SuperMotors SuperMotors SUPERMOTORS Search: try “orange Bronco on 35s”
Join
White Ford Bronco crawling over a packed dirt mound in desert park
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.

Black Ford Bronco mid-air, "Little Mule" text on door, spare tire on back1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Bronco_207132 photos Ford Bronco stuck in a muddy ditch, spare tire on back1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Dosdovi132 photos Green topless Ford Bronco with brush guard driving through mud, side view“Juggernaut (SOLD) WTB Diesel”1989 Bronco · Anthony -131 photos Black lifted 1990 Ford Bronco 3q-front view“JKILLA”1990 Bronco · JOEKILLA131 photos 1987 Ford Bronco, blue and white, 3q-front view, off-roading1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · fullsize4x4dotnet130 photos 1989 Ford Bronco climbing over rocks on a dirt trail, driver visible“Big Red”1989 Bronco · Hunter Thesing130 photos White Ford Bronco SUV with black front bra parked in a driveway by a carport.1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Dallas Simmons130 photos White Ford Bronco with a roof rack and a sun visor, seen from a 3/4 front angle“Vanilla Gorilla”1988 Bronco · MS88Bronc129 photos Black 1990 Ford Bronco parked on asphalt with trees in background1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · firerescue11129 photos Blue and white Ford Bronco stuck in deep mud ruts in an open field“no use for a name”1988 Bronco · brandon long129 photos 1991 Ford Bronco parked in a wooded area with a tan camper shell1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Paul Tedder128 photos 1989 Ford Bronco on a car hauler, side view“Rough Rider”1989 Bronco · roughrider126 photos Mud-covered 1989 Ford Bronco with driver, stuck in mud“Yard Ape”1989 Bronco · Mavman125 photos White lifted Ford Bronco SUV, front view, brush guard, roof lights, mud tires on grass1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Bonzai120 photos Mud-spattered brown two-tone Ford Bronco side view on red clay with spare tire carrier1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · jem270120 photos Engine bay water neck with arrow labeling EEC coolant sender, surrounded by gray hoses“El Trucke Trucke”1990 Bronco · Shawn Clemons119 photos Chrome rear step bumper with black top pad resting outside against a stucco wall“Scotty (Sold 5/14) ”1989 Bronco · Cucamongan118 photos Lifted 1987 Ford Bronco with blue and gray flame graphics, off-road tires, and roof lights.“The Beast”1987 Bronco · NMDesign118 photos Black lifted 1989 Ford Bronco with large tires and custom suspension1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · da_offroadnut118 photos 1989 Ford Bronco, red, with roof rack and four smiley face lights“big red”1989 Bronco · bronco_or_boat115 photos Dark green and tan Ford Bronco with white hardtop parked in deep snow, front 3/4 view“Big Red Machine”1990 Bronco · David Martiuk115 photos Red lifted Ford Bronco with large off-road tires parked on grass“Bicep55”1990 Bronco · SAS2000F150113 photos Black Ford Bronco parked on pavement next to grass and a wooden fence“Winnebago”1990 Bronco · LOCKED UP112 photos 1988 Ford Bronco with aftermarket bumper and lights parked on a dirt road“The DarkHorse”1988 Bronco · Arin Forrest112 photos 1989 Ford Bronco parked on a wet driveway1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Alabronco111 photos Red Ford Bronco climbing a dirt hill with trees in the background“Money Pit but worth it”1988 Bronco · Busterbronco111 photos Side view of a blue and white Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road with trees in the background1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · broncogirl89109 photos White 1989 Ford Bronco lifted with large off-road tires, roof rack, and extra lights1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Chris Weber109 photos Black Ford Bronco with a crushed roof and flat tires, seen from the side1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · BBBronc108 photos Dark SUV with winch cable stuck in snowy forest path1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · stm107 photos Mud-splattered red and white SUV stuck in deep muddy water in the woods, rear wheel buried.“Scarlett”1989 Bronco · 89EddieBauer107 photos Green 1990 Ford Bronco parked on grass with trees and a fence in the background1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · lazy_one_1105 photos Lifted red and tan Ford Bronco with grey primer front fender, side profile at dusk1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · WOOD104 photos Dark blue 1990 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension parked in a snowy forest“EvilBronc”1990 Bronco · Dan Klyne103 photos Front view of black Ford 4x4 in tall grass with round driving lights on chrome bumper“The Beast”1987 Bronco · Jeremiah Styburski102 photos Red lifted SUV with aftermarket bumper and large tires parked on a wet road“Cliff”1989 Bronco · happster101 photos Blue 1990 Ford Bronco parked outside a building“PARTS”1990 Bronco · Dragon22101 photos 1991 Ford Bronco with aftermarket bumper driving on dirt“S.O.B (it breaks down a lot)”1991 Bronco · Brad Elam99 photos White Ford Bronco flexing over a rock on a desert off-road trail“Hippie Destroyer”1987 Bronco · BroncoAZ98 photos White lifted 1990 Ford Bronco parked on suburban street1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · flamegod97 photos Green and tan Ford Bronco SUV with covered spare tire parked in a driveway by an open garage1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · kl146195 photos Red 1989 Ford Bronco parked on street, side view“Bonco”1989 Bronco · Josh Armstrong95 photos White and blue 1988 Ford Bronco with a push bar and side graphics parked outdoors1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · stonepaw91394 photos 1989 Ford Bronco stuck in mud on an off-road trail with a person standing nearby1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · southrnpride6992 photos Blue Ford Bronco 4x4 with black steel wheels parked on leaves in the woods“Blue”1990 Bronco · BlueBronco91 photos White 1990 Ford Bronco off-roading on a dirt hill“AMBER”1990 Bronco · yjzonie90 photos Dark Ford Bronco SUV crawling over rocks on large mud tires, driver visible inside“Black Stallion”1987 Bronco · Jim Westcot90 photos Dark gray Ford Bronco with a black soft top and a spare tire mounted on the rear. Hood is open, revealing the engine1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · stonepaw91389 photos Black 1989 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and off-road tires1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Joseph Davis88 photos 1991 Ford Bronco front view in snow“Buford”1991 Bronco · p-35187 photos 1988 Ford Bronco driving off-road with three people inside“money pit”1988 Bronco · jamie hermus86 photos Transmission housing with fluid leak“Baby”1990 Bronco · ezpc85 photos Black 1991 Ford Bronco with large off-road tires, 3q-front view1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · blackBKO85 photos White Ford Bronco side view in snow1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · Captonsnake82 photos Black 1991 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and off-road tires parked in a lot.1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · txdxrider82 photos Metal vehicle floor with red stripes, angle grinder, and dust mask“ugly”1988 Bronco · 88rustsurvivor82 photos 1989 Ford Bronco, lifted with aftermarket wheels and camouflage window decals, parked outdoors1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · chris200381 photos Blue 1990 Ford Bronco with silver side graphics1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · bronco181 photos Red 1988 Ford Bronco parked on a driveway, white removable top1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · reaper3180 photos Lifted two-tone blue Ford Bronco on mud tires, driver-side rear three-quarter“Bigfoot”1989 Bronco · BLOODSWEATSTEEL80 photos
← PreviousMore 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

↑ Back to top