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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.

1987 Ford Bronco 4x4 off-roading, front 3/4 view1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · bakerbaker42079 photos 1987 Ford Bronco, dark blue with white top, parked in driveway1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · 87BroncoEB79 photos White lifted Ford Bronco with snorkel and GHOST RIDER banner in deep mud ruts“GHOSTRIDER”1990 Bronco · Pete Haley77 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco SUV parked on gravel among tall pine trees, 3/4 front view“Lookinfurfun”1991 Bronco · Anthony Hauckes77 photos Black two-door SUV with tan trim and white top parked on dirt in woods, 3/4 front view“Broncinstein”1988 Bronco · xxxyank76 photos Two-tone Ford Bronco with off-road tires parked outdoors1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · 89BroncoXLT4X476 photos Driver-side profile of a dark two-door SUV with dirty lower panels on a snowy lot by a wood fence.1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · EdsonBronco76 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with a person standing next to it, one tire on a rock1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Jason Turner76 photos Black full-size SUV with tan cladding and roof lights on a dirt trail in the woods“THE BEAST-/-BLACK BULL”1990 Bronco · chris coren76 photos Rear bumper area of a vehicle, showing rust and repair work, with an exhaust pipe visible1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · rotertornado74 photos White and blue Ford truck on muddy forest trail with person waving out driver window1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Chris Campbell74 photos Tan and blue lifted Ford Bronco on oversized tires parked in a driveway1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · bcbailey2573 photos 1990 Ford Bronco 3q-front view, red and tan with brush guard1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · rugerp89ipsc73 photos Black 1990 Ford Bronco stuck in mud on a wooded trail“ZBEAST”1990 Bronco · zbroncz72 photos Rusty coil spring and shock absorbers in a vehicle's undercarriage suspension“TBA”1989 Bronco · publicjohncue71 photos 1991 Ford Bronco stuck in shallow water, front grille visible“Whitey”1991 Bronco · whitey9171 photos Green and tan 1989 Ford Bronco parked in driveway1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · ACTodd70 photos Black 1988 Ford Bronco side view1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · Moseley Matheson70 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with a tan soft top, lifted suspension, and large tires, parked in a driveway“bent”1989 Bronco · jace coleman70 photos Gray Ford Bronco with ANDREWS banner flexing on dirt trail, front three-quarter view“chaser”1988 Bronco · JC Andrews70 photos Silver Ford Bronco parked in a driveway“Spanky”1990 Bronco · Gary M.69 photos White and tan Ford Bronco with hood open, front wheel flexed up on a board1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · Travis Lowe69 photos Snow-covered gray Ford Bronco with lift and BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, rear three-quarter view1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · VaMark68 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with winch and off-road tires parked next to a pickup truck“Squid the Bronco/ Gen. Forest”1989 Bronco · PaintSoup68 photos 1988 Ford Bronco with a black soft top and two-tone paint, parked outside“Charlene”1988 Bronco · PolarrrBearrr68 photos Black 1991 Ford Bronco driving over logs on an obstacle course1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Randy Burger68 photos Ford Bronco with blue aftermarket bumper and winch driving on a muddy trail“Bronk”1990 Bronco · adm67867 photos Two-tone red and tan lifted 1987 Ford Bronco, 3q-front view1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · fullsize9567 photos Black and tan 1989 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view“The Juice”1989 Bronco · Bratcop67 photos Dark blue 1987 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and oversized tires, front grille is chrome, license plate visible“Snap, Crackle, Pop”1987 Bronco · hhsk1nny67 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt incline with trees in the background“RescueBronc”1988 Bronco · RescueBronc67 photos 1989 Ford Bronco side view, missing rear wheel, parked in a junkyard“The Bronco”1989 Bronco · Jayford67 photos Black Ford Bronco fender and door frame with a tire visible“The Boss”1988 Bronco · thephalanx66 photos Rear bumper with a Texas license plate V27 HMP and a trailer hitch ball“Boss”1988 Bronco · MrCowboy66 photos Black 1989 Ford Bronco 4x4 in a field“fordzilla”1989 Bronco · matt berger66 photos Rear view of a 1991 Ford Bronco with a tarp over it, parked in a driveway“Azul Con Raya Blanca”1991 Bronco · amraam84065 photos White 1989 Ford Bronco lifted with oversized tires, parked on a street1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Parker565 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked on driveway“Beverly”1988 Bronco · TheHalfJamaican63 photos 1990 Ford Bronco, dark blue door, tan rear quarter panel, aftermarket wheels“Rusty”1990 Bronco · bwill63 photos Maroon and white 1988 Ford Bronco with large tires and polished wheels parked on a driveway1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · tom doepke63 photos 1990 Ford Bronco front view, showing hood and windshield. A inspection sticker is visible on the windshield1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · OzzyZig8762 photos 1990 Ford Bronco side view with dog in window1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Mrs_Deathtrap62 photos 1990 Ford Bronco stuck in snow, front fender rusted1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · thowell62 photos Man and boy looking at a Dell laptop, black-and-white photo1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Brahma50262 photos 1991 Ford Bronco, 3q-front view, tan color1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · k1w1t1m61 photos Custom metal bumper project on sawhorses with text overlay 'MY BUMPER BUILD THREAD'“Bruce”1988 Bronco · zippome60 photos Green two-tone lifted Ford Bronco, side view, top removed, dog sitting inside, in driveway“Elway”1987 Bronco · Elway60 photos 1990 Ford Bronco stuck deep in mud, front grille visible“Pale Horse”1990 Bronco · RevT60 photos Black Ford Bronco with tan trim, lifted suspension, large tires, driving over rocks on a dirt trail“Tinkertoy”1990 Bronco · Tinkertoy59 photos Tan and brown 1988 Ford Bronco with brush guard parked outdoors“Mudder”1988 Bronco · jslitbit59 photos White lifted Ford 4x4 SUV, low front-quarter view, black bumper, mud tires, California plate 6FWV232.1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · cupcake59 photos 1991 Ford Bronco side view, dark blue1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · ViralBronko58 photos Brown and white 1987 Ford Bronco parked in a forest“Spike”1987 Bronco · cjansen3758 photos Red and tan Ford Bronco parked on a dirt path with trees and brush1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · PopsinaRocker57 photos Dark blue 1990 Ford Bronco with tan trim parked in a lot“Eddie Junior (EJ)”1990 Bronco · Tim Crase57 photos 1967 Ford Mustang coupe, black with red racing stripes on hood and roof, black wheels“betty”1987 Bronco · crs24wilson57 photos 1990 Ford Bronco 3q-front view, dark blue and tan with brush guard1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · kd199057 photos Green Ford Bronco with tan trim parked near water at sunset“Spike II”1990 Bronco · cjansen3757 photos Red Ford Bronco with white top, spare tire on rear, parked outdoors1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · darb57 photos Blue and white 1988 Ford Bronco parked on a gravel surface with a wooden fence and house in the background“Bronc7”1988 Bronco · Bronc757 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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