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Home/Registry/Ford/Bronco/1987–1991supermotors.net/registry/ford/bronco/1987-1991

1987-1991 Ford BroncoFourth-Generation Bronco (Bricknose)

1987–1991 60+ on the wall 495 documents ↓

The fourth-generation Ford Bronco ran from 1987 through 1991 on the redesigned F-series "Bricknose" body, named for the flush, aerodynamic front clip with flush headlamps that replaced the boxy Bullnose face. For 1987 Ford gave the 4.9L (300) inline-six electronic fuel injection and added rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RABS) as standard equipment, two of the generation's defining mechanical changes; the 5.0L (302) V8 carried over its existing multi-port electronic fuel injection from the third generation. The optional 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8 stayed carbureted for 1987 and received EFI for the 1988 model year. The engine roster carried the 4.9L (300 cubic inch) inline-six as the base unit, with the 5.0L (302) and 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8s optional. The Bronco kept its full-size two-door wagon body with a removable fiberglass rear hardtop over a 104.7-inch wheelbase, sharing its structure with the F-150 ahead of the B-pillar. Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) independent front suspension carried over from the third generation, as did the basic engine family, so the 1987 changes were fuel injection, braking, and styling rather than a new chassis. The Mazda-built M5OD five-speed overdrive manual replaced the older four-speed manual around 1988, and the biggest later mechanical addition was the E4OD four-speed overdrive automatic for 1990. The base trim was called Custom for 1987 and was renamed XL for 1988; above it sat the better-equipped XLT and the upscale Eddie Bauer.

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

Other Ford Bronco generations

1966-1977 Ford Bronco 1978-1979 Ford Bronco 1980-1986 Ford Bronco 1992-1996 Ford Bronco 2021-2026 Ford Bronco

At a glance

  • Years: 1987-1991 (fourth generation, "Bricknose")
  • Body style: two-door full-size wagon with removable fiberglass rear hardtop, 104.7-inch wheelbase
  • Engines: 4.9L (300) inline-six, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8
  • Fuel system: electronic fuel injection on the 4.9L six from 1987; the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing fuel injection; the 5.8L V8 was carbureted in 1987 and gained EFI for 1988
  • Transmissions: 4-speed and 5-speed manuals, 3-speed and 4-speed automatics; the Mazda-built M5OD 5-speed overdrive manual replaced the 4-speed manual around 1988, and the E4OD 4-speed automatic arrived for 1990
  • Front suspension: Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) independent front axle, carried over from the third generation
  • Brakes: front disc, rear drum, with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RABS) standard from 1987
  • Axles: Dana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear axle
  • Trims: base trim (Custom for 1987, renamed XL for 1988), XLT, Eddie Bauer

Year-by-year changes

YearEnginesDrivetrain & brakesNotable changes
19874.9L (300) six gains fuel injection; 5.0L (302) V8 fuel-injected (carried over); 5.8L (351W) V8 carburetedManual and automatic options; Dana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear; front disc/rear drum with standard rear-wheel ABS (RABS)Bricknose redesign: flush aerodynamic front end, electronic fuel injection on the 4.9L six, and standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes
19884.9L (300) six, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351W) V8, all fuel-injectedDana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear; front disc/rear drum with rear-wheel ABS5.8L V8 gained multi-port EFI, completing the fuel-injected lineup; the Mazda-built M5OD 5-speed overdrive manual replaced the 4-speed manual around this year; the base trim was renamed from Custom to XL
19894.9L (300) six, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351W) V8, fuel-injectedDana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear; front disc/rear drum with rear-wheel ABSMostly carryover; continued running changes to interior and equipment
19904.9L (300) six, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351W) V8, fuel-injectedE4OD 4-speed electronic automatic introduced; Dana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear; front disc/rear drum with rear-wheel ABSArrival of the E4OD overdrive automatic transmission
19914.9L (300) six, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351W) V8, fuel-injectedE4OD available; Dana 44 TTB front axle; Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating rear; front disc/rear drum with rear-wheel ABSFinal year of the Bricknose Bronco before the 1992 OBS fifth-generation redesign; the blacked-out "Nite" appearance package was offered

