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1992-1996 Ford BroncoFifth-Generation Bronco (OBS)

1992–1996 60+ on the wall 982 documents ↓

The fifth-generation Ford Bronco ran from 1992 through 1996 and was the last full-size Bronco before the nameplate went dormant until 2021. For 1992 Ford restyled the truck with the rounded sheet metal it shared with the redesigned 1992-1996 F-series, the body enthusiasts later nicknamed OBS for Old Body Style after the 1997 trucks arrived. It kept the removable fiberglass rear roof, a drop-down tailgate with roll-down glass, and a 104.7-inch wheelbase carried over from the prior generation. Power came from the 4.9L (300) inline-six and two small-block V8s, the 5.0L (302) and the 5.8L (351 Windsor), all fuel injected; the six was the base engine through 1993, after which the lineup went V8-only. Trim levels were XL, XLT, and the top Eddie Bauer. A standard center high-mounted stop lamp arrived for 1994, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes carried over from the previous generation and were standard throughout, and a driver-side airbag was added for 1994. Ford ended the Bronco after 1996 and replaced it with the four-door Expedition for 1997.

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

Other Ford Bronco generations

1966-1977 Ford Bronco 1978-1979 Ford Bronco 1980-1986 Ford Bronco 1987-1991 Ford Bronco 2021-2026 Ford Bronco

At a glance

  • Years: 1992-1996 (fifth generation, the OBS Bronco)
  • Body style: two-door full-size SUV with removable fiberglass rear hardtop and a drop-down tailgate with roll-down glass
  • Platform: shares the rounded 1992-1996 F-series body, later nicknamed OBS (Old Body Style)
  • Engines: 4.9L (300) inline-six (through 1993), 5.0L (302) V8, and 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8, all fuel injected
  • Trims: XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer
  • Brakes: front disc, rear drum; standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (carried over from the previous generation) throughout
  • Safety: standard center high-mounted stop lamp and driver-side airbag added for 1994
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
  • Replaced by: the four-door Ford Expedition for 1997

Year-by-year changes

YearEnginesDrivetrain & brakesNotable changes
19924.9L (300) I6, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8manual or automatic, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case; front disc, rear drum with standard rear-wheel ABSFull restyle on the new rounded 1992-1996 F-series body (later called OBS); revised interior and dashboard.
19934.9L (300) I6, 5.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8manual or automatic, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case; front disc, rear drum with standard rear-wheel ABSCarryover year with detail trim and equipment updates. The white 1993 Bronco of the 1994 O.J. Simpson police pursuit is a fifth-generation truck.
19945.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8manual or automatic, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case; front disc, rear drum with standard rear-wheel ABSDriver-side airbag and standard center high-mounted stop lamp added; 4.9L (300) inline-six dropped, making the lineup V8-only; side-impact-related interior and structural updates.
19955.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8manual or automatic, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case; front disc, rear drum with rear-wheel ABSCarryover year with equipment and option-package shuffling.
19965.0L (302) V8, 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8manual or automatic, standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case; front disc, rear drum with rear-wheel ABSPowertrains became OBD-II compliant; final model year of the full-size Bronco; replaced by the four-door Expedition for 1997.

Engines and drivetrain

The 1992-1996 Bronco launched with three engines. The base engine was the 4.9L (300) inline-six, with the 5.0L (302) V8 and the larger 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8 above it, all fuel injected. The 4.9L six was dropped after 1993, so the 1994-1996 trucks were V8-only. The 5.8L gained a modest power increase during these years over the late-1980s versions of the same engine. For 1996, the final model year, the Bronco's powertrains became OBD-II compliant. Buyers could pair the engines with a manual or automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case was standard across the range; the full-size Bronco was built as a four-wheel-drive truck only, with no regular two-wheel-drive model.

Axles, suspension, and four-wheel drive

The fifth-generation Bronco kept the body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle layout of the full-size truck. It used a Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension, the swing-axle beam design Ford ran on its four-wheel-drive light trucks of the era, shared with the four-wheel-drive 1992-1996 F-150. The 104.7-inch wheelbase carried over from the prior generation. Four-wheel-drive Broncos came with a transfer case for high and low range, making the truck a genuine two-speed four-wheel-drive rather than an all-wheel-drive crossover.

Brakes and safety equipment

The 1992-1996 Bronco used front disc and rear drum brakes. Rear-wheel anti-lock braking, which Ford had introduced on the previous fourth-generation truck, carried over and was standard throughout this run rather than being added partway through. The fifth generation then picked up a driver-side airbag for 1994. A standard center high-mounted stop lamp, the third brake light, was added for 1994, when federal rules extended the requirement to light trucks. These changes track the federal safety requirements light trucks were meeting in the mid-1990s.

