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1987-1991 Ford BroncoFourth-Generation Bronco (Bricknose)

1987–1991 60+ on the wall

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 electronic (throttle-body) 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 ↓

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 electronic (throttle-body) 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 electronic (throttle-body) 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

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.

Data/Spec Plates

Brochures & Literature

Service Procedures

Wiring Diagrams

Schematics

Vacuum Routing

Exploded Parts

Fuse & Relay Charts

Manual Pages

The wall · registered 1987–1991 Broncos

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

1989 Ford Bronco1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Damon Garn27 photos 1988 Ford Bronco parked in garage, rear view showing spare tire cover with Bronco logo“The Prophet”1988 Bronco · Mark Koepplinger27 photos Underside of a white 1990 Ford Bronco showing the frame, suspension, and tire“SwampDog”1990 Bronco · Torrey Young27 photos Tan 1991 Ford Bronco parked outside1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · cmw26 photos 1991 Ford Bronco front view with engine exposed“ummmmmm”1991 Bronco · jpollard9026 photos Black 1990 Ford Bronco on rocks“BKO Accident”1990 Bronco · firerescue1126 photos Maroon and white 1989 Ford Bronco parked on a wet road with a waterfall in the background“Tiffany”1989 Bronco · Albatross126 photos White 1990 Ford Bronco parked in a lot with trees in the background“Little Monkey”1990 Bronco · BroncoChuck26 photos Dark blue and tan Ford Bronco driving through a muddy stream on a dirt trail“Piggy”1987 Bronco · John Mooney26 photos Red 1989 Ford Bronco driving over rocks, driver visible inside1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · FourplayBronco26 photos Dark blue 1988 Ford Bronco with roof rack and American flag1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · shon lundin26 photos Ford Bronco parked in a driveway, two-tone paint, side view1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · southernfried_freak25 photos 1989 Ford Bronco chassis with front end removed, supported by jack stands and a yellow engine hoist1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · bfox2225 photos Dark blue 1988 Ford Bronco on lift with mechanics working underneath1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · Herc199925 photos Engine block with three visible pistons and oil pan below1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · wakullabronco125 photos 1989 Ford Bronco parked on a driveway with trees and a brick building in the background1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · broncoheaven25 photos 1989 Ford Bronco parked under a wooden carport, side view1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · STUCKNJAX25 photos 1987 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road with trees around1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · JoeBob190125 photos 1990 Ford Bronco“KO”1990 Bronco · Fultron25 photos 1988 Ford Bronco“the deuce”1988 Bronco · greasemonger24 photos Dark gray Ford Bronco with a rear-mounted spare tire, seen from the rear-left1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · ACR35124 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires driving through mud and trees“bronchitis”1989 Bronco · 02718124 photos 1991 Ford Bronco“my bitch”1991 Bronco · sarah53024 photos 1989 Ford Bronco“The Beast”1989 Bronco · WheelinElvis24 photos 1989 Ford Bronco1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · Glennd_0524 photos 1990 Ford Bronco1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Brent Raymond24 photos 1990 Ford Bronco, white with blue stripe, showing rust on wheel wells and body panels. Roof has four chrome lights“"Beast"”1990 Bronco · Shadow-D24 photos White 1989 Ford Bronco rear view with spare tire carrier and rust spots1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · fsbgav23 photos Dark gray 1987 Ford Bronco with a red stripe, parked on grass1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · broncoRPG23 photos White 1991 Ford Bronco climbing a dirt hill, rear spare tire visible1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · diuguid23 photos 1987 Ford Bronco1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · kamster23 photos 1991 Ford Bronco1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · EddieBauer9122 photos Rear view of black 1988 Ford Bronco with red and white tailgate stripe and off-road tires1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · wesell22 photos Red Ford Bronco parked inside a garage, side view shows the front door and rear quarter panel“Buckin' Bronco”1988 Bronco · shdybrady1922 photos Dark blue 1991 Ford Bronco, 3q front view1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · 808bronco22 photos 1989 Ford Bronco“#2”1989 Bronco · SuperDave7722 photos 1991 Ford Bronco parked on sand dunes with an orange flag on a pole1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Paul9122 photos 1991 Ford Bronco, side view, red paint, lifted suspension, aftermarket wheels1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · BRONCOEDDIE22 photos 1989 Ford Bronco parked on a residential street“big black and ugly”1989 Bronco · jeremiah222 photos Front view of a muddy 1988 Ford Bronco stuck in mud with 4x4 badge visible“SkullMobile”1988 Bronco · barbaric3522 photos 1987 Ford Bronco1987 Bronco1987 Bronco · Steve Yeahright22 photos White Ford Bronco parked on dirt and grass“Bertha”1990 Bronco · teasers21 photos 1991 Ford Bronco1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · josh gaudin21 photos Fighter with arms raised in victory, UFC logo in background“The Bronco”1990 Bronco · Solidpvc21 photos 1989 Ford Bronco with doors open, rear end disassembled in a workshop1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · J. R. Nicewarner21 photos Red 1991 Ford Bronco parked on a rocky stream bed with trees and a dirt road in the background1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Jason White21 photos 1988 Ford Bronco1988 Bronco1988 Bronco · kht42821 photos Dark blue 1988 Ford Bronco front view with aftermarket fog lights and a grille badge“BigBro”1988 Bronco · Kostya_im20 photos 1990 Ford Bronco with camouflage paint on a trailer, front bull bar and roof lights“Bronco”1990 Bronco · beisel111120 photos Dana 60 front axle assembly on red jack stands, with brake components and steering linkage visible“The Beast”1990 Bronco · Gnarlkill20 photos 1991 Ford Bronco1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · s10x100020 photos Green Ford Bronco with a tan soft top, parked on a dirt road1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · bertofcsa20 photos 1987 Ford Bronco with hood open, front 3/4 view, showing damage and rust“Blue bronco”1987 Bronco · OrangeBronco20 photos 1991 Ford Bronco front wheel covered in mud, with chrome trim and fender detail“Silver Annivesary”1991 Bronco · desertdave3520 photos Maroon Ford Bronco parked on pavement, with a tan stripe along the bottom“moe”1987 Bronco · Emil Meadors20 photos Black Ford Bronco in a garage, hood has peeling paint. Side trim is tan1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · Boudan19 photos 1991 Ford Bronco1991 Bronco1991 Bronco · Standingpipe19 photos 1989 Ford Bronco1989 Bronco1989 Bronco · fyll19 photos 1990 Ford Bronco“fatpuppie”1990 Bronco · NYBRONCO19 photos 1990 Ford Bronco parked in tall grass, dark blue with tan top1990 Bronco1990 Bronco · rightofway19 photos

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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