Engines and drivetrain

The fourth-generation Bronco (1987-1991) used three gasoline engines. For 1987 the 4.9L six gained electronic fuel injection and the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing multi-port electronic fuel injection, while the 5.8L V8 was still carbureted and did not get EFI until the 1988 model year. The base 4.9L inline-six (300 cubic inches) was a long-running, low-revving truck engine valued for torque and durability. The optional 5.0L (302) and 5.8L (351 Windsor) small-block V8s gave more power for towing and the Bronco's roughly 4,500-pound curb weight. Manual and automatic transmissions were offered through the run. Around 1988 the Mazda-built M5OD five-speed overdrive manual replaced the older four-speed manual, and the significant automatic change came for 1990, when Ford introduced the E4OD, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive that replaced the older three-speed automatic in many configurations. All 1987-1991 Broncos were built as four-wheel-drive trucks, with standard part-time four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case.

Axles and suspension

The 1987-1991 Bronco carried over the Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) independent front suspension that the third-generation Bronco had introduced for 1980. TTB uses two long swing arms (beams) pivoting near the frame's centerline, giving each front wheel independent travel while retaining a live-axle-style design with coil springs up front. Four-wheel-drive Broncos paired TTB with a Dana 44 front axle, while the rear axle was a Ford 8.8-inch semi-floating unit. The Ford 8.8-inch rear axle replaced the 9-inch rear axle used by the previous generation. The TTB layout improved ride quality over a solid front axle but is known among owners for camber change during suspension travel and for alignment quirks, traits that carried straight into this generation from the Bullnose era.

What changed for 1987 versus what carried over

Two features were genuinely new to the Bronco for 1987: electronic fuel injection on the 4.9L six, and standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RABS), a rear-axle ABS system that helped prevent rear-wheel lockup under hard braking on a vehicle prone to light rear loading. The 5.0L V8 carried over its existing multi-port electronic fuel injection from the third generation rather than gaining it for 1987. The 5.8L V8 stayed carbureted for 1987 and joined the fuel-injected lineup for the 1988 model year. The Bricknose front-end styling, with its flush composite headlamps and smoother aerodynamic nose, was also new for 1987 and shared with the F-series trucks. By contrast, the TTB front suspension, the two-door wagon body, the 104.7-inch wheelbase, and the basic 4.9L/5.0L/5.8L engine family were carried over from the 1980-1986 third generation. Buyers researching this generation should not credit 1987 with the TTB suspension itself, which debuted in 1980.

Body and trims

Every 1987-1991 Bronco was a full-size two-door wagon with a removable fiberglass top over the rear cargo and seating area, a body shared structurally with the F-150 ahead of the B-pillar. Trim levels ran from the base trim, called Custom for 1987 and renamed XL for 1988, through the better-equipped XLT to the top Eddie Bauer, the latter typically distinguished by two-tone paint, special wheels, and upgraded interior trim. For 1991 a blacked-out "Nite" appearance package was also offered. The Bricknose interior was updated alongside the F-series, with revised dashboards and switchgear over the run. The rear hardtop remained removable for open-air use, a defining trait the Bronco kept until the 1996 end of the full-size line.

What to know when buying a 1987-1991 Bronco

On a fourth-generation Bronco, the early multi-port fuel injection is generally reliable but depends on aging sensors, wiring, and the throttle body staying clean; driveability faults on these trucks often trace to vacuum leaks and worn sensors rather than the core EFI. The TTB front end's pivoting beams and the associated camber bushings and ball joints wear, producing tire wear and alignment drift, so inspect front-end components and tire condition. Rust in the rear quarters, tailgate, and around the removable top's mounting points is the most common structural concern on survivors. On 1990-1991 trucks the E4OD automatic is robust when serviced but expensive to rebuild, so confirm clean fluid and proper shifting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the "Bricknose" Bronco?