Body, trims, and the OBS nickname

For 1992 Ford restyled the Bronco with the rounded front clip and smoother body sides it shared with the redesigned 1992-1996 F-series. After the 1997 F-150 switched to an all-new aerodynamic shape, enthusiasts began calling this 1992-1996 truck the OBS, for Old Body Style, and the name stuck to both the Bronco and its F-series siblings. The Bronco remained a two-door SUV with a removable fiberglass rear hardtop and a drop-down tailgate whose glass rolled down. Trim levels were the work-oriented XL, the better-equipped XLT, and the top Eddie Bauer, the last adding two-tone paint and upgraded interior appointments.

Why did Ford stop building the Bronco after 1996?

The 1996 model year was the last for the full-size Bronco. The two-door SUV market was shifting toward four-door family haulers, and Ford answered that with the Expedition, a four-door sport utility built on the new 1997 F-150 platform that arrived for the 1997 model year and effectively took the Bronco's place. The Bronco name then sat unused on a U.S. vehicle until the body-on-frame sixth-generation Bronco arrived for 2021.

What to know when buying a 1992-1996 Bronco

Because the fifth-generation Bronco shares its body, frame, and 5.0L and 5.8L V8 drivetrains with the far more common 1992-1996 F-150 and F-250, mechanical and many body parts are easy to source. Common areas to inspect on these trucks are rust in the rear quarters and tailgate, the condition and seal of the removable fiberglass top, and the function of the tailgate glass mechanism. Verify whether a given truck has the driver airbag, since it was added for 1994 rather than at the start of the run; rear-wheel ABS was standard across all years.

Frequently asked questions

What years was the fifth-generation Ford Bronco built?

The fifth-generation Ford Bronco was built from 1992 through 1996. It was the last full-size Bronco; Ford discontinued the model after 1996 and replaced it with the four-door Expedition for 1997. The Bronco name did not return on a production vehicle until the sixth generation arrived for 2021.

What does OBS mean on a 1992-1996 Ford Bronco?

OBS stands for Old Body Style. Enthusiasts use it for the rounded 1992-1996 Ford trucks, including the Bronco and the matching F-series, to distinguish them from the redesigned 1997 and later body. The 1992-1996 Bronco picked up the nickname because it shared that body with the 1992-1996 F-series.

What engines did the 1992-1996 Ford Bronco have?

The 1992-1996 Ford Bronco started with the 4.9L (300) inline-six as the base engine, with the 5.0L (302) V8 and the 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8 optional, all fuel injected. The 4.9L six was dropped after 1993, leaving the 1994-1996 trucks V8-only.

When did the Ford Bronco get a driver airbag and anti-lock brakes?

The fifth-generation Ford Bronco added a driver-side airbag for the 1994 model year. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes were not new to this generation; they carried over from the previous full-size Bronco and were standard across all 1992-1996 trucks. A standard center high-mounted stop lamp, the third brake light, arrived for 1994.

Is the O.J. Simpson Bronco a fifth-generation Bronco?

Yes. The white 1993 Ford Bronco involved in the June 1994 police pursuit of O.J. Simpson is a fifth-generation OBS Bronco, part of the 1992-1996 run. It was a standard two-door full-size Bronco of that era.

Sources

  • Ford factory shop manuals, parts catalogs, and order guides for the 1992-1996 Bronco and F-series
  • VIN and door data-plate decoding for engine, trim, and model-year verification
  • Established Ford truck and Bronco reference works and owner registries
  • Period road tests and manufacturer specification literature from the 1992-1996 model years
By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

What years was the fifth-generation Ford Bronco built?

The fifth-generation Ford Bronco was built from 1992 through 1996. It was the last full-size Bronco; Ford discontinued the model after 1996 and replaced it with the four-door Expedition for 1997. The Bronco name did not return on a production vehicle until the sixth generation arrived for 2021.

What does OBS mean on a 1992-1996 Ford Bronco?

OBS stands for Old Body Style. Enthusiasts use it for the rounded 1992-1996 Ford trucks, including the Bronco and the matching F-series, to distinguish them from the redesigned 1997 and later body. The 1992-1996 Bronco picked up the nickname because it shared that body with the 1992-1996 F-series.

What engines did the 1992-1996 Ford Bronco have?

