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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.

Green and tan 1989 Ford Bronco parked on a driveway“AUBronco”1989 Bronco · AUBronco339 photos Two-tone 1988 Ford Bronco parked in snow, 3/4 front view1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · KC200787336 photos People pushing a maroon and tan SUV stuck on a log-covered dirt trail in the woods“The Rig”1991 Bronco · E. Long324 photos White Ford Bronco navigating a rocky trail, front driver's side tire angled up on a boulder“Bruiser Woods”1987 Bronco · Nathan Geving316 photos Red Ford Bronco with large tires on a trailer, towed by a black pickup truck“Money Pit”1987 Bronco · Spectre305 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked on street, another Bronco behind it“The OJ Special”1988 Bronco · Adrianspeeder301 photos Red and white 1990 Ford Bronco parked in a desert landscape1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · My90Bronco299 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked in a grassy field“Black Babe”1988 Bronco · wes johnson299 photos Mud-covered white Ford Bronco with snorkel and 4x4 badge, parked in mud“OJ Mobile”1988 Bronco · Kingfish999284 photos 1988 Ford Bronco driving on a dirt road in a grassy field with trees1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · bronc40279 photos 1987 Ford Bronco parked in front of a large, white industrial waste pile under a cloudy sky“Black Hoss”1987 Bronco · stm275 photos Undercarriage of a vehicle with steering linkage, radiator, and a creeper on the ground“Champ”1987 Bronco · 87broncorestore274 photos Cartoon-style white and maroon Ford SUV with oversized tires, front 3/4 view, plate G632 YBA“the demon ford”1989 Bronco · broncoandy273 photos Black remote control rock crawler toy with blue roll cage and "Jeep Rockcrawler" graphics“Rose”1990 Bronco · Beequewl270 photos Blue Ford Bronco/truck side view at night with big mud tires and chrome tow mirror1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · michael fitzgerald265 photos Dark blue 1989 Ford Bronco with a woman standing beside it“Patches - RIP”1989 Bronco · Shannon Courier261 photos Red 1990 Ford Bronco with diamond plate flame decals and an American flag on the windshield“Two Face”1990 Bronco · Jason Thorn258 photos guy working on black truck engine, hood up, standing on ladder“89 Bronco”1989 Bronco · Spktyr255 photos Silver and blue two-tone Ford Bronco SUV, 3/4 front view on grass“Super Bronco”1990 Bronco · Supersanbob253 photos 1988 Ford Bronco navigating a muddy trail in a forest“Mellow Yellow”1988 Bronco · mrlaserboy247 photos 1988 Ford Bronco front corner in garage with engine parts“nightmare”1988 Bronco · Robert Stafford243 photos Dark blue and tan two-tone Ford Bronco SUV parked in a yard1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Brian Bruzewski234 photos Close-up of blue oval Ford emblem on a chrome horizontal-bar truck grille“Lumpy”1988 Bronco · Brian Clarke224 photos 1990 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road with a person standing next to the open driver's door1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · danjones223 photos Black 1990 Ford Bronco parked on a concrete pad with a man beside it“The Debris Dodger”1990 Bronco · stormfinder222 photos 1989 Ford Bronco driving up a dusty dirt hill with mountains in the background1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · D-diesel220 photos Dark SUV with winch cable stuck in snowy forest path1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · stm213 photos 1989 Ford Bronco driving on a dirt hill, covered in mud“Ole Blue”1989 Bronco · Michael Mattox213 photos 1990 Ford Bronco stuck in deep mud with a man climbing out of the driver's side door“meet n greet”1990 Bronco · jasonhughes2009206 photos 1990 Ford Bronco driving on a snowy hill, front wheels elevated1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Banshee_boy_01204 photos White and blue 1990 Ford Bronco with off-road tires parked on grassy terrain“NineInches”1990 Bronco · Clint Hulsey196 photos 1991 Ford Bronco with camouflage wrap, lifted with off-road tires1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · boilermakerms007188 photos Maroon two-door Ford Bronco, lifted on mud tires, rear 3q view on snow at dusk“Big Burgandy Beeyotch (B3)”1989 Bronco · Kurt Rohmer184 photos Red Ford Bronco SUV, front-left 3/4 view, with brush guard and alloy wheels, parked on gravel“Kelly (SOLD 3/08)”1990 Bronco · Cucamongan183 photos Front three-quarter of brown two-tone Ford Bronco with 4x4 badge outside brick building“Whistler”1990 Bronco · Bob Kulhanek183 photos Maroon 1990 Ford Bronco 4x4 on rocky trail“bronco”1990 Bronco · 90bronconate178 photos Black lifted Ford Bronco 4x4 SUV, 3/4 front view, on oversized off-road tires outdoors.1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Tiffany M-R177 photos White 1991 Ford Bronco parked in a driveway at dusk, front 3/4 view with brush guard1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Filipino176 photos Dark blue lifted Ford Bronco in side profile on driveway1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · MO-Bronco aka switchin'addiction174 photos White lifted Ford Bronco crawling over rocks on off-road trail, front three-quarter view“One Ton 91'”1991 Bronco · David Blue174 photos 1991 Ford Bronco, white with black hood accent, parked indoors1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Daniel Perkins173 photos Engine block with cylinders visible, some text cast into the top1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · m-unit172 photos 1990 Ford Bronco, white, hood open showing engine bay. Side view, front quarter1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · shag90169 photos Brown and tan 1987 Ford Bronco with large off-road tires parked outdoors1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · Kyle lewis169 photos White Ford Bronco SUV with front-end and fender damage, parked in a lot“Mad Bronco”1989 Bronco · BroncoBabe78168 photos Red lifted SUV with aftermarket bumper and large tires parked on a wet road“Cliff”1989 Bronco · happster167 photos Brown lifted Ford truck with chrome wheels parked on gravel by a brick building“Donkey!”1987 Bronco · Fordsforevereric165 photos 1987 Ford Bronco covered in mud, parked on a suburban street“the spaceship”1987 Bronco · 87bronco35163 photos White Ford Bronco with a roof rack and a sun visor, seen from a 3/4 front angle“Vanilla Gorilla”1988 Bronco · MS88Bronc161 photos 1988 Ford Bronco driving through a field of yellow flowers1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · CSNRebel159 photos Black Ford Bronco with hood open, front bumper removed, parked on street“G.A.B.Y.”1990 Bronco · FordXFord155 photos 1989 Ford Bronco, rear quarter view, dark gray with black top, spare tire on back“Jim's 89 Bronco”1989 Bronco · jims89bronco151 photos Ford Bronco with blue aftermarket bumper and winch driving on a muddy trail“Bronk”1990 Bronco · adm678150 photos 1989 Ford Bronco, red, with roof rack and four smiley face lights“big red”1989 Bronco · bronco_or_boat150 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked in a grassy yard with trees and a swing set in the background“Bronco”1988 Bronco · Jeff Randolph150 photos White 1989 Ford Bronco in wind tunnel with aerodynamic nose cone1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · jfritts149 photos Red 1991 Ford Bronco climbing a dirt hill with large tires1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · 83bronco148 photos Dark blue and white Ford Bronco parked near trees and the ocean1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Erinn Gouker148 photos Two-tone white and blue Ford Bronco parked on a driveway“The Beast”1989 Bronco · BroncoShoe146 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with damaged roof and windshield, stuck off-road“broodu”1989 Bronco · broodu144 photos
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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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