"Bricknose" is the enthusiast nickname for the 1987-1991 Ford F-series and Bronco, referring to the flatter, more aerodynamic front clip with flush headlamps that replaced the 1980-1986 "Bullnose" face. The fourth-generation Bronco (1987-1991) wears this Bricknose front end.

What engines did the 1987-1991 Bronco use?

The 1987-1991 Bronco offered the 4.9L (300 cubic inch) inline-six as the base engine and the 5.0L (302) and 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8s as options. For 1987 the 4.9L six gained electronic fuel injection and the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing fuel injection, while the 5.8L V8 was carbureted until it gained EFI for the 1988 model year.

When did the Ford Bronco get fuel injection and anti-lock brakes?

For 1987, the first year of the fourth generation, the Bronco's 4.9L six received electronic fuel injection and the truck gained standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RABS); the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing fuel injection. The 5.8L V8 was still carbureted in 1987 and received EFI for the 1988 model year. RABS is a rear-axle ABS system that reduces rear-wheel lockup under hard braking.

When did the Bronco get the E4OD automatic transmission?

Ford introduced the E4OD, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive, on the Bronco for 1990. It replaced the older three-speed automatic in many configurations during the final years of the fourth generation.

Did the 1987-1991 Bronco have independent front suspension?

The 1987-1991 Bronco used Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension, a beam-type independent design with coil springs. TTB was not new to this generation; it carried over from the third-generation Bronco, which introduced it for 1980.

Sources

  • Ford factory shop manuals, parts catalogs, and Bronco/F-series owner literature for the 1987-1991 model years
  • VIN and door data plate decoding for engine, axle, and trim verification
  • Established Bronco reference works, owner registries, and enthusiast technical resources
  • Period road tests and Ford sales/spec material for the fourth-generation full-size Bronco
By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

What is the "Bricknose" Bronco?

"Bricknose" is the enthusiast nickname for the 1987-1991 Ford F-series and Bronco, referring to the flatter, more aerodynamic front clip with flush headlamps that replaced the 1980-1986 "Bullnose" face. The fourth-generation Bronco (1987-1991) wears this Bricknose front end.

What engines did the 1987-1991 Bronco use?

The 1987-1991 Bronco offered the 4.9L (300 cubic inch) inline-six as the base engine and the 5.0L (302) and 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8s as options. For 1987 the 4.9L six gained electronic fuel injection and the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing fuel injection, while the 5.8L V8 was carbureted until it gained EFI for the 1988 model year.

When did the Ford Bronco get fuel injection and anti-lock brakes?

For 1987, the first year of the fourth generation, the Bronco's 4.9L six received electronic fuel injection and the truck gained standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RABS); the 5.0L V8 carried over its existing fuel injection. The 5.8L V8 was still carbureted in 1987 and received EFI for the 1988 model year. RABS is a rear-axle ABS system that reduces rear-wheel lockup under hard braking.

When did the Bronco get the E4OD automatic transmission?

Ford introduced the E4OD, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive, on the Bronco for 1990. It replaced the older three-speed automatic in many configurations during the final years of the fourth generation.

Did the 1987-1991 Bronco have independent front suspension?

The 1987-1991 Bronco used Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) front suspension, a beam-type independent design with coil springs. TTB was not new to this generation; it carried over from the third-generation Bronco, which introduced it for 1980.