The 1992-1996 Ford Bronco started with the 4.9L (300) inline-six as the base engine, with the 5.0L (302) V8 and the 5.8L (351 Windsor) V8 optional, all fuel injected. The 4.9L six was dropped after 1993, leaving the 1994-1996 trucks V8-only.

When did the Ford Bronco get a driver airbag and anti-lock brakes?

The fifth-generation Ford Bronco added a driver-side airbag for the 1994 model year. Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes were not new to this generation; they carried over from the previous full-size Bronco and were standard across all 1992-1996 trucks. A standard center high-mounted stop lamp, the third brake light, arrived for 1994.

Is the O.J. Simpson Bronco a fifth-generation Bronco?

Yes. The white 1993 Ford Bronco involved in the June 1994 police pursuit of O.J. Simpson is a fifth-generation OBS Bronco, part of the 1992-1996 run. It was a standard two-door full-size Bronco of that era.

Technical Reference

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

Blueprints (6)

Manual Pages (6)

Brochures & Literature (6)

Data/Spec Plates (15)

Wiring Diagrams (134)

Service Procedures (12)

Vacuum Routing (5)

Schematics (7)

Exploded Parts (3)

Fuse & Relay Charts (2)

Torque Specs (4)

The wall · registered 1992–1996 Broncos

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

Black and silver Ford Bronco SUV parked in driveway, front 3/4 view with BFGoodrich tires.1992 Bronco1992 Bronco · MULE42102 photos Lifted blue Ford truck and other Broncos driving a two-lane road through green hills1996 Bronco1996 Bronco · BrettM102 photos Red 1992 Ford Bronco with a white roof, black bull bar, and roof rack parked on a paved road1992 Bronco1992 Bronco · bogie101 photos White lifted 1994 Ford Bronco front 3/4 view1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · tyrant1k101 photos Black 1994 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view, tan top“Bettie”1994 Bronco · tattooguy21101 photos Black 1996 Ford Bronco parked on asphalt with trees and a grassy hill in the background1996 Bronco1996 Bronco · bergs101 photos Black 1996 Ford Bronco with tan top on grassy incline“The Ogre”1996 Bronco · badassbronco96101 photos 1993 Ford Bronco on a lift in a garage, viewed from the side1993 Bronco1993 Bronco · RGJ58100 photos White 1995 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · Gauge99 photos Red lifted two-door Ford Bronco SUV on a beach, 3/4 front view with ocean in background.“Big Red”1995 Bronco · Bart9598 photos White 1993 Ford Bronco parked in a driveway at sunset1993 Bronco1993 Bronco · K1Mart97 photos Black 1994 Ford Bronco side view with hood open and door ajar1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · hipropos97 photos Dark 1994 Ford Bronco with off-road lights and winch1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · jboileau95 photos Red and grey 1994 Ford Bronco parked in a field“GreyStrawberry”1994 Bronco · Jonathan Gilbreath95 photos Dark green Ford Bronco with hardtop removed parked on a driveway, front 3/4 view1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · James Garcia95 photos Transmission range sensor and linkage assembly on a vehicle's transmission1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · stumpjumper7894 photos Ford Bronco navigating rocky terrain, front wheel in a hole“mutt”1995 Bronco · buckingbronco93 photos Black lifted Ford Bronco with tan trim, parked outside1996 Bronco1996 Bronco · sauceboss92 photos 1994 Ford Bronco driving through mud, kicking up spray“The Boner”1994 Bronco · Mikiavelli92 photos 1993 Ford Bronco navigating a tight, wooded trail“RUTMAKR”1993 Bronco · Carey Heyer92 photos Blue Ford Bronco with top removed, rear 3/4 view on driveway1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · rajncajn92 photos Black and tan lifted Bronco SUV with tan soft top crawling over rocks on a wooded trail“Spyder”1994 Bronco · Rob Ellis92 photos Black 1996 Ford Bronco with a brush guard parked on asphalt“McBronco”1996 Bronco · mickwheeler91 photos Black lifted 90s Ford Bronco with blue stripe and black wheels in driveway“The Dark Nite”1992 Bronco · DarkNite91 photos Lifted maroon Ford Bronco with black soft top and large mud tires, side view in a parking lot“IH8Jeeps”1996 Bronco · Scott Lyday91 photos Rear 3/4 of lifted teal/white Ford Bronco towing yellow Fleetwood trailer on dirt trail“LOBO”1993 Bronco · olivarria1190 photos Dark blue Ford Bronco SUV parked on grassy hill under blue sky1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · exiledtexan90 photos 1994 Ford Bronco front end with aftermarket bumper, winch, and auxiliary lights. Hood is open showing engine“Uber Mule”1994 Bronco · baja_Junkie90 photos 