rustedandbustedbronco849 photos Blue 1984 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view“Fearless”1984 Bronco · Richard Bonds9 photos Black 1986 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view1986 Bronco1986 Bronco · gatorhead9 photos Lifted red and white Ford Bronco SUV in side view on driveway with child in driver seat“Big Red”1985 Bronco · Roman gurule9 photos Intake manifold with carburetor and triple-inlet blue scoop on aluminum housing“Krinkle”1984 Bronco · MerlinTSO9 photos Two-tone Ford Bronco climbing rocks, 3q-front view“Bucky”1985 Bronco · Buckinbronco859 photos Gray and black two-tone lifted Ford crew cab pickup parked in bare-tree woods“Nickelpony”1985 Bronco · Mark McManus9 photos Front of stripped Hummer-style utility vehicle with tubular brush guard and exposed grille“puddle jumper”1986 Bronco · Lynne Klave9 photos Brown 1984 Ford Bronco rear quarter panel with taillight and Ford emblem“BigAdrian”1984 Bronco · Adrian Keeley9 photos Brown lifted two-door Ford Bronco SUV with winch, front 3/4 view in driveway“widetrac”1984 Bronco · Kyle Salter9 photos Lifted dark blue Ford Bronco on large mud tires parked in a driveway by a house“Badazzbronc”1982 Bronco · scott holliday9 photos Red 1984 Ford Bronco parked near North Myrtle Beach sign“Cruiser”1984 Bronco · CarolinaBronco8 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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