Technical Reference

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

Brochures & Literature (5)

Data/Spec Plates (11)

Wiring Diagrams (81)

Schematics (42)

Exploded Parts (20)

Service Procedures (26)

Manual Pages (8)

Vacuum Routing (3)

Fuse & Relay Charts (4)

The wall · registered 1987–1991 Broncos

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

White Ford Bronco crawling over a packed dirt mound in desert park“BlancoBronco”1990 Bronco · Cam Correa12,436 photos Lifted two-tone gray and black Ford Bronco with red interior, sitting on large off-road tires“Street Truck”1989 Bronco · Tim Crase8,601 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road“Lady”1989 Bronco · chexmix2,799 photos Maroon and white 1991 Ford Bronco with off-road tires parked on dirt“Mama Cass”1991 Bronco · CaliforniaMonkey2,765 photos 1989 Ford Bronco stuck in mud with driver inside“Rock Crusher”1989 Bronco · jason moore1,952 photos Dark gray 1988 Ford Bronco parked in a lot, showing front quarter panel and side“Tex's Toy”1988 Bronco · Daniel Thompson1,928 photos Dark blue SUV with off-road modifications navigating a muddy trail, front grille visible“Cookie Monster”1991 Bronco · Meixter1,924 photos Green and tan Ford Bronco SUV parked on a paved coastal overlook with ocean behind.“Eddie Bauer”1990 Bronco · SeattleFSB1,894 photos Black 1991 Ford Bronco with aftermarket bumper and large tires, 3/4 front view1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Derrick361,863 photos Two-tone black and silver Ford Bronco driving on a dirt road“the magic carpet”1989 Bronco · Andrew Knox1,861 photos Maroon 1989 Ford Bronco with a tan top and spare tire on the back, parked on a dirt road near rocks1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Sway1,766 photos White SUV tilted on a dirt hill with a spare tire on the back“Beast”1988 Bronco · Eric Dreher1,558 photos White and brown lifted Ford Bronco with large tires“Draft Horse”1989 Bronco · Huggyb19721,446 photos Green 1990 Ford Bronco with large tires climbing a rock1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Dave Blaney1,431 photos Two-tone gray and white Ford Bronco parked on a dirt lot with a spare tire, cooler, and gas can mounted on the back1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · jtg1,413 photos Red off-road SUV with snorkel and spare tire on rear, navigating rocky terrain1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · triplesix1,281 photos Red 1989 Ford Bronco with aftermarket front bumper1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · waltman1,151 photos White 1989 Ford Bronco driving through a muddy track with trees in the background“The Beast”1989 Bronco · Will H1,032 photos 1990 Ford Bronco lifted with large off-road tires, parked on a driveway1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Jeff Janssen991 photos Rear axle assembly on jack stands with tools scattered around1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Mike Gunn950 photos Ford Bronco climbing a snowy hill off-road“Big Bronco”1989 Bronco · 89bronco302947 photos 1987 Ford Bronco lifted with large off-road tires, side view“the big brown turd”1987 Bronco · appy925 photos Gray 1991 Ford Bronco with roof rack, spare tire, and off-road lights“miseroth”1991 Bronco · Marc Kamler902 photos 1990 Ford Bronco parked on dirt road next to large rock, trees and hills in background“The Land Yacht”1990 Bronco · Scramm85870 photos 1990 Ford Bronco, red with tan trim, soft top removed, parked outdoors1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · UTIBronco812 photos Mud-splattered 1991 Ford Bronco stuck in a muddy track1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Ted Wade806 photos Two-tone 1990 Ford Bronco climbing rocky terrain1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · ElKabong723 photos Lifted 1989 Ford Bronco, brown and white, 3/4 front view“redheaded stepchild”1989 Bronco · weekend4wheelers719 photos Green 1990 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and aftermarket bumper1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · BroncoChick701 photos 1988 Ford Bronco lifted with large tires and brush guard1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · fordguy_78700 photos Black Ford Bronco with a roof rack and spare tire on top1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · jasonhughes2009679 photos Red lifted 1990 Ford Bronco with tan removable