1994 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view, dark green1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · 94_bronc90 photos 1995 Ford Bronco side profile, red body with tan trim and removable top1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · N2Broncos89 photos Red 1995 Ford Bronco with tan lower body trim and white removable top1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · JoeR89 photos White 1995 Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view, showing aftermarket wheels and side profile“XLT”1995 Bronco · broncoal9589 photos Dark blue and tan Ford Bronco parked on grass. The badge on the fender says Bronco1993 Bronco1993 Bronco · gadawgz7189 photos 1992 Ford Bronco front view on a trailer with a spare tire on the deck“Little Bronco”1992 Bronco · 89bronco30288 photos Red 1994 Ford Bronco with tan top and aftermarket wheels parked at night.“Moving Target”1994 Bronco · Movingtarget88 photos Dark green lifted Ford Bronco, 3/4 front view on gravel drive with polished wheels“Street Queen”1992 Bronco · CrazyBRONCOguy88 photos Red 1994 Ford Bronco with off-road tires and fender flares parked on a driveway.“Red”1994 Bronco · Jimmyz87 photos Dark blue 1994 Ford Bronco front quarter view1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · Kyboy9187 photos 1995 Ford Bronco parked on a dirt road in a wooded area with a pile of lumber to the left1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · PHANT87 photos Teal two-door Ford Bronco SUV, 3/4 front view, parked on grass by trees.“beakerf”1994 Bronco · beakerf87 photos 1996 Ford Bronco driving on a dirt trail with trees and hills in the background“got mudd?”1996 Bronco · Vince Wertz86 photos Red 1992 Ford Bronco 3/4 front view with black top1992 Bronco1992 Bronco · 92Broncoxlt85 photos 1995 Ford Bronco, two-tone white and grey, parked on asphalt“Sally”1995 Bronco · badbronc9285 photos 1994 Ford Bronco, teal exterior, white top, side view1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · BubbaBronco184 photos 1995 Ford Bronco“allcruisen”1995 Bronco · allcruisen83 photos 1995 Ford Bronco climbing over large rocks on a dirt trail“the beast”1995 Bronco · jerad12182 photos Front view of a 1995 Ford Bronco with a custom bumper, winch, and Hi-Lift jack mounted on it. Texas license plate visible1995 Bronco1995 Bronco · TxTaurus7482 photos 1995 Ford Bronco parked on dirt with trees in background“Wookie”1995 Bronco · flomaster81 photos Red Ford Bronco rear bumper and tire, with tools and equipment in the background“EB Bronco”1995 Bronco · Calspecial80 photos Blue and silver Ford Bronco parked in a lot1996 Bronco1996 Bronco · Hylander80 photos 1994 Ford Bronco with doors open, parked in a driveway1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · alowfalcon80 photos White 1992 Ford Bronco with lifted suspension and large tires, parked in a driveway next to an RV and garage“Truck”1992 Bronco · woodydog80 photos Black Ford Bronco SUV parked in side profile on dirt near a gray house1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · Chris Anderson80 photos Yellow diamond warning sign shows person at computer desk1992 Bronco1992 Bronco · 2bet79 photos White SUV front end stripped of grille and bumper, exposing engine bay outdoors“Carcass Stripped”1996 Bronco · Steve8378 photos Red Ford Bronco parked in garage, front bumper removed“The General”1995 Bronco · Luke Tew78 photos Black 1993 Ford Bronco parked outdoors, rear-mounted spare tire“Bronco #2”1993 Bronco · Tom Kirkbride78 photos Green Ford Bronco stuck in mud with winch cable and man leaning over front fender.“Da Zip”1996 Bronco · Greg Myers78 photos Orange painted engine block showing cylinder head bolt holes and oil filter adapter1994 Bronco1994 Bronco · Bevans2377 photos 1996 Ford Bronco with aftermarket winch and brush guard, parked on a dirt road in a desert landscape“BroncoBeast”1996 Bronco · RicksBroncoBeast77 photos
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Full year-by-year change log: 1992-1996 Ford Bronco

This log tracks the running and model-year changes to the fifth-generation Ford Bronco (1992-1996), the truck enthusiasts later nicknamed OBS, at the level of body, engine, drivetrain, brakes, and federally driven safety equipment. It is assembled from Ford factory shop manuals, parts catalogs, and order guides for the 1992-1996 Bronco and F-series, VIN and door data-plate decoding for engine and trim verification, established Ford truck reference works and owner registries, and period road tests and manufacturer specification literature.

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

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