top and roof-mounted lights1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · bgrdbronc635 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco with a removable top, lifted suspension, and aftermarket wheels. The interior is visible, showing brown striped seats. Stickers…“Do & Hope”1988 Bronco · Moseley Matheson556 photos Blue 1989 Ford Bronco with custom paint and lifted suspension“Stone Bronco - SOLD!!!”1989 Bronco · 4XPepe542 photos White Ford Bronco with aftermarket bumper and large tires. Hood is dark colored1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · locopny538 photos 1990 Ford Bronco on a dirt trail, mud splattered“the beast”1990 Bronco · Canuck520 photos 1991 Ford Bronco with doors removed, driving on a rocky trail“Toy Keeper”1991 Bronco · ToyKeeper519 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked on a curb with a grassy hill behind it1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · Nick Shubin515 photos 1988 Ford Bronco driving on a dirt trail with rocks“Bad Karma”1988 Bronco · bad karma515 photos 1991 Ford Bronco off-roading on a dirt track“Da BronK”1991 Bronco · Steven Robison515 photos Black Ford Bronco with tan trim, lifted suspension, and large off-road tires parked in a lot1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · jfritts493 photos 1990 Ford Bronco navigating a narrow, rocky mountain trail with two men standing nearby“Bling-Bling”1990 Bronco · TTB Blows486 photos White 1990 Ford Bronco with lift and all-terrain tires parked on dirt in front of pine trees“CUSTOM - SOLD!!!”1990 Bronco · 4XPepe483 photos 1988 Ford Bronco lifted with aftermarket bumper and large tires parked in driveway“TBD”1988 Bronco · M2A2C479 photos Front view of a red 1988 Ford Bronco parked on a street“fartman”1988 Bronco · Jason Arredondo461 photos 1988 Ford Bronco on muddy trail“da Money Pit”1988 Bronco · Ironclad456 photos 1988 Ford Bronco on a rocky, wooded trail. It has a brush guard with auxiliary lights“RescueBronc / Hoss”1988 Bronco · RescueBronc451 photos Lifted two-tone brown Ford Bronco parked next to a white Bronco and a small blue car“Mr Hyde the Deuce”1988 Bronco · greasemonger451 photos Green Ford Bronco off-roading over rocks, driver wearing orange shirt and blue hat1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · say_no_to_ttb451 photos 1990 Ford Bronco modified for off-road with snorkel and large tires“Little Sammy”1990 Bronco · xdaily451 photos Red 1991 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · DcSkater602428 photos 1987 Ford Bronco driving through a muddy forest trail“Nacho”1987 Bronco · Joey Stokes406 photos Maroon Ford Bronco with big mud tires climbing rocks on a forest trail, person spotting at left“the tank”1988 Bronco · kevin w402 photos Engine bay showing a Holley carburetor, red spark plug wires, and a blue "WILSON" intake manifold“Pono ”1991 Bronco · Ruff414401 photos Line of colonial soldiers with muskets and a drum, facing a line of soldiers on horseback“" FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES "”1989 Bronco · BRONKO806392 photos Red 1987 Ford Bronco side view with black top and 4x4 badging“Shit Box”1987 Bronco · 87FSBinKY382 photos 1988 Ford Bronco lifted with large off-road tires, two-tone paint1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · ColoradoBronc375 photos Red and white 1990 Ford Bronco on a dirt trail with a person crouching nearby“The Beast”1990 Bronco · JP Nielsen374 photos Green 1991 Ford Bronco front end with engine exposed, missing grille and headlight“Tronco”1991 Bronco · ChuckVA363 photos Two-tone green and white 1991 Ford Bronco towing a small trailer loaded with luggage1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · 91xlt339 photos
More of the wall →

Full year-by-year change log: 1987-1991 Ford Bronco

This log tracks the running and model-year changes to the fourth-generation Ford Bronco (1987-1991), the "Bricknose" full-size wagon, at the level of body, engine, fuel system, drivetrain, axle, and brakes. It is assembled from Ford factory shop manuals, parts catalogs, and Bronco/F-series owner literature for the 1987-1991 model years, VIN and door data-plate decoding for engine, axle, and trim verification, period road tests and factory specification material, and established Bronco reference works and owner registries.

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

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